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Tennessee Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 93 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a savory baked dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions layered and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, topped with a rich mixture of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. The onions are baked until tender and then broiled to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust, making for a flavorful and comforting side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Preparation

  • Cooking spray
  • 2 1/2 lb. sweet Vidalia onions (3 large or 4 medium), peeled

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Additional Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13” x 9” baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice Onions into Rings: Place an onion on its side on a cutting board. Cut vertically into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, then separate rounds into individual rings. Restack the rings in order from largest to smallest to mimic the original onion shape. Repeat to create 4 stacked onion piles in the baking dish.
  3. Mix Seasonings and Cheese: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, dry mustard, garlic powder, seasoned salt, dried oregano, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and freshly ground black pepper. In a medium bowl, toss together mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
  4. Season and Prepare for Baking: Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the onion stacks and gently toss them to coat thoroughly. Dot the onions with cubes of unsalted butter. Pour low-sodium vegetable broth into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake Onions: Bake the covered onions for 75 to 90 minutes at 350°F until the onions are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork or metal cake tester.
  6. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the onions. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbling around the edges.
  7. Broil for Finishing Touch: Turn on the oven broiler. Place the baking dish under the broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the cheese is browned in spots. Remove from oven and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use sweet Vidalia onions for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
  • Ensure foil is tightly sealed to trap steam for tender onions.
  • Watch closely during broiling as cheese can brown quickly and burn.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian side.
  • For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper slightly.

Keywords: baked onions, Tennessee onions, cheese baked onions, Vidalia onion recipe, southern side dish, cheesy onions

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/tennessee-onions-recipe/