I love simple dishes that shine, and Tennessee Onions is one of those. I wrote this recipe so you can make soft, sweet onions topped with melty cheese and herbs right at home, and you can follow my easy Tennessee Onions recipe for extra tips and photos: easy Tennessee Onions recipe.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- Sweet onions
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
- Salt
- Pepper
The Tools That Help
I use a sharp knife, a sturdy baking dish, a mixing bowl, and a grater. I also like to keep a small brush or spoon to spread the butter mix. For a fun side idea, try my pear and apple grilled cheese with caramelized onions for a full meal: pear and apple grilled cheese with caramelized onions.
The Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the sweet onions into rounds.
- Arrange the onion rounds in a baking dish.
- Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack and grate the Parmesan.
- Mix the shredded cheeses in a bowl.
- Melt the butter and stir in chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the onions.
- Sprinkle the cheese blend generously over the onions.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Lighter, Healthier Touches
I sometimes cut the butter by half and add a splash of olive oil to stretch the fat. You can use low fat cheeses and more herbs to keep flavor high while saving calories.
Perfect Pairings
These onions go well with roasted chicken, grilled pork, or a crusty loaf. For a sweet and savory match, pair with my pear and apple grilled cheese with caramelized onions to make a cozy, full meal.
Common Stumbles to Avoid
Do not slice the onions too thin or they will break down too much. If the dish is too crowded the onions steam and do not brown. Also watch the oven toward the end so the cheese does not burn.
Storing Your Creation
Cool the onions to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a low oven to keep the cheese creamy.
A Final Warm Word
I hope Tennessee Onions becomes one of your go to sides. I make it when I want a simple dish that feels like a hug.
Answering Your Questions
How long does Tennessee Onions take to bake?
It bakes for 25 to 30 minutes in a 375°F oven, until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden.
Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and cover the dish, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes if you bake it cold from the fridge.
Can I change the cheeses in Tennessee Onions?
Yes. I use cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan for a balance of melt and flavor, but you can use other melty cheeses you like or mix in a lower fat option.
Print
Tennessee Onions
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, sweet onions topped with melty cheese and fresh herbs, perfect as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- Sweet onions
- Butter
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or parsley)
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the sweet onions into rounds.
- Arrange the onion rounds in a baking dish.
- Grate the cheddar and Monterey Jack and grate the Parmesan.
- Mix the shredded cheeses in a bowl.
- Melt the butter and stir in chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the onions.
- Sprinkle the cheese blend generously over the onions.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the onions are golden.
- Serve hot as a side dish.
Notes
Try cutting the butter by half and adding olive oil for a lighter version. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: onions, cheese, side dish, vegetarian, comfort food