Tennessee Onions Recipe
Tenessee 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.
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 157kcal
Cost: varies
Equipment
- 9x13 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
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheese 1 cup mozzarella, 1 cup cheddar & ½ 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
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:
Adding different spices and herbs can also change your dish’s taste. For instance:
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 35mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 414IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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