Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe
Tennessee Onions is a delectable baked side dish featuring thick-cut sweet onions layered with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with Italian herbs and butter, this cheesy, golden casserole offers a comforting alternative to classic onion rings with a rich, melty texture and savory flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Onion Layer
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
Seasonings and Butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
- Arrange Onions: Place the thick-cut onion slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage for uniform cooking.
- Season and Butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onions, then dot small pats of butter on top to enhance flavor and browning.
- Cheese Layering: First, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the seasoned onions. Then arrange the provolone cheese slices in a single layer on top, finishing with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly and the onions are tender.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Vidalia or yellow onions for natural sweetness and texture suitable for baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; more Italian seasoning can enhance herbal notes.
- Broiling is optional but adds a deliciously crispy cheese crust.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian side.
- For a lower-fat option, reduce butter or use a blend of part-skim cheeses.
Keywords: Tennessee onions, cheesy baked onions, baked onion side dish, mozzarella onions, provolone cheese onions, Parmesan baked onions, comfort food side, onion casserole
