Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Sweet Onion Casserole Recipe
Tennessee Onions is a hearty and flavorful side dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions baked with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and butter for a rich, melty, and comforting addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the onions: Arrange the sliced sweet onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings for uniform cooking and cheese coverage.
- Add seasoning and butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the onions. Then sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper on top to infuse the onions with flavor.
- Layer the cheeses: Evenly top the onions with the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses to create a rich and melty cheese crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the onions to soften and the flavors to meld without the cheese overbrowning.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, providing a delicious crispy cheese topping.
- Cool and serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set a bit. Serve warm as a tasty side dish to complement various mains.
Notes
- Use Vidalia onions or other sweet onions for the best flavor.
- To add extra depth, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with the seasoning if you like mild heat.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking uncovered, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free version, though cheese remains an integral component.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian dinner spread.
