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This layered Tennessee Onion dish transforms humble sweet onions into a gooey, cheesy casserole that will make you forget all about onion rings. The natural sweetness of Vidalia onions balances perfectly with savory cheese and herbs for a side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.
I first made this dish for a backyard barbecue when I wanted something different than the usual potato sides. Now my family requests these Tennessee Onions whenever we fire up the grill, and guests always ask for the recipe before leaving.
Ingredients
- Vidalia sweet onions: Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully when baked
- Unsalted butter: Creates rich flavor and helps the onions soften perfectly
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dish
- Oregano: Provides an herbal note that complements the cheese blend
- Italian blend cheese: Creates a melty, stretchy texture with complex flavor
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and beautiful golden color when baked
- Parmesan cheese: Creates a crispy, umami-rich top layer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after enjoying your meal.
- Prepare the Onions:
- Clean and peel the Vidalia onions carefully to preserve their natural sweetness. Slice them into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. The key technique here is keeping the rounds intact without separating them into individual rings, which helps them maintain their structure during baking.
- Season the Base:
- Arrange the sliced onion rounds in an even layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and oregano uniformly over the onions. This seasoning layer forms the flavor foundation of the entire dish.
- Add the Butter:
- Cut the butter into eight even pats and distribute them strategically across the top of your seasoned onions. As the butter melts during baking, it will create pockets of richness that infuse the entire dish with flavor.
- Layer the Cheese:
- Create the magnificent cheese topping by first adding an even layer of Italian blend cheese, followed by the shredded cheddar. Finish with a crown of Parmesan cheese across the top. This layering technique ensures proper melting and the perfect texture contrast.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for the cheese to turn a beautiful golden brown with bubbling edges. The onions underneath will soften and caramelize during this time, creating a sweet and savory base.
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Vidalia onions are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered them years ago on a road trip through Georgia, and their exceptional sweetness makes all the difference. My grandmother used to make a similar dish with regular onions, but switching to Vidalias transformed it completely.
Make-Ahead Tips
These Tennessee Onions can be assembled up to 24 hours before baking. Simply prepare everything through the cheese-layering step, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, perhaps adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Perfect Pairings
Tennessee Onions complement grilled steaks, barbecued chicken, or pork chops beautifully. The sweet, cheesy flavor provides the perfect counterpoint to smoky meats. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
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Choosing the Right Onions
While Vidalia onions are traditional and ideal for their exceptional sweetness, other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla, Maui, or Texas Sweet can work beautifully. The key is selecting onions with low sulfur content that caramelize well. If sweet onions aren't available, yellow onions will work but may need a pinch more salt to balance their stronger flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of onions should I use?
Vidalia sweet onions are the best choice for this dish due to their natural sweetness, but other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui can also work well.
- → Can I substitute the Italian cheese blend?
Yes, you can make your own blend using cheeses like Mozzarella, Parmesan, Asiago, Provolone, or Romano. Pick any combination that suits your taste and availability.
- → How do I prevent the onions from becoming soggy?
Slice the onions consistently and avoid overcrowding the baking dish. The cheese topping helps retain the perfect blend of tender onion texture without sogginess.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Allow it to reach room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- → What do I serve with Tennessee Onions?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, barbecue, or even as a standalone dish for an appetizer-style spread.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! This dish is already vegetarian-friendly as it uses no meat; simply check your cheese blend for any rennet preferences.