Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions are a simple yet flavorful Southern side dish that turns sweet onions into a rich, cheesy, and creamy delight. Baked to golden perfection with a combination of cheeses and a hint of cream, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a new dish to bring to a potluck or a family gathering, these Tennessee Onions are sure to steal the show!
A Family Favorite: How Tennessee Onions Became a Staple in Our Home
In our household, Tennessee Onions have become one of those must-have dishes at every family gathering. The first time I made it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about how tender the onions became, melting into that cheesy goodness. Now, whether it’s a holiday or just a regular Sunday dinner, my family expects to see this dish on the table. It’s so simple, but the layers of sweet onions with creamy, cheesy layers feel like a special treat. Once you try it, I promise it will become a regular on your menu, too!
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Why You’ll Love Tennessee Onions
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients.
- Comforting: Rich, creamy, and cheesy, these onions are perfect comfort food.
- Perfect Side Dish: Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks – it pairs well with almost anything.
- Unique Flavor: The sweetness of the baked onions contrasts beautifully with the savory cheese and cream sauce.
Ingredients Notes For Tennessee Onions
- Sweet Onions: Vidalia onions or another sweet variety work best for this recipe as they bring out the natural sweetness once baked.
- Cheese: A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan gives this dish its gooey, cheesy texture.
- Cream: A little bit of heavy cream adds richness to the dish and helps to soften the onions.
- Butter: Enhances the flavor and helps create that delicious golden top.
- Breadcrumbs (Optional): For a slight crunch on top, you can add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking.
Recipe Steps for Tennessee Onions
- Prepare the Onions: Slice your sweet onions into thick rounds and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the onions, then drizzle with heavy cream.
- Top with Butter: Dot the top of the dish with butter for extra richness.
- Bake: Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until the onions are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Serve as a side dish for your favorite meals – it’s perfect alongside grilled meats or casseroles!
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheese Swap: Try using cheddar or Gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top before baking for an extra savory touch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to give the dish a subtle heat.
Tennessee Onions
Ingredients
- 2-3 large sweet onions such as Vidalia, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or any buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Onion Layers: Arrange the onion slices in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings slightly.
- Make the Creamy Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the Mixture: Spread the cheese and cream mixture evenly over the top of the onion slices, making sure to cover all the onions.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the buttered crackers over the top of the cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
