Tennessee Onions (or cheesy onion casserole) makes the best comfort food for nearly any occasion. Whether you plant and grow onions or purchase them from the store, make sure you have plenty on hand because this easy recipe is bound to be on repeat by popular demand.
Why I Love This Tennessee Onions Recipe
We’ve learned how to grow onions from seed here at Riverbend, so our harvest provides plenty of onions to preserve as balsamic onions and homemade onion powder with enough remaining to store onions through the winter for recipes like creamed onions and, of course, Tennessee Onions.
Tennessee Onions is a Southern side dish that really lets onions take center stage. Though it’s unclear how the dish got its name, most recipes call for Vidalia Onions – the crown jewel not of the Volunteer State but of its close neighbor, Georgia.
This dish is simple and decadent. It’s made with herbs and butter, lots of sweet onions and melty cheeses. It really is that easy!
How to Serve Tennesee Onions
Tennessee Onions add a delicious mix of flavors to any meal. They are perfect for many dishes, making them a versatile choice.
This recipe is a great match for those who love traditional Southern dishes. One of our favorites is to top a homemade grilled cheese with these onions. But here are a few more suggestions for pairing with these cheesy onions:
| Dish | Flavor Profile | Accompaniment |
| Pork Chops | Rich and savory | BBQ Beans or Cowboy Caviar and Creamy Corn Pudding |
| Grilled Chicken | Smoky and tender | Broccoli Salad and Parker House Rolls |
| Baked Ham | Sweet and savory | Country Whole Wheat Biscuits and Green Bean Salad |
| Fried Catfish | Crispy and seasoned | Coleslaw and Hush Puppies |
Tips for the Best Tennessee Onions
Making the best Tennessee Onions is about the little details that make it special. Here are some key tips to get those tender onions and a crispy topping just right:
- Selecting the Right Onions – Sweet onions like Vidalia are perfect for this dish. They add a natural sweetness and become very tender when cooked.
- Slicing Techniques – Slice the onions to the same thickness for even cooking. Aim for slices about a quarter-inch thick.
- Layering Perfection – Spread the onions evenly in your baking dish. This way, every bite has the right mix of tender onions and crispy topping.
- Seasoning – Use a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for the seasoning. Sprinkle it generously between layers. Adding a bit of smoked paprika or thyme can also enhance the flavor.
- Baking Tips – Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to keep the onions moist. Then, remove the foil to let the topping get golden and crispy.
- Final Touches – Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend, making your Tennessee Onions even more delicious.
Tennessee Onions Variations
I encourage you to reinvent this classic recipe and personalize your onion casserole with unique ingredients and spices. Here are some ideas to help you craft your signature dish:
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairings |
| Gruyère | Nutty and creamy | Thyme, rosemary |
| Cheddar | Sharp and tangy | Worcestershire sauce, black pepper |
| Mozzarella | Mild and milky | Fresh basil, cherry tomatoes |
| Blue Cheese | Bold and pungent | Walnuts, honey |
Adding different spices and herbs can also change your dish’s taste. For instance:
- Paprika brings a smoky, sweet flavor that goes well with caramelized onions.
- Cumin adds a warm, earthy taste, great for a twist with Eastern flavors.
- Chili flakes add heat and spice, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of kick.
The Homestead Kitchen
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How to Make Tennessee Onions
Supplies Needed
- 9×13 Baking Dish – If you don’t have a 9×13 baking dish, you can split this recipe between two 8×8 or two 8” round dishes.
- Chef Knife and Cutting Board – Always use best practices to keep your knives sharp.
- Cheese Grater – You can purchase pre-grated cheese, but I prefer to grate my own to avoid unnecessary anti-caking chemicals.
Ingredients Needed
- Sweet Onions – Sweet Vidalia onions are best if you can find them, but Walla Walla or Texas sweet onions work, too.
- Butter – Learn how to make homemade butter here.
- Garlic Powder – I typically reach for fresh garlic cloves in my kitchen, but garlic powder distributes well to evenly season your Tennessee Onions.
- Oregano – Learn about the health benefits of oregano here.
- Shredded Cheese Blend – I like to use 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1⁄2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, but you can play with this recipe and use some of the other cheese recommendations listed above.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, and butter a 9×13” baking pan.
- Slice onions into rings approximately 1⁄4 inch thick.
- Separate onion slices and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.
