Description
Tennessee Onions are a comforting and irresistibly cheesy baked dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions layered generously with a blend of Italian cheeses, sharp cheddar, and parmesan. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection with a touch of garlic, oregano, and butter, this recipe offers a rich, savory delight perfect as a side or hearty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Seasonings
- 4 large Vidalia Sweet Onions (yellow or white onions can be used as alternatives)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust according to dietary preferences)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (fresh minced garlic can be used for a more robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Oregano (substitute with Italian seasoning if preferred)
Fats
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (can substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option)
Cheeses
- 1 cup Italian Blend Cheese (a mixture of mozzarella, parmesan, romano, asiago, and provolone is ideal)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (choose sharp or mild cheddar based on preference)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grana Padano can be used as a great alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the onions evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Slice the Onions: Peel the Vidalia onions and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds to create uniform layers that cook evenly.
- Arrange and Season Onions: Lay the onion rounds evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle generously with salt, garlic powder, and oregano to enhance the flavor.
- Add Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small pats and distribute them evenly over the sliced onions for richness and moisture during baking.
- Layer the Cheese: Top the onions with the Italian blend cheese first, followed by sharp cheddar, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan to create a flavorful cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy and browned top, broil the dish for the last few minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Use yellow or white onions if Vidalia onions are unavailable.
- Fresh garlic can replace garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
- Olive oil can substitute butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Adjust salt quantity as needed for dietary restrictions.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese topping.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian side.
