Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with Cheese: Spread the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the onion rings for a rich, melty topping.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow the onions to soften and the cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- 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
