Welcome to your new go-to for a sensational onion-based dish—Tennessee Onions! These are way more than your average onion rings, offering a unique, comforting, and indulgent flavor that’s hard to beat. Known for their satisfying, cheesy, and buttery goodness, Tennessee Onions have become a favorite for both cheese and onion lovers alike. If you’re a fan of cheese-loaded comfort dishes and crave something beyond traditional onion rings, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to treat your taste buds to this irresistible dish that’s perfect as a side or even as the star of a cozy night in.
Introduction to Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions bring a cozy, Southern-inspired comfort to any meal. This dish offers a unique twist on classic onion rings by baking whole sweet onion rounds in a cheesy, buttery blend. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavors, Tennessee Onions are a must-try for anyone who loves easy comfort food. Vidalia sweet onions provide a slightly sweet, mellow flavor that shines in every bite. This dish is not only easy to make but delivers a memorable experience that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Tennessee Onions
Here’s a list of everything you need to make Tennessee Onions. This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients, so you won’t need to worry about specialty items. The ingredients include a mix of cheeses that gives the onions a delightful, gooey topping with a hint of Italian flavors.
- 3-4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
- 1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle garlic kick
- ½ teaspoon oregano – enhances the flavor with Italian flair
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (this typically includes Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded for a touch of savory sharpness
How to Make Tennessee Onions – Step by Step
Ready to make some unforgettable Tennessee Onions? Follow these easy steps to bring this dish to life in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your onions cook evenly and the cheeses melt into a perfect, golden-brown topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will help the onions and cheese bake without burning or sticking to the dish.
Step 3: Slice the Onions
Peel the Vidalia sweet onions and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Don’t separate the rings—keeping them together gives the dish more structure and an appealing presentation.
Step 4: Arrange and Season the Onions
Lay the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a well-balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Cut the butter into eight pats and place them evenly across the onion rounds. The butter will melt as it bakes, coating the onions in a rich, delicious layer.
Step 6: Layer on the Cheese
Now it’s time to add the cheese! Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Finish by topping it all with a final layer of Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm!
Helpful Tips for Making Tennessee Onions
- Use Fresh Vidalia Onions: Vidalia onions bring a natural sweetness to the dish, making them the ideal choice.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: If you can’t find an Italian blend, mix Mozzarella, Provolone, and Romano cheeses for similar results.
- Seasoning Tip: Adjust the salt and garlic powder to your preference, especially if you’re using a saltier cheese.
- Watch for Bubbling Cheese: Keep an eye on the dish around the 30-minute mark. For extra crispness, you can broil the top for the last 2 minutes.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tennessee Onions
- Butter Distribution: Placing butter evenly over the onions ensures they get a rich, buttery flavor without over-saturating any section.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange onions in a single layer so each one bakes thoroughly and gets evenly coated with cheese.
- Slice Thickness: Slicing onions too thin can make them cook too fast and lose structure. Stick to about ¼ inch for optimal results.
- Cheese Layering: The blend of Italian cheeses and cheddar adds depth. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan topping—it provides a sharp contrast that enhances the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions make a fantastic side for various main dishes. Here are a few pairings that work exceptionally well:
- Steak or Grilled Chicken: The cheese and onion flavors complement grilled meats beautifully.
- Burgers: Serve Tennessee Onions alongside burgers for a unique twist on classic onion rings.
- Roasted Vegetables: The savory, cheesy flavors also go well with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Serve the dish warm to enjoy the full, gooey cheese experience with each bite!
Nutritional Information
These Tennessee Onions are not only tasty but provide a mix of proteins, calcium, and other nutrients thanks to the cheese and onions. If you’re looking for a comfort food dish with a bit of nutritional value, you’ll enjoy this as an occasional indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 10g
- Calcium: 15% Daily Value
Storage and Leftovers for Tennessee Onions
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—Tennessee Onions store well for up to three days in the fridge. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storage: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat the dish covered for about 10-12 minutes. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, though this may soften the onions more.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to bring back the cheesy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Tennessee Onions
Q1: Can I use a different type of onion? Absolutely! While Vidalia onions are ideal for their sweetness, yellow or white onions work well too, though they may have a slightly sharper flavor.
Q2: Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare them up to one day in advance and bake just before serving. Cover and store in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Q3: Can I use a different cheese blend? Certainly! Any combination of melty cheeses, like Gruyere, Gouda, or Fontina, would be delicious.
Q4: Are Tennessee Onions gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
Related Recipes for Tennessee Onion Lovers
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy these related dishes for more onion and cheese goodness. Check them out on Optimal Recipes:
Conclusion
Thanks for joining us on this culinary journey to create Tennessee Onions! This comforting, cheesy, and savory dish is perfect for any occasion and will likely become a favorite at your table. If you tried this recipe, please let us know your thoughts, or share any personal twists you added to make it your own. With each warm, cheesy bite, Tennessee Onions bring a touch of Southern comfort to any meal. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!
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Tennessee Onions Recipe – Better Than Onion Rings!
Description
Welcome to your new go-to for a sensational onion-based dish—Tennessee Onions! These are way more than your average onion rings, offering a unique, comforting, and indulgent flavor that’s hard to beat. Known for their satisfying, cheesy, and buttery goodness, Tennessee Onions have become a favorite for both cheese and onion lovers alike. If you’re a fan of cheese-loaded comfort dishes and crave something beyond traditional onion rings, you’ve come to the right place. Get ready to treat your taste buds to this irresistible dish that’s perfect as a side or even as the star of a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- 3–4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
- 1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle garlic kick
- ½ teaspoon oregano – enhances the flavor with Italian flair
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (this typically includes Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded for a touch of savory sharpness
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your onions cook evenly and the cheeses melt into a perfect, golden-brown topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will help the onions and cheese bake without burning or sticking to the dish.
Step 3: Slice the Onions
Peel the Vidalia sweet onions and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Don’t separate the rings—keeping them together gives the dish more structure and an appealing presentation.
Step 4: Arrange and Season the Onions
Lay the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a well-balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Cut the butter into eight pats and place them evenly across the onion rounds. The butter will melt as it bakes, coating the onions in a rich, delicious layer.
Step 6: Layer on the Cheese
Now it’s time to add the cheese! Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Finish by topping it all with a final layer of Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Vidalia Onions: Vidalia onions bring a natural sweetness to the dish, making them the ideal choice.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: If you can’t find an Italian blend, mix Mozzarella, Provolone, and Romano cheeses for similar results.
- Seasoning Tip: Adjust the salt and garlic powder to your preference, especially if you’re using a saltier cheese.
- Watch for Bubbling Cheese: Keep an eye on the dish around the 30-minute mark. For extra crispness, you can broil the top for the last 2 minutes.
