Sizzling Tennessee Onions Recipe: A Southern Sweet Treat

Southern kitchens buzz with comfort and flavor, where crispy tennessee onions dance on plates with irresistible golden charm.

These delectable rings bring southern hospitality right to your table with a crunch that speaks volumes.

Every bite tells a story of rich culinary tradition and home-style cooking.

Generations have perfected this simple yet magical technique that turns ordinary onions into extraordinary bites.

Salt, pepper, and a special coating create a symphony of textures that’ll make taste buds sing.

Buttermilk and seasoned flour work their magic to deliver restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.

Serve these addictive onion rings alongside your favorite main dish and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Tennessee Onions Recipe

• Yellow Onions: Sweet and mild foundation for the dish, choose firm onions with smooth, papery skin and no soft spots.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without overwhelming the onion's natural flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the natural taste of onions and create balanced flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone that complements the rich cheese and butter.

• Butter: Creates rich, golden crust and adds luxurious moisture to the dish, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy, and nutty layers of melty goodness, select high-quality freshly grated cheeses for best melting.

• Dried Thyme: Brings earthy herbal note that elevates the entire dish, crush between fingers before adding to release more intense aroma.

Best Tools For Tennessee Onions Recipe

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for creating an even layer of onions and ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing onions into even, thin layers.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for melting butter and preparing seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, for freshly grating cheese if not using pre-shredded varieties.
• Aluminum Foil: Needed to cover the dish during initial baking stage.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dishes.

How To Cook Tennessee Onions Recipe

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Create Onion Foundation

Spread those sliced onions across the dish in a beautiful, even blanket that covers every inch.

• Sprinkle Magic Seasonings

Dust your onion layer with a delightful blend of garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a dash of smoky paprika. Drizzle melted butter generously to add rich flavor and moisture.

• Cheese Layer Extravaganza

Shower the onions with a luxurious mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Scatter some dried thyme for an herbal whisper. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the top turns golden and irresistibly bubbly.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let the dish rest for a few minutes to settle its flavors, then serve alongside grilled meats or as a standalone sensation that’ll make taste buds dance.

Fun Add-Ons For Tennessee Onions Recipe

• Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that match your main dish.
• Low-Carb Hero: Replace regular onions with red or white onions for fewer carbs, making this recipe keto-friendly and perfect for low-carb diet followers.
• Herb Garden Twist: Fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, or oregano can replace dried thyme, adding bright, zesty notes to the creamy, cheesy onion base.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their cheesy onions.
• Veggie Upgrade: Incorporate sliced bell peppers or mushrooms between onion layers for extra nutrition and a more complex vegetable side dish that adds color and texture.

How To Plate Tennessee Onions Recipe

• Cheesy Comfort Companion: Pair these Tennessee Onions with juicy grilled steak or tender BBQ ribs for a mouthwatering main course experience.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast to elevate your weekend breakfast spread with rich, savory flavors.
• Potluck Powerhouse: Bring this dish to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side that adds a gourmet touch to family reunions or summer cookouts.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Enjoy as a standalone vegetarian option or mix with roasted vegetables for a wholesome, flavorful vegetable medley.

Save Tennessee Onions Recipe For Later

• Quick Chill & Store: Cool Tennessee Onions completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining maximum flavor and texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy cheese edges and prevent soggy texture. Microwave works in a pinch but might compromise cheese quality.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Frozen onions stay delicious for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare dish components up to 24 hours in advance. Keep seasoned onions and shredded cheese separate in refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crispiness.

Crispy Tennessee Onions Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in these Tennessee onions, a savory side dish that combines sweet Vidalia onions with creamy cheese and crisp breadcrumbs. Layers of rich flavor melt together, creating a mouthwatering accompaniment you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats or enjoy as a standalone treat.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) rings
• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• 0.25 tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Vessel: Thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent ingredient adhesion.
2. Onion Foundation: Layer thinly sliced onions across the entire dish surface, creating a uniform and even base for the culinary creation.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Delicately sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika over the onion layer, distributing seasonings to enhance depth and complexity of flavor.
4. Butter Integration: Drizzle melted butter across seasoned onions, allowing the rich liquid to permeate and soften the layers, developing a luxurious golden undertone.
5. Cheese Layering: Artfully distribute mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete coverage and creating a harmonious blend of stretchy, sharp, and nutty notes.
6. Herbal Accent: Gently dust dried thyme over the cheese landscape, introducing a subtle herbal dimension to elevate the overall taste profile.
7. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and transform.
8. Final Browning: Remove foil and return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, encouraging caramelization and achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
9. Presentation: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, then serve immediately as an accompaniment to hearty main courses like grilled meats or robust proteins, transforming a simple side into a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Slice Onions Uniformly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent, thin onion slices to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the dish.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat onions dry before seasoning to prevent excess liquid and achieve perfect caramelization and crispy edges.
• Cheese Distribution Technique: Grate cheeses freshly and sprinkle in layers for maximum flavor melding and attractive golden-brown surface.
• Temperature Precision: Monitor oven closely during uncovered baking phase to prevent burning, checking every 5-7 minutes for ideal golden-brown coloration.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 289 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg