Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Style (Better Than Onion Rings) Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Style is a delightful twist on traditional onion rings, featuring layers of sweet onions baked under a rich blend of melted cheeses. This comforting dish offers a gooey, savory treat that’s perfect as a side or appetizer.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Step 2: Separate sliced sweet onions into individual rings.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the onion rings with this seasoned butter until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the buttered onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mixed cheese over the onions.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining seasoned onion rings, then cover with the rest of the cheese mixture.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy this cheesy twist on Tennessee Onions!

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoned butter mixture.
• Try using smoked cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Serve with a side of ranch dressing or spicy aioli for dipping.
• Make sure to slice the onions evenly to ensure uniform cooking and melting.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the cheese’s gooey texture and warm the onions evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui, but Vidalia onions offer the best balance of sweetness and texture for this dish.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the onions and cheese layers in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Style (Better Than Onion Rings) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 365 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious and cheesy baked twist on traditional onion rings, these Tennessee Onions feature sweet onions layered with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and butter, then baked until golden, bubbly, and tender.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings

Cheese Mixture

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoned Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Onion Rings: Separate the sliced sweet onions into individual rings to ensure even cooking and layering.
3. Make Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the onion rings in this mixture thoroughly to coat them evenly.
4. Mix Cheeses: In a separate bowl, mix together shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
5. Layer First Half: Spread half of the seasoned onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over these onions to start building layers.
6. Layer Second Half: Add the remaining buttered onion rings on top, then cover completely with the remaining cheese mixture for a cheesy crust.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Serve hot as a delicious cheesy side or snack.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Ensure onions are separated completely to help them cook evenly and absorb the seasoned butter.
• Feel free to substitute or add other cheeses based on preference, such as mozzarella for extra meltiness.
• Serve as a side dish or a comforting snack alternative to traditional fried onion rings.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onion rings, cheesy onions, sweet onions, cheese baked onions, side dish, comfort food