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Tennessee Onions 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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the onions evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned onion slices in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them evenly for uniform cooking.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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