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Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions Recipe

4.8 from 81 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked side dish that features layers of tender onions and melted cheddar cheese, enriched with butter and seasoning. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect as a savory accompaniment to various meals, offering a delightful combination of sweetness from the onions and sharpness from the cheddar.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare onions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice the onions into rings, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
  2. Layer ingredients: In a buttered baking dish, create a layer of sliced onions. Sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Repeat layering until all onions and cheese are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
  3. Season and add butter: Dot small pieces of butter evenly over the layered onions and cheese. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly across the top to enhance flavor.
  4. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the onions are tender and caramelized.
  5. Serve warm: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving as a delicious side dish alongside grilled meats or a hearty main course.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper.
  • Use mild or sweet onions if desired, but yellow onions offer the best balance of sweetness and sharpness when baked.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently in the oven before serving.
  • Ensure the onions are layered uniformly to cook evenly throughout.

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, cheddar cheese side dish, southern side dish, cheesy onions