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Tennessee Onions

Once you try these Tennessee Onions, you'll wonder how you ever lived without them. They feature sweet, caramelized onions layered with a delicious trio of cheeses that form a golden, bubbly crust. This irresistible side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of mains, from steaks to burgers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 3 medium sweet onions (preferably Vidalia) peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rings
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the 3 peeled and sliced sweet onions evenly in the dish, ensuring the ¼-inch rings aren’t overcrowded so that they can caramelize evenly.
  3. Drizzle the 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter over the onions, making sure to coat all the slices.
  4. Season the onions with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano (if using), and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, creating a generous layer of cheese.
  6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. Look for the cheese to turn bubbly and golden while the onions soften and begin to caramelize.
  7. Once done, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties to enhance the flavor. If Vidalia onions aren’t available, any sweet onion such as Walla Walla or Maui works well. Feel free to customize with bacon bits, fresh herbs, or even a crunchy topping like crushed crackers for added texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.