
Cheesy Tennessee Onions 🧀🧅
A Southern Comfort Side Dish That Steals the Show
Cheesy Tennessee Onions are one of those humble, old-school Southern recipes that surprise everyone at the table. Made with sweet onions baked in butter, cheese, and simple seasonings, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into a rich, melty, irresistible side. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats, holiday roasts, or even as a cozy stand-alone comfort dish.
This recipe is all about sweet onions, gooey cheese, and slow baking—no fancy techniques, just pure flavor.
What Makes Cheesy Tennessee Onions Special?
Unlike caramelized onions that cook on the stovetop, Tennessee onions are baked. This allows the onions to soften gently while absorbing butter and seasonings, creating a tender texture with a lightly sweet flavor. The cheese melts on top, forming a golden, bubbly crust that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet onions (Vidalia-style work best)
- Unsalted butter
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Simple ingredients—but together, they create something magical.
Step-by-Step Method to Make Cheesy Tennessee Onions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This moderate temperature allows the onions to soften without burning while the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 2: Slice the Onions
Peel the sweet onions and slice them into ÂĽ-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices even so they cook uniformly. Separate the rings slightly to ensure they bake evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Generously butter a baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds richness to the onions as they bake.
Step 4: Layer the Onions
Arrange the onion slices in the baking dish, spreading them out evenly. It’s okay if they overlap slightly—this helps trap moisture and flavor.









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