Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe
Introduction
Tennessee Onions are a delightful twist on traditional onion rings, baked with a rich blend of cheeses and savory seasonings. This easy-to-make side dish offers melty, golden cheese combined with sweet onions for a comforting treat that’s perfect alongside any meal.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings.
- Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions, then sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly across the surface.
- Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 6: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a delicious and cheesy side dish!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, broil the onions for 1–2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Substitute smoked cheddar for a smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other sweet onion varieties or even yellow onions, but Vidalia onions are preferred for their mild, sweet flavor that complements the cheeses well.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free butter or oil. Keep in mind the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
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Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Onions are a delightful baked side dish featuring sweet onions smothered in a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and black pepper. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a rich, cheesy flavor that’s a fantastic alternative to traditional onion rings, baked to golden bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Onions
- 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Onion Rings: Place the sliced onions in an even layer inside the prepared baking dish, carefully separating the rings to allow uniform cooking and cheese coverage.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly to infuse flavor throughout the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Spread the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the buttered and seasoned onion rings, ensuring a rich cheesy layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the cheese to melt into the layers.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, giving a delicious crispy top.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Tennessee Onions cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Notes
- Using sweet onions like Vidalia enhances the natural sweetness, balancing the savory cheese flavor.
- To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, ensure cheeses are made with vegetable rennet.
- For a sharper flavor, you can mix in a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper with the seasonings.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, BBQ, or as a hearty vegetarian side.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onion rings, cheesy onions, cheddar Monterey Jack Parmesan, side dish, baked onions, sweet onions recipe
