TENNESSEE ONIONS 🧅🧀
This Tennessee Onions recipe is a simple yet indulgent side dish that transforms sweet onions into a cheesy, buttery, and crispy delight. Perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or even a cozy night in, these baked onions are sure to become a family favorite. With layers of melted cheddar cheese, crunchy breadcrumbs, and caramelized onion goodness, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy & Crunchy : The combination of gooey cheddar cheese and crispy breadcrumbs creates irresistible texture.
- Sweet & Savory : Sweet onions balance perfectly with the rich, savory toppings.
- Easy to Make : Minimal prep and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
- Versatile : Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for burgers and sandwiches.
- Crowd-Pleasing : A guaranteed hit at gatherings, holidays, or family meals.
Ingredients
(Serves 4–6)
- 2 large sweet onions , sliced into rings 🧅
- 2 tablespoons butter , melted 🧈
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs ) 🍞
- Salt and pepper , to taste 🧂⚫
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Arrange the Onion Rings
- Slice the sweet onions into thick rings (about 1/4-inch thick).
- Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onion rings, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the onions, covering them completely.
- Top with breadcrumbs , spreading them out for an even layer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes , or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Tip : For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish, appetizer, or topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh sweet onions and high-quality cheddar cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Add Herbs or Spices : Stir dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or paprika into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Make It Extra Cheesy : Mix in Parmesan cheese with the cheddar for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days . Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 1 month . Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Perfect Pairings
This Tennessee Onions dish pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled Meats : Serve alongside steaks, burgers, or grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
- Roasted Vegetables : Pair with roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate.
- Burgers and Sandwiches : Use as a topping for burgers or sandwiches for added flavor and texture.
- Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold beer for refreshment.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
(Based on 6 servings)
- Calories : ~180 kcal
- Protein : ~6g
- Carbohydrates : ~15g
- Fat : ~12g
- Fiber : ~2g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Tennessee Onions recipe is a simple, flavorful, and indulgent dish that elevates humble onions into a show-stopping side. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion, a casual dinner, or just because, this dish delivers on taste and texture. The combination of sweet onions, gooey cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying.
The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the seasonings, add mix-ins, or pair it with different proteins to make it your own. So grab your sweet onions, melt that butter, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.
