Tennessee Onions are a delicious Southern dish that elevates the humble onion to a savory, cheesy delight. Unlike onion rings, which are fried and often heavily battered, Tennessee Onions are baked to perfection with a blend of cheeses and spices. Here’s a recipe that showcases how this dish can be even better than onion rings:
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Onions:
- Separate the onion slices into rings and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spoon the cheese mixture over the onion rings, spreading it out to cover them evenly.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
- Serve the Tennessee Onions hot, either as a side dish or an appetizer.
Tips:
- Onion Selection: Sweet onions like Vidalia work best for this dish due to their mild flavor, but you can use any type of onion you prefer.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.
- Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese mixture before baking.
Tennessee Onions are a comforting and indulgent dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the onions while adding a rich, cheesy topping. This recipe is sure to be a hit, offering a delicious alternative to traditional onion rings. Enjoy!