Tennessee Onions Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a flavorful baked onion dish perfect as a comforting side or appetizer. Sweet onions are seasoned, topped with cheese and butter, then baked until tender and melty. Simple to prepare, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of onions with a cheesy, savory twist.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet onions
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Slice the sweet onions into thick rounds, about 1/4 inch thick, for even cooking. Toss the slices with Italian seasoning, dry mustard, cayenne, and paprika. Spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: Scatter the cubed salted butter over the onions, then evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses on top.
4. Step 4: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or gruyere for different flavors and textures.
• For a smoky taste, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the melted cheese and butter.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a microwave-safe dish for a shorter time, stirring halfway to evenly heat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the onions with spices, butter, and cheese in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

What type of onions work best for this recipe?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal because their natural sweetness balances the spices and enhances the dish’s rich flavor.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

This Tennessee Onions recipe features thickly sliced sweet onions seasoned with Italian seasoning, dry mustard, cayenne, and paprika, then baked with butter and a rich blend of sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses. The result is a flavorful, tender, and cheesy onion side dish perfect for complementing any meal.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions and Seasonings

• 3 pounds sweet onions
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Butter and Cheese

• 4 tablespoons salted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded gouda cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the onions evenly.
2. Prepare Onions: Slice the sweet onions into thick slices about 1/4 inch thick to promote even cooking. Toss the sliced onions with Italian seasoning, dry mustard, cayenne, and paprika, ensuring they are well coated. Transfer the seasoned onions to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Add Butter and Cheese: Evenly distribute the cubed salted butter across the onions. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses over the top to create a rich, cheesy layer.
4. Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake the onions for 30 minutes at 375°F, allowing them to soften and the flavors to meld.
5. Final Bake: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking the onions for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the onions reach your desired tenderness and the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned on top.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best natural sweetness.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to taste for a milder or spicier dish.
• Covering with foil initially traps steam to help soften the onions without drying.
• For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a flavorful vegetarian side.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheesy onions, sweet onions recipe, southern side dish