- Cut butter into thin slices and distribute evenly over onions.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over onions. Top with shredded Parmesan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges turn golden brown.
- Serve warm. Tennessee Onions are delicious on top of burgers or steaks as well as beside meatloaf or pot roast.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Assuming you will have leftovers, proper storage keeps the casserole fresh and delicious for later. Here are some simple tips for storing and reheating.
- Storing – First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature before putting it in an airtight container. This step stops condensation, which can ruin the dish’s texture and taste. Once it’s cooled, put the container in the fridge.
- Shelf Life – When stored in the fridge, your Tennessee Onions should stay fresh for about three days.
- Reheating – To reheat baked onions, you have a couple of options:
- The oven method is best: preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil to prevent drying, and heat for 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave method: You can reheat small portions in the microwave, using a safe dish and covering it to keep moisture in.
Did you try this Tennessee Onions recipe? If so, please leave a star ⭐ rating and your comments in the recipe card below. Then snap a photo and tag us on social media @homesteadingfamily so we can see!
FAQ
Tennessee onions are a comforting Southern side dish. They use sweet Vidalia onions, Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and simple seasonings. Baked until golden and bubbly, they’re delicious.
Sweet Vidalia onions are classic, but Walla Walla or Texas sweet onions work, too.
Yes! Get creative and try this recipe with any of your favorite cheeses (or cheese blends).
Yes, prepare it ahead of time, but don’t bake it. Cover the pan and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, remove the cover and bake until hot and bubbly.
They’re great with grilled or baked pork chops, steak, or whole-roasted chicken. They also pair well with Southern favorites like cornbread and collard greens.
Try different cheeses, add bacon bits for smokiness, or include bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
They’re special because of their sweet onions and gooey cheese. It’s a comforting dish loved in Southern comfort food.
Other Posts You May Enjoy
- Creamed Onions
- Preserving Caramelized Onions (Balsamic Onions)
- How to Make Onion Powder From Scratch (Easy DIY Recipe)
- Growing Onions From Seed
- How to Store Onions the RIGHT Way
Tennessee Onions Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- knife
- cutting board
- Cheese Grater
Ingredients
- 4 whole sweet onions Vidalia, Walla Walla or Texas Sweet
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese 1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar & 1/2 cup Parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F, and butter a 9×13” baking pan.
- Slice onions into rings approximately 1⁄4 inch thick.
- Separate onion slices and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.
- Cut butter into thin slices and distribute evenly over onions.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over onions. Top with shredded Parmesan.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges turn golden brown.
- Serve warm. Tennessee Onions are delicious on top of burgers or steaks as well as beside meatloaf or pot roast.
Notes
- Selecting the Right Onions – Sweet onions like Vidalia are perfect for this dish. They add a natural sweetness and become very tender when cooked.
- Slicing Techniques – Slice the onions to the same thickness for even cooking. Aim for slices about a quarter-inch thick.
- Layering Perfection – Spread the onions evenly in your baking dish. This way, every bite has the right mix of tender onions and crispy topping.
- Seasoning – Use a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for the seasoning. Sprinkle it generously between layers. Adding a bit of smoked paprika or thyme can also enhance the flavor.
- Baking Tips – Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to keep the onions moist. Then, remove the foil to let the topping get golden and crispy.
- Final Touches – Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend, making your Tennessee Onions even more delicious.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairings |
| Gruyère | Nutty and creamy | Thyme, rosemary |
| Cheddar | Sharp and tangy | Worcestershire sauce, black pepper |
| Mozzarella | Mild and milky | Fresh basil, cherry tomatoes |
| Blue Cheese | Bold and pungent | Walnuts, honey |
- Paprika brings a smoky, sweet flavor that goes well with caramelized onions.
- Cumin adds a warm, earthy taste, great for a twist with Eastern flavors.
- Chili flakes add heat and spice, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of kick.
- Storing – First, let the casserole cool down to room temperature before putting it in an airtight container. This step stops condensation, which can ruin the dish’s texture and taste. Once it’s cooled, put the container in the fridge.
- Shelf Life – When stored in the fridge, your Tennessee Onions should stay fresh for about three days.
- Reheating – To reheat baked onions, you have a couple of options:
- The oven method is best: preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil to prevent drying, and heat for 20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave method: You can reheat small portions in the microwave, using a safe dish and covering it to keep moisture in.
