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Cheesy Tennessee Onion Bake Recipe

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4.4 from 69 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked onion dish featuring sweet onions layered with a flavorful blend of dried herbs and spices, topped with melted butter and a rich combination of Cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses. Baked until soft and golden, this recipe makes for a delightful side dish perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 2 1/2 lb. sweet onions (about 3 large onions), sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and separated into rings

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Dairy & Fats

  • 1/4 cup salted butter, cut into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
  • 4 oz. mild Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 4 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

Other

  • Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the onions don’t stick during baking.
  2. Season the onions: In a large mixing bowl, place the sliced onion rings. Sprinkle evenly with dried thyme, dried parsley flakes, garlic salt, dried oregano, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Gently toss everything together so the onion rings are well-coated with the seasoning blend.
  3. Add to baking dish: Transfer the seasoned onions to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly for uniform cooking.
  4. Add toppings and bake: Dot the onions evenly with pieces of salted butter, then sprinkle the shredded mild Cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the sides of the dish are bubbly.
  5. Finish baking: Carefully remove the foil and continue baking at 350°F for an additional 30 minutes. This step allows the top layer of cheese to melt fully and become golden and slightly crisp, creating a delicious crust on the dish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can caramelize the onions in a skillet before baking, but it’s not necessary.
  • Use a mix of cheeses or substitute with your favorites, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add a little more cayenne pepper.
  • Make sure to cover with foil during the initial baking to keep the onions moist and tender.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to allow it to set.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian