Tennessee Onions
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Tennessee Onions are one of those dishes that can light up a gathering and make even a simple backyard dinner feel special. There's just something about the combination of sweet, caramelized onions and gooey cheese that draws everyone in, right? I remember the first time I tried this dish; I was blown away by how easy it was to make and how quickly it disappeared – trust me, these are a crowd-pleaser!
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If you're looking for a side dish that packs a punch of flavor without a lot of fuss, you're in the right place. The beauty of Tennessee Onions lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and comforting.
Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion – whether it's a family dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor combination is unbeatable. You’ve got the sweetness of the onions, the savory notes from the seasoning, and of course, that cheesy goodness melting all together. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds!
Honestly, I can't help but get excited when I see that golden, bubbly cheese on top. It’s a beautiful sight!
Another great thing? This recipe is super straightforward. You don’t need to be a master chef to pull it off.
Just slice the onions, layer everything in a dish, and let the oven do its magic. It’s so simple that you’ll find yourself making it again and again – I know I do!
And let’s not forget about versatility. You can adjust the cheese to your liking or even throw in some spices to kick it up a notch. It’s all about making it your own, and I love that freedom in cooking.
Ingredients & Tools You'll Need
You'll need four to six medium to large yellow onions for this dish. I prefer yellow onions because they have the perfect sweetness when cooked. Next up, we have some all-purpose seasoning – a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic – to add that essential flavor kick.
I usually go heavy on the seasoning since it really brings out the onion's natural sweetness.
We also have oregano, which adds a nice herbal note, and unsalted butter, because who doesn’t love a little richness? Now, let’s talk cheese. You’ll need a cup each of finely shredded cheddar and mozzarella, plus half a cup of grated Parmesan.
Trust me, the cheese is where the magic happens!
Lastly, grab yourself a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. This will be the vessel for all that deliciousness, so make sure it’s ready to go.
How To Make It
Making Tennessee Onions is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. It’s all about prepping those onions and layering everything just right. We’ll start with preparation and then get into the cooking process, so grab your ingredients and let’s get to it!
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that’s heating up, remove the skins from your onions and slice them into rings about a quarter-inch thick. Keep those rings intact; they look so lovely when they’re layered in the dish.
Next, arrange those onion rings evenly in your greased casserole dish. This is where you want to make sure they’re nicely packed but not squished together. Then, sprinkle your all-purpose seasoning and oregano evenly over the onions.
Now, cut your butter into small pats and distribute them across the top of the onions – this will help them get all nice and caramelized while baking. Finally, it’s time to load up the cheese. Sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan all over the top.
You want a good, even layer so that every bite is cheesy goodness.
Cooking
Now that everything’s prepped, it’s time to pop that casserole dish into the oven. Bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes, but keep an eye on it. You’ll know it's ready when the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the onions are tender.
The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone’s mouth watering – it’s one of the best parts!
Once you pull it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This might be the hardest part because I promise you’ll want to dive right in. The cheese will be bubbling, and the onions will be perfectly tender with that sweet, caramelized flavor.
Serving & Variations
When it comes to serving Tennessee Onions, the options are endless. They make a fantastic side for grilled meats or a creamy pasta dish. You can even enjoy them with a simple salad for a lighter meal.
Feel free to get creative! Want a little heat? Add some chili flakes or jalapeños to the seasoning mix.
If you’re a fan of herbs, try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the cheeses for your favorites – gouda or pepper jack would be amazing too!
As for leftovers, good luck! But if you happen to have any, they store well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave until warm, and they’ll still taste delicious.
Wrapping Up
I hope you give Tennessee Onions a try – I promise you won't regret it. Whether you're hosting friends or just treating yourself, this dish is bound to impress. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t stress about it.
Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a winner on your hands.
Recipe created by Cookin’ with Babe for Trust Me Try It.
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Ingredients
- 4-6 medium to large yellow onions
- 1 tbsp. all-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic)
- 1 tsp. Oregano
- 4 tbsps. unsalted butter
- 1 cup finely shred cheddar
- 1 cup finely shred mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Remove the skins from the onions and slice them into approximately 1/4-inch-thick rings, keeping the rings intact.
- Arrange the onion rings evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the onions.
- Cut the butter into small pats and distribute them across the top.
- Finish by sprinkling all three cheeses evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
