Tennessee Onions is one of my family’s favorite side dishes. This simple side features sweet onions and plenty of cheese. It’s an easy side dish that pairs so well with so many different dishes, and once you get a taste, I’m sure you’ll also be a fan of this Southern side!

9x13 pan of Tennessee Onion

I discovered Tennessee Onions years ago, and I’ve been making them ever since. Like most Southern dishes, there are a million ways to make these onions, but this simple preparation is my favorite. 

Tennessee Onions

This dish is made in a 9×13-inch baking dish, and onions are the star of the show. You’ll want to use sweet Vidalia onions, but any other sweet onion will do. The onions are sliced, seasoned, and topped with cheese before baking until tender and delicious.

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an onion sandwich

I love these onions as a side dish, but they’re equally amazing piled high inside a grilled cheese sandwich. I’ve also chopped them up and added them to burgers and hot dogs, and they’re amazing on pizzas.

No matter how you eat them, I know you’ll love this easy onion side dish as much as I do! 

a bite of onion sandwich

Why I love this recipe

  • It’s a deliciously different side dish. It’s creamy and cheesy, and the onions are sweet and tender.
  • I love that I can prep this dish ahead so it’s ready to pop into the oven.
  • It serves about 10, so it’s great for potlucks or whenever you need to feed a crowd. But you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish.
ingredients to make Tennessee Onions

Gather these ingredients

  • Vidalia sweet onions – You’ll need 3-4 large sweet onions.
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Dry mustard
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Mozzarella cheese – Shredded.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese – Shredded.
  • Parmesan cheese – Finely shredded.
ading butter to onions before baking

How to make the best Tennessee Onions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350-F, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. Clean and peel the sweet onions and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds.
  3. Separate the onion rings so that 2-3 rings are attached. The onions won’t cook if you leave them all nested.
  4. Spread the onion ring evenly in a baking dish.
  5. Combine the onion rings with salt, garlic powder, oregano, dried mustard, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the onions.
  6. Cut the butter into 8 smaller knobs. Add the knobs evenly over the onion rings.
  7. Sprinkle the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the rings, then finish with the shredded Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
  9. Serve them hot, and enjoy!
how to make Tennessee Onions

Tips & substitutions

  • Vidalia onions are my favorite in this recipe, but any sweet onion will do. Try it with Walla Walla, Maui, or Texas sweet onions. Spanish onions have a bit more bite to them but are also a great pick. 
  • Use good quality cheese for this recipe, especially the Parmesan. 
  • Tennessee Onions are great piping hot, but they’re equally delicious at room temperature.
how to at Tennessee Onions

Serving suggestions

Tennessee Onions go so well with so many dishes! I love them with a delicious pot roast or fresh seafood. They’re also amazing as a topping for your next burger bar or board or served warm with grilled skewers. 

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serving buttery cheesy onions

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

baked Tennessee Onions

Check out these awesome onion recipes while you’re here

9x13 pan of Tennessee Onion
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Tennessee Onions 

With a mild and sweet onion flavor and piles of ooey gooey cheese, Tennessee Onions is an easy side dish that’s perfect with so many dishes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 10
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Ingredients
 

  • 3-4 large Vidalia sweet onions, or any sweet onions
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt, adjust according to preference
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions. Slice them into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick.
  • Separate each onion ring into thirds so they cook evenly. Don’t leave them nested. (You don’t need to completely separate, it’s okay if 2 or 3 are attached.)
  • Spread the onions  evenly in the baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, add the salt, garlic powder, oregano, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Whisk together.
  • Sprinkle the onions with the mixed seasonings.
  • Cut the butter into eight pats. Add these butter pats evenly across the seasoned onion rings.
  • Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the onion rings. Finish with a final topping of shredded Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
  • Serve right out of the oven, nice and hot, but still good if you serve warm.
  • Makes a great potluck dish, or serve on burgers, hot dogs, with meat, on a grilled cheese sandwich, or on pizza
Cuisine: American
Course: condiment
Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer
Calories: 173kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 36mg, Sodium: 385mg, Potassium: 148mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 391IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 219mg, Iron: 0.4mg
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baked onions in 9x13