Oh, friends… this one is pure gold! Thank you for stopping by, because you’re about to discover a recipe that might just steal the spotlight at your next gathering. You know onion rings—crispy, indulgent, and a little messy? Well, imagine them upgraded into a cozy baked casserole, blanketed in butter, creaminess, and melty cheese. That’s Tennessee Onions—comfort food at its finest.
The first time I made these, the smell alone had my family hovering in the kitchen—sweet onions caramelizing under cheese, garlic, and butter. And when I pulled them from the oven? Golden, bubbling, and absolutely irresistible. I’m still kicking myself for not grabbing more photos of that cheesy crust!
Before we dive in, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss recipes like this—I promise, once you try Tennessee Onions, you’ll be back for the next one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Way better than onion rings – no deep fryer, just creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff – pantry staples transform into a showstopper.
- Crowd-pleasing – perfect for BBQs, potlucks, holidays, or Sunday dinner.
- Customizable – add crunch, spice, or even bacon for extra indulgence.
What Do Tennessee Onions Taste Like?
Think of French onion soup meets cheesy casserole. The onions bake until tender and mellow, losing their sharp bite and turning sweet. Butter seeps through every layer, while cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan melt together into a rich, creamy topping. Add garlic, paprika, and thyme, and you’ve got depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for “just one more bite.”
Benefits of This Recipe
- Comfort food without frying.
- Feeds a crowd effortlessly.
- Make-ahead friendly—bake and reheat without losing flavor.
- Budget-friendly—a big dish with inexpensive ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Texas Sweet are perfect)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced into thin pats
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tennessee Onions
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife for slicing onions
- mixing bowl & spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Texas Sweet)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice sweet onions into 1/4-inch rings and separate them.
- Spread the onion slices evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Dot the onions with slices of butter.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Spoon the mixture evenly over onions. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife for slicing onions
- Mixing bowl & spoon
- Oven
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- For crunch: Add ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko on top.
- For spice: Stir in cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- For indulgence: Sprinkle on crumbled bacon before serving.
- Cheese swaps: Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Gruyère for unique flavor twists.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the onions – Slice sweet onions into ¼-inch rings and separate them.
- Layer the onions – Spread them evenly in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Add butter – Dot with slices of butter so it melts down into the onions.
- Mix the topping – In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, cheeses, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Spread & bake – Spoon the mixture over onions, spreading evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Finish & serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving warm.
What to Serve With Tennessee Onions
- With grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops.
- Alongside BBQ favorites—ribs, pulled pork, or burgers.
- As part of a holiday table with turkey or roast beef.
- Even with fresh bread or crackers as a gooey, savory dip!
Tips for Success
- Use Vidalia onions for the sweetest flavor.
- Slice onions evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- Bake uncovered—this ensures the topping turns golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets slightly.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for best results (the microwave works too, but the topping won’t stay crisp).
- Freezer: Not recommended, as onions and cheese may separate after thawing.
FAQ
Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving.
Can I lighten this recipe?
Try using light mayo and reducing the cheese slightly—but fair warning, the richness is part of the magic!
Do I need sweet onions?
Yes, they’re the star! Regular yellow onions will be sharper and less mellow.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee Onions are proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients deliver the biggest comfort. They’re creamy, cheesy, buttery, and a guaranteed hit at any table. Honestly? They might just outshine the main dish!
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- French Onion Soup Casserole
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms
Let’s Connect!
If you try this recipe, drop a review below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! And if you share on Pinterest, tag me so I can see your bubbling, cheesy creations.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 11g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
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