If you’ve never tried Tennessee Onions, you’re in for a melt-in-your-mouth Southern treat! This classic casserole-style side dish is rich, cheesy, and packed with sweet onion flavor. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients but delivers big comfort-food energy. Whether you’re planning a barbecue, holiday feast, or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish fits right in. Thanks to viral Southern recipe videos and food bloggers, Tennessee Onions are gaining popularity across the country — and for good reason.
Why You’ll Love This Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy to Make: Just slice, layer, and bake—no fancy skills required.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and basic produce.
- Perfect for Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing side that disappears fast.
- Versatile & Customizable: Works with a mix of cheeses or add-ins like bacon or herbs.
- Rich & Comforting: The gooey cheese and soft onions are pure comfort on a plate.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Tennessee Onions
Sweet Vidalia or Yellow Onions
The star of the show—mild and naturally sweet, perfect for caramelizing and layering.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Adds sharp, melty richness; you can mix it with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variety.
Butter
Provides richness and helps soften the onions as they bake.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
Boosts the flavor and adds depth without overwhelming the dish.
Salt & Pepper
Essential for seasoning and balancing the sweetness of the onions.
Fresh Parsley (Optional)
For a pop of color and a hint of freshness to contrast the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tennessee Onions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. - Slice the Onions
Cut the onions into thick ¼-inch rings. Separate them gently into individual layers. - Layer the Onions in the Dish
Arrange the onions evenly in the baking dish—don’t worry if they overlap. - Season Generously
Sprinkle the onion layers with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. - Add the Cheese
Evenly cover the onions with a generous layer of shredded cheese. - Dot with Butter
Cut butter into small cubes and scatter them across the top. - Bake Until Golden
Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the onions are soft and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
Expert Tip: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to keep the cheese from over-browning, then uncover to crisp the top.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
- Make It Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda blend.
- Low-Carb Friendly: This is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, great for keto diets.
How to Store & Reheat
Store: Let leftovers cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts until heated through.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more bold, savory flavors like Tennessee Onions? Here are a few must-try recipes that bring the same comfort and deliciousness to your table:
- French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes: Loaded with caramelized onions and melty cheesethese sloppy joes are the ultimate upgrade to your weeknight dinner.
- Dinakdakan: A flavorful Filipino pork dish that’s creamy, spicy, and packed with texturea great option if you love trying global comfort food.
- Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry: A fast, high-protein meal with bold Asian flavors perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What type of onions work best?
Sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal, but yellow onions work well too. Avoid red onions for this recipe.
Can I freeze Tennessee Onions?
It’s not recommended, as onions can become mushy when frozen and reheated.
Do I have to use cheddar?
Not at all. Use your favorite cheese or a blend—just be sure it melts well.
Tennessee Onions are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, this cheesy onion bake is always a hit. Give it a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment or share it with a fellow food lover!
Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Southern Side Dish
Ingredients
- 3–4 large Vidalia or sweet onions sliced into thick rings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice onions into ¼-inch thick rings and separate them.
- Layer onion rings evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover with shredded cheese.
- Dot the top with cubes of butter.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.