Tennessee Onions Recipe: A Pioneer Woman Inspired Cheesy Delight

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Tennessee Onions are a revelation for anyone who thinks onions are just a supporting ingredient. Imagine thick slices of sweet onions, baked to tender perfection in a bath of rich butter, fragrant garlic, and an irresistible blanket of melted cheese. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience. Soft, tender, utterly cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these Tennessee Onions are destined to become a family favorite. Perfect alongside hearty mains like steak, juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or savory pork chops, this recipe elevates any dinner table. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary dish.

Forget relegating onions to just toppings for salads or tucked inside sandwiches. Tennessee Onions take center stage as a star vegetable side dish. While onions themselves are nutritional powerhouses, packed with goodness, the magic truly happens when they meet butter and cheese. This recipe understands that sometimes, indulgence is key to making vegetables incredibly appealing. And trust us, this cheesy onion bake is utterly addictive!

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and impressive, look no further. Tennessee Onions bring a touch of Southern charm to your kitchen, reminiscent of hearty, home-style cooking that everyone loves. It’s a dish that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a slightly indulgent weeknight meal. Get ready to fall in love with onions all over again!

Inspired by classic Southern flavors and the kind of comforting recipes you might find gracing the table of the Pioneer Woman herself, this Tennessee Onions recipe is all about simple ingredients and big taste. It’s a testament to how humble vegetables can be transformed into something truly special with a little butter, cheese, and love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s create some cheesy onion magic!

Dive into Deliciousness: Making Tennessee Onions

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. The beauty of Tennessee Onions lies in its simplicity – just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss deliver maximum flavor. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and how to bring this cheesy onion casserole to life.

Essential Ingredients for Your Tennessee Onions

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable side dish:

Sweet Onions: Vidalia onions are the gold standard for Tennessee Onions due to their exceptional sweetness. However, any sweet onion variety like Walla Walla or Maui onions will work beautifully. Avoid yellow onions, as their sharper flavor isn’t ideal for this recipe.
Butter: Don’t skimp on the butter! Real butter is crucial for the rich flavor and tender texture of the onions. Margarine or oil substitutes simply won’t deliver the same results.
Garlic Powder or Garlic Salt: Garlic adds a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the onions and richness of the cheese. You can use garlic powder for a milder garlic flavor or garlic salt for an extra touch of saltiness.
Dried Oregano: Oregano provides a subtle herbaceous note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Fresh or dried oregano both work well.
Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning is key! Salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors. For a touch of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish. Feel free to experiment with other cheddar varieties as well.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella brings that classic cheesy stretch and mild flavor that blends perfectly with the other cheeses. Italian blend cheese is also a great substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty, and slightly sharp note that rounds out the cheese blend.

**For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Quick Tip: Cheese Variations for Tennessee Onions

While the classic combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is fantastic, don’t hesitate to get creative with your cheese choices! Tennessee Onions are incredibly versatile. Consider swapping in Gouda for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor, Swiss for a mild and creamy melt, Asiago for a sharper, more robust taste, or Monterrey Jack for a smooth and buttery texture. If you have Gouda on hand, a trio of cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan is particularly delicious.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Tennessee Onions

Ready to bake? Follow these simple steps:

Prepare the Onions: Slice your sweet onions into ¼-inch thick slices. Separate the rings and arrange them in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Season the Onions: Sprinkle the onion rings generously with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
Add Butter: Thinly slice the butter and distribute it evenly over the seasoned onions. As the butter melts, it will infuse the onions with incredible flavor and richness.
Layer the Cheese: Evenly layer the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the buttered onions, ensuring every onion slice is generously coated.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the onions are tender.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm and cheesy. These Tennessee Onions are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

Watch the Recipe in Action

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Sweet Onion Spotlight: What Makes Them Special?

Sweet onions are distinct from other onion varieties due to their lower sulfur content. This lower sulfur level is the secret behind their mild flavor and reduced pungency. Because they are less sulfurous, the natural sugars in sweet onions shine through, giving them their signature sweetness.

Another fantastic benefit of sweet onions? They are less likely to make you cry when you cut them! This is a welcome bonus for any home cook.

Popular sweet onion varieties include the renowned Vidalia, the mild Walla Walla, the subtly spicy Texas Sweet, and the delicate Maui Sweet.

Vidalia onions are truly the star choice for Tennessee Onions, their sweetness enhancing the cheesy and buttery flavors perfectly. However, remember that any sweet onion will create a delicious dish.

Vidalia Onion Seasonality: Timing is Everything (Almost!)

Vidalia onions are a seasonal delight, typically harvested and available during the summertime. This is when they are at their peak sweetness and flavor.

However, the beauty of Tennessee Onions is that they are a year-round dish! If Vidalia onions aren’t in season, simply reach for any other sweet onion variety available at your local grocery store. The recipe will still be a success, delivering comforting cheesy onion goodness no matter the season.

Recipe Card: Tennessee Onions – Cheesy Onion Casserole

Tennessee Onions Recipe – Cheesy Onion Casserole

Tennessee onions are thick slices of sweet onions baked in butter, garlic, and loads of melty cheese. The onions are served soft, tender, cheesy, and delicious – a perfect Pioneer Woman style side dish!

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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 229kcal
Author: Katie Crenshaw

Ingredients

4 sweet onions (Vidalia recommended)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried oregano
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Slice sweet onions into ¼ inch thick slices and separate rings. Spread in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle onion rings with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
Thinly slice butter and arrange evenly over the onions.
Evenly layer cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the onions.
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden and onions are tender. Serve hot.

Video

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Recipe Notes

Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute cheeses like Italian blend, Gouda, Swiss, Asiago, or Monterrey Jack for a customized flavor.

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

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