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Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe

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4.4 from 60 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy baked side dish featuring thickly sliced sweet onions layered with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. This easy recipe results in a rich, melty, and golden dish that outshines traditional onion rings, perfect as a comforting accompaniment for dinner.

Ingredients

Onions and Seasoning

  • 4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses and Butter

  • 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
  2. Arrange onions: Place the ½ inch thick onion slices in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
  3. Season and butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onions, then dot the slices with small pats of butter for flavor and moisture.
  4. Add cheeses: First, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the onions, next layer provolone cheese slices evenly, and finish by topping with grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, savory crust.
  5. Bake: Bake the dish uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the onions are tender.
  6. Optional broil: For extra crispiness, broil the onions for an additional 2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the baked onions rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easier portioning.

Notes

  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow for the best natural sweetness and mild flavor.
  • Butter the baking dish well to prevent sticking and add richness; you can substitute with olive oil for a dairy alternative.
  • Feel free to adjust the blend of cheeses to suit taste or use all mozzarella for a milder flavor.
  • Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy top layer; closely monitor to prevent burning.
  • Serve as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats for a comforting meal.

Find it online: https://piesbyolivia.com/tennessee-onions-the-cheesy-baked-side-dish-better-than-onion-rings-recipe/