Go Back

Tennessee Onions

A comforting Southern side dish featuring sweet onions and a decadent cheesy sauce, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Comfort Food, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Cheesy Onions, Southern Recipe, Tennessee Onions
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 large large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into 1⁄4-inch thick rings Natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully.
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan mix) Blend that melts into gooey perfection.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds luscious texture and richness.
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, cut into small cubes Enhances flavor and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Wakes up the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Brings out the sweetness of the onions.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds a subtle kick.
  • 0.5 cups crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for a crunchy topping) Add for a delightful texture contrast.
  • to taste Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional) Adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Peel and slice the onions into 1⁄4-inch rings, then arrange them neatly in the baking dish, slightly overlapping.
  • Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the onions, distributing evenly.
  • Pour the heavy cream evenly over the onions and distribute butter cubes across the dish.
  • Top with the shredded cheese.
  • If desired, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese.

Baking

  • Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the onions are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Experiment with different cheeses or add proteins like cooked chicken or sausage for variety. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance flavor.