Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring sweet onions baked with a blend of spices and rich cheeses. Perfectly tender and cheesy, this dish adds a delicious Southern twist to any meal.

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

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

Tips & Variations

Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
For a smoky touch, try substituting smoked gouda or adding a dash of smoked paprika.
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Try adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an herbal aroma.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to preserve the cheesy texture and flavor.

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 dish in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Tennessee Onions?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a hearty vegetarian meal.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This Tennessee Onions recipe features thickly sliced sweet onions seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, topped with rich cheddar and gouda cheeses, and baked to a tender, melty perfection. It’s a savory, cheesy side dish with a kick of cayenne, perfect for comforting meals or holiday gatherings.

Author: Marco
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

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the onions evenly.
Prepare Onions: Slice the sweet onions into thick 1/4-inch slices to ensure even cooking. Toss the sliced onions in Italian seasoning, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, and paprika to coat them well.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned onion slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them evenly for uniform cooking.
Add Butter and Cheese: Top the onions with cubes of salted butter distributed evenly, followed by sprinkling shredded sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses over the top.
First Bake with Foil: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will steam and soften the onions while melting the cheese gently.
Final Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the onions are tender to your liking and the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned.

Notes

For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.
Use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses to adjust the flavor intensity.
Make sure to slice onions evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Use salted butter as specified, or adjust salt content in seasoning if using unsalted.

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