Tennessee Onions Recipe: A Southern Classic

These delicious Tennessee onions are tender, sweet onions topped with a savory blend of three melted cheeses and aromatic spices, baked until bubbly and golden. You can serve them as a flavorful side dish for barbecues, family dinners, or potlucks. This Southern classic recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it a sure crowd-pleaser every single time!

Why I Love This Tennessee Onions Recipe

I first experienced the magic of Tennessee onions at a barbecue festival outside of Nashville. I had never heard of them before, but they sounded delicious, so I had to try them. One taste, and I was hooked!

As soon as I got home from my trip, I immediately started experimenting in my kitchen, tweaking the combination of cheeses and spices. I finally got the recipe just right!

This easy Tennessee onions recipe has a blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and nutty parmesan. This baked onion dish consistently earns rave reviews from family and friends. Trust me—once you taste these cheesy baked onions, you'll crave them regularly! 

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's everything you need to prepare these savory baked Tennessee onions:

• 4 sweet onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 4 tablespoons butter, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Tennessee Onions In a Few Easy Steps

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange Onions

Slice the sweet onions into ¼-inch thick rounds, separate them into rings, and spread evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Season the Onions

Sprinkle the onions evenly with salt, garlic powder, and dried oregano to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.

Step 4: Add Butter and Cheese

Distribute thin slices of butter evenly over the seasoned onions.

Then, top generously with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until onions become tender and the cheese topping is bubbly, golden, and perfectly melted. Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Tennessee Onions

• Use Sweet Onions: Sweet onions provide the best flavor, becoming tender and mellow when baked.
• Thin Onion Slices: Slicing onions evenly ensures consistent cooking and a perfectly tender result.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese: Grate your cheeses fresh rather than using pre-shredded for optimal melt and taste.
• Even Distribution: Spread butter and cheese evenly to ensure a flavorful bite every time.
• Serving Suggestions: These Tennessee onions pair perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or alongside classic Southern barbecue dishes.

FAQs About This Tennessee Onions Recipe

Can I make Tennessee onions ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish completely (except baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh right before serving for the best texture and taste.

What onions are best for Tennessee onions?

Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions are ideal due to their mild flavor and sweetness. Regular yellow onions can also work, but they may taste slightly sharper.

How do I store leftover Tennessee onions?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.

Can I freeze Tennessee onions?

While you technically can freeze them, the texture might be compromised, becoming slightly watery upon reheating. They're best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Can I add other seasonings or cheeses?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme. Other cheeses such as gouda or Swiss also make delicious substitutions or additions.

My Final Thoughts on This Tennessee Onions Recipe

These baked Tennessee onions are a deliciously cheesy, savory side dish that instantly elevates any meal. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, they're perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply jazzing up weeknight dinners. Give this Southern favorite a try—you’ll see why it's loved by everyone who tastes it!

More Onion Recipes to Try Next

Enjoyed these Tennessee onions? Check out these other delicious onion recipes:

• Onion casserole
• French onion chicken casserole
• French onion pasta
• Onion boil