Tennessee Onions are a creamy, cheesy, and savory side dish that is perfect for any gathering. Sweet onions are baked in a rich sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of cheeses, topped with crispy buttery crackers. This dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a great accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large sweet onions, such as Vidalia, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rings
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any buttery crackers)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Peel and slice the sweet onions into ¼-inch thick rings. Separate the onion rings and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish. These sweet onions will soften and become even sweeter as they bake, creating the perfect base for the dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined. The sauce should be thick and creamy, which will melt into the onions as they bake.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the onion rings in the baking dish, making sure the onions are well coated. The creamy sauce will seep into the onions as they cook, giving them a delicious, cheesy flavor.
Step 5: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are coated. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the top of the onions and cheese mixture. This will add a crunchy, golden crust to the dish as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Tennessee Onions
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The cracker topping should be crispy and lightly browned.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the Tennessee Onions hot as a side dish for your favorite meal.
Cooking Notes:
- Onions: Vidalia onions work best due to their natural sweetness, but you can use any variety of sweet onions.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a slightly different flavor.
- Cracker Topping: If you prefer a different texture, you can substitute panko breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers.
Variations:
1. Bacon-Topped Tennessee Onions:
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the cracker topping for a smoky, savory twist.
2. Spicy Tennessee Onions:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a bit of heat.
3. Herb-Infused Tennessee Onions:
Mix fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cheese mixture for a more herbaceous flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow the dish to come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use light mayonnaise or sour cream?
Yes, you can use light mayonnaise and sour cream to reduce the calorie content of the dish without sacrificing much flavor.
Tennessee Onions are a delightful, cheesy, and creamy side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any meal. The combination of tender sweet onions, rich cheese sauce, and crunchy cracker topping makes this dish both flavorful and comforting. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or a casual family gathering, these onions will be a standout dish that’s easy to make and hard to resist. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Tennessee!