Tennessee Onions – A Melty, Cheesy Southern Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm Southern dish that fills the kitchen with cozy aromas and brings everyone straight to the table. Tennessee Onions are one of those magical, humble recipes—made with simple pantry staples, yet packed with so much flavor that they steal the show every single time.

This dish starts with a base of thick-cut sweet onions, the kind that caramelize beautifully in the oven. As they bake, they soften, mellow, and turn sweet, almost buttery. Then comes the magic: a generous layer of melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and parmesan. The cheeses bubble, brown at the edges, and soak right into the onions, creating a casserole that’s savory, gooey, slightly sweet, and irresistibly rich.

It’s the kind of old-school Southern side that shows up at potlucks, Sunday dinners, cookouts, and holiday tables. No one expects it to be the star—until they try it. The first bite hits you with roasted onion sweetness, followed by buttery richness, a gooey cheese pull, and that irresistible hint of seasoning that brings everything together.

This recipe has been passed around in community cookbooks and church gatherings across Tennessee for decades, each version slightly different, but always featuring the same trio of onions, butter, and cheese. It’s the perfect reminder that simple ingredients, prepared with love, can create unbelievable flavor.

Serve Tennessee Onions alongside grilled meats, burgers, roasted chicken, steak, or even on their own with crusty bread—they’re versatile, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

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Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia if possible), sliced into thick rounds
• 4 tablespoons butter, sliced into small chunks
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Prep the onions:
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Slice onions into thick ½–¾ inch rounds and separate into rings.
2. Arrange:
   Spread onions evenly in the dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add butter:
   Dot butter pieces evenly across the onions.
4. Add cheese:
   Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan over the entire dish.
5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until onions are soft and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with parsley and serve warm as a side dish.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use Vidalia onions for maximum sweetness.
• Add heat with crushed red pepper flakes.
• Create crunch by mixing panko with parmesan on top.
• Make it loaded: add bacon bits or smoked sausage slices.
• Serve with bread to soak up the buttery, cheesy juices.

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Variations

• BBQ Tennessee Onions: drizzle BBQ sauce before baking.
• Cajun Style: swap Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning.
• Loaded Potato Version: pour over baked potatoes.
• Steakhouse Style: add Worcestershire and top with Swiss cheese.

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Serving Suggestions

• Perfect with grilled steak or BBQ chicken.
• Serve over burgers or bratwursts.
• Add to baked potatoes or mashed potatoes.
• Spoon over toasted baguette slices.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerate: up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: oven or skillet to keep cheese melty.
• Freezing: not recommended (texture becomes mushy).

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FAQ

Can I use yellow or white onions?
Yes, but sweet onions give the best flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—assemble fully, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely—Swiss, provolone, colby jack, and gouda all work beautifully.

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History / Fun Facts

Tennessee Onions are believed to have originated from Southern church potlucks and community suppers, where inexpensive ingredients were turned into unforgettable dishes. Sweet Vidalia onions—native to the South—became the perfect star ingredient, leading to the beloved cheesy casserole known today.