If you’re looking for a delectable side dish that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness, look no further than Tennessee Onions. This dish features sweet Vidalia onions, seasoned and baked to perfection, topped with a blend of melting cheeses. Perfect for complementing a variety of main courses, Tennessee Onions are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
3-4 Vidalia sweet onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
Prepare the Onions: Clean and peel the Vidalia onions. Slice them into ¼-inch rounds and carefully separate the slices into rings.
Assemble the Dish: Arrange the onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season them with salt, garlic powder, and oregano to enhance their natural sweetness.
Add Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small pats and distribute them evenly over the seasoned onions.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese generously over the onions, followed by a layer of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
Serve: Allow the Tennessee Onions to cool slightly before serving them warm.
Serving Tips:
Serving Temperature: Tennessee Onions are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The cheese is at its most flavorful and gooey when served hot.
Presentation: For an attractive presentation, use a spatula to lift the onion rings and cheese layer from the baking dish, ensuring you get a good mix of onions and cheese in each serving.
Accompaniments: These cheesy onions pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetable stew. They also make a great side for a festive meal or potluck.
Garnishing: Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving to add a burst of color and a touch of freshness.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the Tennessee Onions to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the dish soggy.
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Tennessee Onions will keep well for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps to restore the cheese’s meltiness and keeps the onions from becoming overly soft.
Freezing: If you need to store Tennessee Onions for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven as described above.
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FAQs:
Can I use regular onions instead of Vidalia onions?
Yes, you can use regular yellow or sweet onions if Vidalia onions are not available. However, Vidalia onions are known for their unique sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the dish. If using other types of onions, you might want to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Assemble it according to the recipe, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Can I make this dish without cheese?
While cheese is a key ingredient that adds flavor and texture to Tennessee Onions, you can make a variation without it if needed. For a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip the cheese entirely. The onions will still be delicious, though they will lack the creamy, gooey texture that cheese provides.
How can I make Tennessee Onions spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For an extra kick, consider mixing some diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the onion rings before baking. Adjust the level of spice to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Tennessee Onions are the epitome of comfort food, offering a savory blend of sweet onions and rich, melted cheeses. The Vidalia onions lend a natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory seasoning and gooey cheese. Whether you’re serving this as a side dish for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, Tennessee Onions add a delightful touch to any meal.
📖 Recipe:
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Tennessee Onions
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the ultimate side dish with our Tennessee Onions recipe. Featuring sweet Vidalia onions seasoned with garlic and oregano, topped with a rich blend of Italian, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, this baked dish offers a savory, cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with any main course. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, Tennessee Onions are the perfect addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
3–4 Vidalia sweet onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to preference)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Clean and peel the onions. Slice into ¼ inch rounds and separate into rings.
- Spread onion rings evenly in the baking dish. Season with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Cut butter into pats and distribute over the onions.
- Sprinkle Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese over the onions, followed by Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Serve warm.
Notes
For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
