Bring a taste of the South to your table with this Tennessee Onions recipe. This dish features sweet onions smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy yet impressive side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.

In our family, Tennessee Onions have become a treasured recipe, especially during gatherings and celebrations. I first discovered this delightful dish while looking for a unique side to complement our traditional Southern meals. My husband, who loves anything with cheese, was immediately hooked, and even my daughter, who usually prefers simpler dishes, couldn’t resist. This recipe has since become a staple at our holiday feasts and family get-togethers, reminding us of the warmth and comfort of home.

Why You’ll Love Tennessee Onions

Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish a breeze to prepare.

Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sweet onions, creamy sauce, and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste.
Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside meats, casseroles, or as a stand-alone dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients Notes For Tennessee Onions

Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal for this dish due to their mild flavor.
Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan adds a creamy and slightly sharp flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss.
Cream: Heavy cream provides a rich, luxurious texture. Half-and-half can be used as a lighter option.

Butter: Adds richness and helps to caramelize the onions.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder enhance the overall flavor.

Recipe Steps

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Onions: Slice 2-3 large sweet onions into 1/4-inch thick rings.
Layer Onions: In a greased baking dish, layer the onion rings evenly.
Add Butter: Dot the onions with 1/4 cup (about 60g) of butter, cut into small pieces.

Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder to taste.
Add Cream: Pour 1 cup (about 240ml) of heavy cream over the onions.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 cup (about 100g) of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup (about 50g) of grated Parmesan cheese over the onions.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a delicious side dish!

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave.

Variations & Substitutions

Different Cheeses: Try using cheddar, Gruyère, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Tennessee Onions

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Ingredients

Scale

2–3 large sweet onions (about 600g), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings

1/4 cup (60g) butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Slice onions into 1/4-inch thick rings.
In a greased baking dish, layer the onion rings evenly.

Dot onions with butter pieces.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
Pour heavy cream over the onions.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until onions are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!