Tennessee onions recipe delivers a Southern classic rich in sweet onions, smoky cheese, and buttery goodness, perfect as a side dish or potluck star.
This comforting baked dish layers tender Vidalia onions with melty cheddar, smoked Gouda, and savory spices, creating irresistible flavor with minimal effort.
Flavorful Foundations for Tennessee Onions
- Vidalia or sweet onions – These are the soul of the dish, bringing mellow sweetness that balances the savory, cheesy topping.
- Mild cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the onions, adding a creamy, nostalgic sharpness.
- Smoked Gouda or cheddar – Introduces depth with a subtle smokiness, enhancing the dish’s Southern flair.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, salty kick and golden crust on top.
- Unsalted butter – Melts through the layers, creating richness and helping the onions caramelize to perfection.
- Smoked paprika and garlic powder – Elevate the flavor with warmth and aromatic complexity.
Bubbly, Cheesy, and Oh So Easy: How to Make Tennessee Onions
Start by separating thick-cut onion rings and tossing them in spices to infuse each layer with flavor. In a greased baking dish, layer half the onions and cover them with a duo of shredded cheeses.
Repeat with the remaining onions and cheese, finishing with Parmesan and chunks of butter for that golden, bubbling top. After baking covered to soften the onions, uncover the dish and bake again until browned and irresistible.
It’s a simple path to a show-stopping Southern side that’s as cozy as it is crowd-pleasing.
Kitchen Notes & Comfort Food Twists
Tennessee onions are endlessly adaptable. Add cooked crumbled bacon or chopped ham between layers for a heartier version. Want a sharper bite? Try swapping in sharp white cheddar or even pepper jack for a spicy edge.
Using a mix of sweet onions and yellow onions can balance sweetness and savoriness. And for a crispier top, broil the last five minutes — just keep an eye on it!
Keeping the Comfort Going: How to Store and Reheat
To enjoy leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For best results, reheat in a 350ºF oven until warmed through and bubbly. Microwaving works too, but the oven helps restore that golden cheese crust.
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the onion texture, so it’s best savored fresh or within a few days.
Tennessee Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
- 3 pounds Vidalia or other sweet onions about 4 large, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 1 1/4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese about 1/3 cup store-bought grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Separate the onion slices into rings and place them in a large bowl. Season with kosher salt, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper, then toss thoroughly to coat the onions.
- Layer half the onion mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Distribute half of the shredded mild cheddar and half of the shredded smoked Gouda evenly over the onions.
- Repeat the process by layering the remaining onion rings, followed by the rest of the cheddar and Gouda cheeses. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan across the top, then scatter the diced butter pieces over the surface.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the onions have softened and the casserole is bubbling. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and browned in spots.
- If using, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
