TENNESSEE ONIONS — Southern Soul in Every Bite
Tender caramelized sweet onions baked in butter and melty cheese until golden, creamy, and irresistible.
Serves
6–8 people (perfect side dish)
Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 1½–2 hours
Total: About 2 hours
INGREDIENTS
3–4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), peeled and sliced into thick rings (½-inch)
1 cup shredded cheese, or more if desired
Best combo: ½ cup Swiss + ½ cup sharp cheddar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional but recommended)
¾ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for warmth)
1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or parsley, finely chopped
(or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
Cooking spray or butter for greasing dish
INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter
2️⃣ Layer the Onions
Separate onion slices into rings
Spread them evenly in the baking dish, slightly overlapping
Keep layers loose — this helps them soften beautifully
3️⃣ Season & Butter
Sprinkle evenly with:
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (if using)
Slowly drizzle the melted butter over all the onions, making sure they’re well coated
4️⃣ Cheese & Herbs
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top
Finish with fresh thyme or parsley
5️⃣ Bake Low & Slow (KEY STEP)
Cover tightly with foil
Bake for 1 hour
Remove foil and bake 30–45 minutes more, until:
Onions are very tender
Top is golden, bubbly, and lightly caramelized
For extra browning: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch closely!)
HOW IT SHOULD TURN OUT
Onions: melt-in-your-mouth soft
Sauce: buttery, slightly creamy from cheese
Top: golden, cheesy crust
Flavor: sweet, savory, deeply comforting
SERVING IDEAS
Serve warm as:
A side for steak, roast chicken, or pork
Topped on burgers or sandwiches
Spoon over mashed potatoes
Alongside cornbread or biscuits
Straight from the dish (no judgment )
EASY VARIATIONS
Extra Creamy
Add ¼ cup heavy cream before baking
Cheesy Deluxe
Mix in mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey Jack
Herb Garden
Add rosemary or sage for deeper flavor
Southern Kick
Sprinkle crushed red pepper or Cajun seasoning
Low-Carb Friendly
Perfect as-is for keto-style meals
WHY THIS DISH IS A SOUTHERN CLASSIC
Simple pantry ingredients
Slow-baked comfort
Sweet onions transform into pure magic
Feels humble, tastes luxurious
