Tennessee Onions Cheesy Baked

There is something magical about transforming simple onions into a bubbling casserole dish with a blanket of golden cheese This is the kind of Southern side that everyone talks about after Sunday supper and nobody will guess just how easy it is Tennessee onions have everything people love about onion rings but are even richer toastier and cozier I make this whenever I want a cheesy easy side that disappears from the table in minutes

I first made this for a backyard barbecue and people chose this over the steaks and burgers I have been begged for the recipe so many times it is now my signature contribution

Ingredients

• Sweet onions: sliced thick for natural sweetness and tender texture choose firm onions with shiny skin
• Butter: for richness and to help caramelize the onions go for a good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor
• Italian seasoning: adds savory herbal notes aim for a blend with plenty of oregano and thyme
• Salt and pepper: brings out the flavors always taste and season as you go
• Shredded mozzarella: melts smoothly for that cheesy pull choose a whole milk version for creaminess
• Provolone cheese: sliced for gooeyness with a little tang deli provolone melts beautifully
• Grated Parmesan: finishes the dish with a salty nutty topping freshly grated is best for flavor and melt
• Quality fresh cheese and sweet onions: are key here for the most luscious bite

Instructions

Prep the dish:

Lightly butter your baking dish so nothing sticks and so the edges crisp up just right

Slice and arrange the onions:

Cut onions into thick rounds about half an inch and gently separate the rings Arrange them in a single layer in your dish Be sure every ring gets a little space and sits flat

Season and dot with butter:

Dust the onion layer with salt pepper and Italian seasoning Scatter the butter pats evenly so the flavor soaks into each bite

Add cheese layers:

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella on the onions Lay provolone slices so most of the onions get covered Finish with a light blanket of grated Parmesan for that savory golden crust

Bake:

Slide the dish into a preheated 375 degree oven and bake uncovered Let it bubble for around thirty minutes Watch for the cheese to turn attractively golden and bubbly for the perfect finish

Broil for a golden top:

For a little extra crisp and color pop the dish under a hot broiler for one to two minutes Keep a close eye as cheese can brown fast

Rest and serve:

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before scooping into it so the cheese can set a bit and the juices settle This makes serving neater and ensures perfect flavor in every bite

My favorite part is always the crispy edges of provolone at the side of the dish At our last family reunion three generations went back for extra helpings I have never seen leftovers last more than an hour

Storage Tips

Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The cheese layers will solidify so a quick reheat in a hot oven brings back the original lusciousness For best results cover loosely with foil and warm at 350 degrees until the cheese is soft again

Ingredient Substitutions

No sweet onions Try any yellow onion or even red for a punchier flavor For cheese lovers swap in fontina or Monterey Jack for mozzarella or go sharp with a sprinkle of cheddar If you need to make it dairy free a plant based butter and almond or soy cheese will also work though the melt may differ

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tennessee onions next to grilled chicken smoky sausages or barbecued ribs For a vegetarian feast pair with baked potatoes or spoon onto crusty bread as a decadent open faced sandwich These onions also shine on holiday tables with roast turkey or ham

Cultural and Historical Context

This Southern specialty is rooted in the tradition of making the most of humble ingredients Sweet onion casseroles show up at community gatherings church potlucks and family reunions all across Tennessee They are the sort of dish grandmothers pass down spiced up with whatever cheese or seasoning is on hand

Seasonal Adaptations

In the summer add thin sliced tomatoes or fresh basil for a burst of freshness Try thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a wintery flavor A few rings of bell pepper can add color and a touch of sweetness if onions are extra strong Helpful notes If you use Vidalia onions slice them last to keep their juices sweet The dish will be saucy right out of the oven but sets with a quick rest Melt cheese gently for best texture

Success Stories

Once I brought this dish to a Friendsgiving where nobody knew what to expect Most people took a polite scoop but ended up fighting for every last spoonful The recipe card was passed around a dozen times and now my mailbox fills with thank you notes whenever I bring this to new gatherings

Freezer Meal Conversion

Bake and cool the dish fully then wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven covered until hot This makes a good option for holiday prep or busy weeks If making fresh cheese on top just before reheating brings back the bubbly top

My daughters love scraping the crusty cheese from the corners and you might find it is the best part too

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of onions?

Absolutely. While Vidalia or yellow onions offer the best sweetness, white onions can also work. Taste will be slightly stronger if substituting.

→ Do I need all three cheeses?

The combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan creates rich flavor, but you can substitute with similar cheeses if needed.

→ How can I make the topping more crispy?

Broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn't burn.

→ Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

You can assemble the onion layers and cheeses earlier in the day. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ What should I serve alongside?

This onion dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, burgers, or as part of a holiday spread.