Name: Tennessee Onions Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3–4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into thick rings; 4 tablespoons butter, cut into thin pats; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix); Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Tennessee onions bake is a Southern-inspired side dish that transforms simple onions into something rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. With layers of sweet onion slices smothered in melted cheese and seasoned butter, it’s the kind of comfort food I love serving alongside grilled meats, burgers, or even as a main with crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly easy and satisfying this dish is to make. It uses just a handful of ingredients, but the flavor is big—thanks to the natural sweetness of the onions and the savory punch of the cheese and spices. It’s budget-friendly, always a hit at gatherings, and I can throw it together in minutes before baking. The onions become tender and caramelized, while the cheese gets golden and bubbly on top. Tennessee Onions Bake

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced
Butter
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Optional: grated Parmesan for extra flavor

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
I slice the onions into thick rounds and separate them into rings.
I spread the onion rings evenly across the bottom of the dish.
I sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the onions.
I slice butter into thin pats and place them on top of the seasoned onions.
I generously top the whole thing with shredded cheese—sometimes I use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect melt.
I bake uncovered for about 30–40 minutes, until the onions are soft and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
I let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and the cheese sets slightly.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 as a side dish. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 35–40 minutes to bake, so I can have it on the table in under an hour.

Variations

I sometimes add a splash of cream or broth before baking for extra richness.
For a spicy kick, I sprinkle red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
If I want a heartier dish, I add sausage crumbles on top before baking.
I’ve made it with a mix of red and yellow onions for color and variety.
Swapping in smoked gouda or gruyere gives it a more gourmet twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through—it helps keep the top cheesy and crisp. The microwave works too, but it can soften the topping a bit. Tennessee Onions Bake

FAQs

What kind of onions work best?

I prefer sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for their mellow flavor, but yellow onions work well too if I want a slightly sharper taste.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble the dish and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready, I just bake it as usual—adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as long as I use vegetarian-friendly cheeses and seasonings, it’s a great meatless side dish.

Can I freeze Tennessee onions?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as onions and cheese tend to get watery and lose texture after thawing.

What do I serve with this dish?

I usually pair it with grilled steak, chicken, burgers, or even serve it with bread as a main for a cozy, cheesy meal.

Conclusion

Tennessee onions bake is one of those hidden gem recipes that delivers big comfort with minimal effort. It turns everyday ingredients into a cheesy, melty, crave-worthy dish that always disappears fast. Whether I’m hosting a cookout or just want something hearty and satisfying, this dish is always a winner in my kitchen.