Tennessee Onions are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a rich and cheesy alternative to ordinary onion rings. This dish uniquely layers sweet onions, melting cheeses, and savory herbs, making it the perfect side to elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a comforting side dish, these Tennessee Onions will surely impress.
Why you’ll love this dish
What sets Tennessee Onions apart is their incredible flavor and ease of preparation. Quick to make and budget-friendly, this recipe is great for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or even Sunday brunch. The combination of sweet onions and a mix of cheeses creates a decadent experience that kids and adults alike will adore. It’s comfort food that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to whip up.
“Tennessee Onions are the star of my dinner table! Everyone raves about them—they’re even better than onion rings!”
Preparing Tennessee Onions (Better than onion rings)
This recipe is straightforward and can be completed in just a few easy steps. Here’s a quick overview:
- Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish.
- Layer the onions evenly.
- Drizzle with melted butter and seasonings.
- Top with a heavenly mix of cheeses.
- Bake to cheesy perfection.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable side.
What you’ll need
Gather these ingredients for Tennessee Onions:
- 3 large sweet onions (like 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
Feel free to mix things up! If you’re looking for substitutions, consider using different types of cheese based on your preference or dietary needs.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the sliced onions in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring the rings are separated.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for flavor.
- Evenly top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving to enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a scrumptious side dish!
Best ways to enjoy it
Tennessee Onions serve well as a side dish with various meals. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or steak, and are a fantastic complement to BBQ dishes. For a lighter touch, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also use them as a topping for baked potatoes or mix them into pasta dishes for added flavor.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last about 3 to 4 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to maintain that delightful cheese texture. If you want to freeze them, pack in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months.
Helpful cooking tips
For an even richer flavor, try adding crispy beef bits or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking. If you’re short on time, pre-sliced onions can save you prep work. Remember, a good quality cheese makes all the difference in flavor—don’t skimp on that!
Creative twists
Get creative with your Tennessee Onions! Consider adding jalapeños for a spicy kick or mixing in different cheese varieties like gouda or feta for unique flavor profiles. You can even incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to enhance the taste further.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 35 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll be enjoying this dish in under an hour!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a suitable substitution, and opt for plant-based butter to keep it dairy-free.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat your Tennessee Onions in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) until warmed through to retain the cheesy goodness. Avoid the microwave to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
By following this recipe, you’ll create Tennessee Onions that are sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the deliciousness!
PrintTennessee Onions
A delightful twist on classic onion rings featuring layers of sweet onions and melting cheeses, perfect as a side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions, 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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange the sliced onions in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring the rings are separated.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for flavor.
- Evenly top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For freezing, pack in a freezer-safe container and use within 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
