Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions offer a cheesy, flavorful twist on traditional onion rings that’s baked, not fried. This easy side dish features sweet onions smothered in a blend of three cheeses and savory seasonings. Perfect for any meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared dish, separating the rings so they lie flat.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions, then sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Top the onions with cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading the cheese evenly across the surface.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a tasty, cheesy side!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, broil the onions for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to prevent burning.
• Swap sweet onions for yellow or white onions if preferred, though sweetness adds balance to the cheese.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses to customize flavor and meltability.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions 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 restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

Are Tennessee Onions gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free. Always check your cheese labels to ensure they contain no additives with gluten.

Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 150 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, baked side dish featuring sweet onion rings layered with a trio of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe offers a flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings without frying, delivering a melty, golden, and savory treat perfect for any meal.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

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

Cheese Mixture

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

Seasonings and Butter

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Arrange Onions: Place the sliced onion rings in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, taking care to separate the rings so they cook evenly.
3. Add Butter and Seasonings: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions, then sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to infuse the dish with savory flavors.
4. Top with Cheese: Spread the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the onion rings for a rich, melty topping.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the onions to soften and the cheese to melt.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set a bit, then enjoy your delicious Tennessee Onions!

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Ensure the onion rings are separated to cook evenly under the cheese topping.
• You can substitute butter with olive oil for a different flavor profile.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the seasonings.
• Serve as a side dish to grilled meats, burgers, or a hearty vegetarian meal.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onion rings, cheesy onions, side dish, vegetarian, southern recipe, onion cheese bake