Description
Looking for a flavorful side dish? Try this delicious Tennessee Onions Recipe today! Discover a new favorite recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large Vidalia or sweet onions (approximately 2–3 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Onions Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel the Vidalia onions and slice them into ¼-inch thick rings or half-moons, depending on your preference. For a more rustic presentation, half-moons work beautifully, while rings create an elegant layered effect. Keep the slices consistent in thickness to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Step 2: Begin Stovetop Cooking In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works perfectly), melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. The combination prevents the butter from burning while adding rich flavor. Once melted, add your sliced onions to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the butter mixture. Sprinkle with half the salt and the sugar to help jumpstart the caramelization process.
- Step 3: Caramelize the Onions Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until they become translucent and begin to turn golden brown. Don’t rush this step – the slow cooking develops the deep, sweet flavors that make Tennessee Onions irresistible. If the onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of water and scrape up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Step 4: Season and Prepare for Baking Once the onions have caramelized, stir in the garlic powder, remaining salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat if your skillet isn’t oven-safe and transfer the onions to a greased baking dish. Otherwise, simply turn off the heat and prepare for the next step.
- Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake Sprinkle the caramelized onions with the cheddar, mozzarella, and half the Parmesan cheese, creating an even layer. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the top for an extra crispy finish. Place in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges.
- Step 6: Finish and Serve Remove your Tennessee Onions from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors. Serve directly from the skillet or baking dish for a rustic presentation that showcases the gorgeous golden crust.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg