Smoky Southern Charm: Tennessee Onion Recipe For Cozy Gatherings

Southern kitchens have been buzzing about this delectable tennessee onion casserole that brings comfort and zest to any dinner table.

Crispy edges and creamy centers make this dish impossible to resist.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet magical side dish.

Layers of sweet onions meld beautifully with rich, melted cheese and a golden breadcrumb topping.

Cheese lovers and vegetable enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by its incredible flavor profile.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary on your plate.

You won’t be able to stop at just one serving of this irresistible southern classic.

Why Tennessee Onion Recipe Packs A Big, Bold Bite

• Simplify Cooking: Transform ordinary onions into a gourmet side dish with minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver rich, cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
• Versatile Companion: Pair seamlessly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or enjoy as a standalone vegetable dish that elevates any meal.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between crispy breadcrumb topping, creamy cheese, and tender caramelized onions in every single bite.

What You’ll Need For That Tennessee Onion Flavor

• Sweet Onions: A mild and tender variety that provides a delicate base for the dish.
• Red Onions: A sharp and colorful onion that adds depth and visual interest to the recipe.

• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the onions.

• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds depth and helps create a creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and smooth coating for the onions.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A blend of cheeses that melts beautifully and creates a golden, flavorful crust.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy and crunchy layer on top of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright and herbal garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make Tennessee Onion Recipe Super Simple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Set your oven to warm up at 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a light butter brush to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Onion Rings

Take sweet onions and red onions, then carefully slice them into thick, generous rings. Be gentle while separating the layers to keep their beautiful circular shape intact.

Step 3: Arrange Onion Base

Spread the onion rings in a single layer across the baking dish. Make sure they’re evenly distributed with no overlapping to ensure perfect cooking.

Step 4: Season Generously

• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Ensure every ring gets a delightful coating of flavor.

Step 5: Add Creamy Moisture

• Melted butter
• Heavy cream

Let these liquids flow between the onion layers, promising a rich and decadent texture.

Step 6: Create Cheese Wonderland

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Scatter this cheesy mixture evenly across the onion landscape.

Step 7: Add Crispy Topping

Dust the entire surface with breadcrumbs, creating a golden, crunchy crown that will transform when baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the onions turn tender and the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to harmonize and the texture to set perfectly.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, adding a burst of fresh color and herbal brightness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips For Melty, Savory Tennessee Onion Perfection

• Choose Sweet Onions: Select Vidalia or Walla Walla onions for maximum sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Layer Carefully: Gently separate onion rings to prevent tearing and maintain an elegant presentation.
• Control Cheese Consistency: Mix cheeses at room temperature for smoother melting and more even distribution.
• Boost Crunch Factor: Toast breadcrumbs beforehand in a skillet with butter for extra golden, crispy topping.
• Prevent Watery Result: Pat onion rings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

Delicious Variations On Tennessee Onion Goodness

• Smoky Southwest Onions: Replace monterey jack with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle smoked paprika for a spicy southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Onions: Swap breadcrumbs with panko, incorporate dried oregano and thyme, use feta cheese instead of parmesan, and drizzle with olive oil for a Mediterranean flair.
• Caramelized Bacon Onions: Crumble crispy bacon over the cheese layer, add a touch of brown sugar to enhance caramelization, and use a blend of gruyere and sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity.
• Ranch-Style Onions: Mix ranch seasoning into the cheese blend, top with crispy chives, and use a combination of monterey jack and cream cheese for a tangy, creamy texture.

What To Eat With Tennessee Onion Recipe

• Savor Complementary Flavor Companions: Tennessee Onion Recipe Pairings
• Pair with Hearty Proteins: Grilled ribeye steak or roasted chicken breast beautifully complement the rich, cheesy onion dish, balancing its creamy texture with lean protein.
• Select Robust Wine Match: Full-bodied red wines like cabernet sauvignon or zinfandel cut through the dish's richness, enhancing the onion's depth and cheese's complexity with their tannic structure.
• Create Fresh Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens with light vinaigrette provide a refreshing counterpoint, cutting through the heaviness and adding bright, acidic notes that cleanse the palate between bites.

How To Store Tennessee Onion For Later Nibbling

• Transfer leftover Tennessee Onions to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Warm refrigerated onions in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture and melted cheese appeal. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store frozen Tennessee Onions for up to 2 months.
• Remove frozen onions from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, adding a splash of cream to restore moisture if needed.

Quick Questions? Tennessee Onion Has The Answers

• Why are sweet and red onions used together?

Sweet onions provide a mild, delicate flavor while red onions add a slightly sharper taste, creating a balanced and complex onion profile in the dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese blend with alternatives like gruyere, swiss, or mozzarella, but try to maintain a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and melting properties.

• How do breadcrumbs contribute to the recipe?

Breadcrumbs create a crispy, golden topping that adds texture and a delightful crunch to the creamy, cheesy onion base, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Tennessee Onion Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Tennessee Onion Casserole brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with layers of sweet onions and melted cheeses. Hearty, rich flavors meld perfectly, creating a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 4 large sweet onions
• 2 red onions

Cheese

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
2. Carefully slice sweet and red onions into thick rings, separating the layers gently to maintain their structural integrity.
3. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt across the onion rings to enhance their natural flavors.
5. Drizzle melted butter and heavy cream over the seasoned onions, allowing the liquid to seep between the layers.
6. Create a generous cheese blend by mixing cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses, then evenly distribute the mixture across the onions.
7. Dust the top with breadcrumbs, creating a crispy golden layer that will provide textural contrast.
8. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions become tender and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and settle.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal finish before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder, more caramelized flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like gruyère or gouda for a more complex and rich taste profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to maintain the crispy topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg