If you’re on the hunt for a new Southern-inspired comfort food that’s the definition of cozy, look no further than Tennessee Onions. Imagine velvety rings of sweet onions, layered and blanketed in a trio of gooey cheeses, all bubbling to a golden finish in the oven. This is one of those magical recipes that looks humble, but from the very first bite—savory, slightly sweet, rich and loaded with flavor—it’ll have everyone swooning and asking for seconds. Whether it’s the star side at a backyard barbecue or tucked beside a weeknight roast, Tennessee Onions bring Southern charm to the table every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tennessee Onions is that the ingredient list is short, simple, and seriously impactful. Every component pulls its weight here—sweet onions for tenderness and sweetness, a drizzle of butter for richness, a handful of seasonings, and a glorious trifecta of cheeses for that ultimate, irresistible melt.

Sweet onions (3–4 large, such as Vidalia, sliced into 1/4-inch rings): Their mild, natural sweetness creates the perfect foundation for this comforting side.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Helps the onions caramelize in the oven and makes every layer silky and delicious.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and just the right hit of garlic without overpowering the onions.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural sweetness in the onions and balances the richness of the cheese.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick and finishes the dish with a whisper of heat.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts like a dream and stretches into those irresistible cheesy pulls.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Offers sharp flavor and a gorgeous, golden top.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty edge that ties everything together deliciously.
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle herbal backdrop—completely customizable to your tastes.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of color and a burst of freshness to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Get started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures your Tennessee Onions won’t stick and gives those delicate onion layers room to mingle and soften while baking.

Step 2: Layer the Onions

Arrange the sweet onion rings evenly in the baking dish, overlapping them just enough for a rustic look. Don’t worry about making them perfect—part of the charm is in the homey, not-too-fussy layers that soak up all the buttery goodness.

Step 3: Add Butter and Seasonings

Drizzle the melted unsalted butter right over the onions, then sprinkle with the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the dried thyme or Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Every bite will be fragrant, buttery, and seasoned to perfection.

Step 4: Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese

Scatter the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan over the onions, letting them fall evenly across the top. The cheese blend not only adds flavor but also creates a phenomenal crust as everything bakes together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into your oven. Bake for 30 minutes to help the onions soften and steam gently. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until your Tennessee Onions are beautifully golden and bubbling with cheese.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Give your Tennessee Onions a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green and a little fresh flavor—then dig right in!

How to Serve Tennessee Onions

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley works wonders for these cheesy baked onions, adding color and a hint of freshness. For a twist, scatter some finely chopped chives or sliced green onions right before serving—you’ll love the extra pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Tennessee Onions are fabulous nestled next to grilled steaks, burgers, or brisket, soaking up all those irresistible meaty juices. They also pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even as a showstopping side for a vegetarian meal. Honestly, any classic comfort dish is just a little happier with these cheesy onions on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning Tennessee Onions into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile them over thick slices of crusty bread for a next-level appetizer everyone will remember. You can even add a layer to your favorite grilled cheese or melt them over a burger for a decadent Southern twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tennessee Onions keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Just transfer them to an airtight container once they’ve cooled, and you’ll have an easy, flavorful side ready to reheat all week long!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze portions of Tennessee Onions, the texture of the onions and cheese might change a bit after thawing. If you decide to freeze, wrap servings tightly and use them within a month for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Tennessee Onions in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly. You can also use the microwave for single servings—just heat in 30-second bursts until hot, and enjoy that cheesy goodness all over again!

FAQs

What are the best onions to use for Tennessee Onions?

Sweet onions like Vidalia are hands-down the best—they’re mild, almost buttery, and bake up tender without any harsh bite. If these aren’t available, yellow onions will still work, just opt for the sweetest you can find.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or Gruyère for mozzarella or cheddar for a fun variation on classic Tennessee Onions. Mix and match based on your favorites or whatever’s in your fridge.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as you use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan (since some brands contain animal rennet), Tennessee Onions is a fantastic vegetarian side or even a main for onion lovers!

Can I prep this dish in advance?

You sure can! Assemble Tennessee Onions up to a day ahead, keep covered in the fridge, and bake fresh when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from the fridge.

What’s the secret to that perfect cheesy crust?

Baking uncovered at the end lets the cheeses bubble and brown into that irresistible golden crust. For extra color, you can even pop the dish under the broiler for a minute or two—but keep an eye on it so those precious cheesy edges don’t burn!

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Tennessee Onions, you’ll see why it’s a Southern staple that wins hearts every time. It’s cozy, crave-worthy, and genuinely easy to love. Give it a place at your table—you’ll be making this recipe again and again for family, friends, and just because you’re in the mood for pure comfort.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Tennessee Onions are a delicious and cheesy side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or burgers. Sweet onions are layered with a blend of three cheeses and seasonings, then baked to golden perfection. A Southern classic that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

3–4 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia, sliced into 1/4-inch rings)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer onions: Layer sliced onions in the dish, drizzle with melted butter, season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and thyme if using.
Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Notes:

Tennessee Onions are a great side for grilled meats. Try Monterey Jack or Gruyère for flavor variations.
Sweet onions work best due to their mild taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American