Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Caramelized Side Dish That Steals the Show

This Tennessee onions recipe turns sweet onions into a rich, cheesy, caramelized Southern side dish that's effortless yet unforgettable. With layers of tender sweet onions, butter, and a trio of melted cheeses, this classic recipe is perfect for holidays, cookouts, and family dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 285

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

3-4 whole sweet onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui), sliced 1/4 inch thick
4 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced into pieces
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Italian blend cheese or mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish
Chef’s Knife
Cutting Board
Oven

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Slice sweet onions into 1/4-inch rounds and separate into rings for even cooking.
Spread onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over onions. Distribute butter pieces evenly across the top.
Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the onions, then add the Italian blend or mozzarella.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the entire dish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cheese is melted, golden, and onions are very tender.
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese can set slightly.

Notes

For best results, use authentic sweet onions such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.

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