Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, flavorful twist on classic onion rings. This baked dish layers sweet onions with a blend of cheeses and herbs for a comforting side that’s easy to prepare and irresistible to eat.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a delicious side dish!

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best natural sweetness that balances the cheese.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
• For a crispier top, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Try adding chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, just before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy cheese topping. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute or add other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors and textures. Just be mindful of how well they melt.

Are Tennessee Onions gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no flour or breading, making it naturally gluten-free and a great alternative to traditional onion rings.

Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, baked twist on classic onion rings, featuring layers of sweet Vidalia onions smothered in a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses with fragrant herbs and spices. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings

Cheese Topping

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning & Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for even cooking.
2. Arrange Onions: Spread the sliced sweet onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings so that they cook uniformly.
3. Add Butter and Seasoning: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the onions. Then sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly to enhance the flavor.
4. Top with Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses over the onions to create a rich, cheesy crust.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the onions to soften and the cheese to melt gently.
6. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, creating a deliciously crisp top.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best natural sweetness.
• Separating onion rings helps them cook evenly and prevents clumping.
• You can adjust the amount of garlic powder and thyme according to your taste preference.
• For a sharper cheese flavor, increase the cheddar cheese slightly.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps the cheese firm up and makes serving easier.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onion rings, cheesy onion casserole, southern side dish, Vidalia onions, baked cheese onions