If you ever thought onions were just a humble sidekick in the kitchen, wait until you try this Tennessee Onions Recipe. This comforting casserole elevates sweet Vidalia onions to star status, blending layers of smoky spices and a luscious trio of cheeses that melt into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re welcoming guests or craving a cozy family meal, this dish is a flavorful celebration of Southern charm that oozes warmth in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Tennessee Onions Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each carefully chosen ingredient plays an important role in creating a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this casserole truly unforgettable.
- Cooking spray: Ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and helps achieve a gorgeous crust.
- 3 pounds Vidalia or sweet onions: These onions bring a natural sweetness and tender texture when baked.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the onions’ flavor and draws out their natural juices.
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle tangy kick that complements the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky, earthy nuance that is signature to this recipe.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat to balance the sweet and smoky flavors.
- 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides creamy richness with a mellow cheese flavor.
- 4 ounces smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings a slightly smoky and luxurious texture.
- 1 1/4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that crowns the casserole beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced: Melts into pockets of velvety indulgence throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional): A fresh, green garnish to brighten and balance the casserole.
How to Make Tennessee Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Onions
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and giving your baking dish a good spray with cooking spray so nothing sticks. Then, take those beautiful sweet Vidalia onions and slice them crosswise into quarter-inch thick rings. Toss them in a large bowl along with kosher salt, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a hint of spice. This seasoning mix is the secret behind the deep, smoky-sweet flavor that makes the Tennessee Onions Recipe so irresistible.
Step 2: Layer the First Half of Onions and Cheese
Lay half of your onion rings in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle half of your shredded mild cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses evenly over the onions. These cheeses won’t just add richness, but also help bind the layers together for that satisfying casserole feel.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Layers and Butter
Top the cheese layer with the rest of the onions, creating another even layer, then sprinkle the remaining halves of mild cheddar and smoked Gouda on top. Follow this with a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, which will brown delightfully in the oven. Finally, scatter the diced butter pieces over the top. As it melts, this butter infuses the dish with buttery goodness, making each bite simply divine.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Baking covered allows the onions to steam gently and soften while the cheese melts into a bubbling delight. After about 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes to let the cheese brown and bubble, creating enticing golden spots on top that will have you grabbing your fork straight from the oven.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley leaves is a simple but elegant touch that brightens the casserole with a fresh herbal note and vibrant splash of green. It’s the perfect finishing touch after all that gooey, rich cheese.
Side Dishes
Tennessee Onions Recipe is so flavorful it can hold its own as a side, but pairing it with grilled meats like pork chops or smoked sausages truly brings out the Southern inspiration. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this casserole family-style in a beautiful baking dish right from the oven, or spoon it into individual ramekins for charming personal portions. You can also layer it over toasted baguette slices for a decadent appetizer or use it as a savory topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which may be rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep their flavor and texture well for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy Tennessee Onions Recipe again for a quick side or snack.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per the original instructions.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350ºF oven. Cover with foil to keep the onions moist and bake for about 15-20 minutes, removing the foil in the last 5 minutes for a bubbly, crispy top. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions besides Vidalia?
Definitely! While Vidalia onions are preferred for their natural sweetness, you can substitute other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui. Avoid very sharp onions like yellow or white because they will alter the intended mild, sweet flavor of the dish.
Is the cayenne pepper necessary?
Cayenne pepper is optional and adds just a mild background heat to balance the sweetness and smokiness. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a completely mild casserole or adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
Which cheese combination works best?
The classic Tennessee Onions Recipe calls for mild cheddar and smoked Gouda for a luscious and smoky flavor profile. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Fontina, but keep a balance of mild and smoky for authentic taste.
Can this dish be made vegan or dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives and use a plant-based butter substitute. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift, but you’ll still enjoy a delicious onion casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll want to bake until the onions soften completely, the casserole bubbles along the edges, and the cheese melts and browns in spots on top. This usually takes about 75 minutes total with the cover on for the first 45 minutes and uncovered for the last 30.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that embodies Southern comfort with layers of sweet, smoky, and cheesy goodness, the Tennessee Onions Recipe should be your next kitchen adventure. It’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I can’t wait for you to make it and fall in love all over again with the humble onion’s big flavor potential.
Print
Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Tennessee Onions is a savory baked onion casserole layered with sweet Vidalia onions and a blend of melted cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan cheeses, all seasoned with a flavorful mix of spices and topped with butter. This comforting side dish combines the natural sweetness of onions with a rich, cheesy crust, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Onions and Seasonings
- 3 pounds Vidalia or sweet onions (about 4 large), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cheeses and Butter
- 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 4 ounces smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
- 1 1/4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/3 cup store-bought grated)
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, diced
Others
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the onions: Separate the sliced Vidalia onions into rings and place them in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, dry mustard powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to evenly coat the onions with the seasoning.
- Layer the first half of onions and cheeses: Spread half of the onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with half of the shredded mild cheddar cheese and half of the shredded smoked Gouda cheese.
- Add the second layer: Arrange the remaining onion rings on top of the first layer. Then sprinkle with the remaining shredded mild cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses followed by an even layer of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add butter and cover: Scatter the diced unsalted butter over the top layer to add richness and help with browning. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the onions are soft and the casserole is bubbling.
- Uncover and brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and has browned spots, creating a delicious crust.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm as a rich, cheesy side dish.
Notes
- Vidalia onions or other sweet onions are recommended for their natural sweetness that balances the spices and cheeses.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Using a mix of mild cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses adds depth of flavor with a balance of creaminess and smokiness.
- Covering the dish during initial baking helps soften the onions; uncovering finishes with a browned cheesy top.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color.
