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Tennessee Onions

Southern cuisine is famous for its hearty, flavorful dishes, and Tennessee Onions are no exception. This recipe elevates the simple onion into a savory, cheesy side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Onions Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about 1/2 inch thick. Gently separate the rings and arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish.
  3. Sauté the Onions (Optional) Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion rings and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become slightly translucent and light golden. Remove the onions from the skillet and arrange them in the baking dish.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Topping In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add sour cream (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the Topping Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the onion slices, ensuring they are well-covered for maximum flavor. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the cheese topping (if using).
  6. Bake the Onions Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until the onions are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
  7. Garnish If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  8. Serve and Enjoy Serve these cheesy Tennessee Onions hot as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon bits on top of the cheesy mixture before baking for extra flavor.
  • Herb Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives into the cheese mixture for a fresh twist.
  • Spicy Version: For a little heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the cheese mix.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Find it online: https://ketogoodeats.com/tennessee-onions/