Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Southern Side Dish
ennessee Onions are a beloved Southern comfort food made with sweet onions, melty cheese, and buttery goodness. This baked side dish is rich, flavorful, and irresistibly easy—perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or cozy dinners at home.
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 9x13-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.
Notes
Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for variety.
Add a few jalapeño slices for heat or bacon bits for extra flavor.
Covering with foil prevents over-browning; remove to crisp the top.