Description

Tennessee Onions is a savory baked dish featuring layers of sweet Vidalia onions seasoned with aromatic spices, topped generously with butter and a blend of creamy Havarti and sharp cheddar cheeses. This comforting casserole melds tender onions with rich, melted cheese for a flavorful side perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Seasoning

4 large Vidalia onions or sweet onions, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and separated into rings (about 3 pounds)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Butter and Cheese

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) salted butter, cut into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Havarti cheese, divided
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Finishing Touches

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, optional
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare Onions: Place the sliced Vidalia onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss gently until the onions are evenly coated with the seasoning blend. Then, transfer and arrange the onion rings evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add Butter and Cheese Base: Distribute the pieces of salted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of shredded Havarti cheese and 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to create a cheesy layer.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the onions become soft and the edges of the baking dish are bubbling, signaling the melding of flavors.
Top with Remaining Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Havarti and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the top layer to become golden and bubbly.
Optional Broil for Browning: For a more browned and crispy top, switch the oven setting to broil on high and broil for the last 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and optional finely chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately for best taste.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use Vidalia or any sweet onions for the best natural sweetness and soft texture.
Adjust seasoning according to taste; smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor but can be omitted or substituted with regular paprika if preferred.
Ensure onions are evenly coated with spices to maximize flavor infusion.
Cut butter into small, even pieces to ensure even melting over the onions.
Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check onions for softness before proceeding to uncovered baking.
Broiling is optional but recommended for a golden, appealing cheesy crust.
Serve fresh for optimal texture and flavor; leftovers may lose some crispness but remain delicious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, Vidalia onions recipe, cheesy onion casserole, Southern side dish, comfort food, baked side dish