Tennessee Onions are a simple yet flavorful side dish made with sweet onions baked in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is a Southern favorite that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, barbecue, or even as a comforting side for holiday dinners. With just a few ingredients, you can create a rich and savory dish that will be loved by all.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cooking Tips & Notes
• Variations
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Onions

1. Arrange the sliced onions in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
2. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the sliced onions.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the onions.
2. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

1. Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Notes

• Onion Choice: Sweet onions, such as Vidalia, are ideal for this recipe as they provide a mild and natural sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
• Cheese Selection: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp flavor, while mozzarella adds a creamier texture. You can use either or a combination of both depending on your preference.
• Foil Covering: Covering the dish with foil initially helps the onions soften and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat.
• Bacon Addition: Sprinkle cooked and crumbled bacon over the top before baking for extra flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the creamy sauce for an herb-infused flavor.
• Creamy Mushroom Onions: Add sliced mushrooms to the dish along with the onions for a mushroom-onion combination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make Tennessee Onions Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature while preheating the oven.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

3. Can I Use a Different Type of Onion?

Absolutely! You can use yellow or white onions if you prefer, but the flavor may be stronger compared to sweet onions.

4. What Can I Serve with Tennessee Onions?

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or barbecue ribs. It also makes a great side for mashed potatoes or green beans.

Tennessee Onions are a deliciously simple and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With their sweet, tender onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next family gathering or holiday meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that make this dish truly special!