Tennessee Onions: The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, baked side dish that’s even better than classic onion rings. Thick-sliced sweet onions smothered in a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese create a deliciously golden and bubbly treat perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
• Butter, cut into small pats
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese, sliced
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the onion slices in a single layer in the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: Season the onions with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place small pats of butter evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the onions, then layer sliced provolone on top. Finish by topping with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Optional: Broil for 2 minutes to achieve extra crispiness.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

• Use Vidalia onions for a sweeter flavor, or yellow onions for a more robust taste.
• Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra richness, mix a little cream cheese into the shredded mozzarella before layering.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to retain the crispy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute or add other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gouda to suit your taste preferences.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving to keep the onions fresh and the cheese bubbly.

Tennessee Onions: The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 96 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy baked side dish featuring thickly sliced sweet onions layered with butter, Italian seasoning, and a trio of cheeses—mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbly, this rich and flavorful dish offers a delightful alternative to traditional onion rings.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick

Seasonings & Butter

• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a suitable baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
2. Arrange Onions: Place the thick onion slices in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
3. Season and Add Butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onions. Dot the onions with small pats of butter to infuse richness during baking.
4. Add Cheeses: First, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the onions. Then lay the provolone slices on top, followed by a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese to create a cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
6. Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy top, place the dish under the broiler for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the baked onions to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the dish cool slightly for easier serving.

Notes

• You can use either Vidalia or yellow onions based on sweetness preference.
• Adjust Italian seasoning to your taste or substitute with Italian herb blend.
• If you don’t have provolone, mozzarella alone works well, but provolone adds a distinct flavor.
• The broiling step is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese topping.
• Serve as a hearty side dish with grilled meats or as part of a southern-inspired meal.

Keywords: Tennessee onions, cheesy baked onions, baked onion side dish, southern side dish, cheesy onions, onion recipe, baked onion rings alternative