Introduction
Tennessee Onions are a beloved Southern comfort side dish that turns humble sweet onions into a rich, cheesy, and buttery bake.
Layers of tender onion rings are drizzled with melted butter, topped with sharp cheddar, and finished with a crisp, golden breadcrumb topping.
They’re simple to prepare but full of savory flavor — perfect alongside barbecue, grilled meats, or a hearty home-style meal.
Whether you’re serving them at a summer cookout or cozy family dinner, Tennessee Onions are always a crowd-pleaser!
TENNESSEE ONIONS
INGREDIENTS:
2 large sweet onions, sliced into rings
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Arrange the onion rings in a greased baking dish .
3. Drizzle melted butter over the onions .
4. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly on top .
5. Top with breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper .
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown .
7. Serve hot and ENJOY!
Variations and Tips
✅ Cheese Options:
Swap cheddar for a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or pepper jack for extra creaminess or a mild kick.
Try smoked cheddar for a deeper flavor.
✅ Add More Flavor:
Sprinkle the onions with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne for a touch of heat.
Add a few fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before baking for extra aroma.
✅ Make It Creamier:
Pour a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half over the onions before adding cheese for a richer dish.
✅ Crispier Topping:
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Toss breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter before sprinkling to help them brown nicely.
✅ Make It a Meal:
Turn Tennessee Onions into a main dish by adding cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham on top before baking.
✅ Prep Tip:
Slice the onions evenly so they cook at the same rate and stay tender.
✅ Serving Idea:
Serve with grilled steak, smoked ribs, roast chicken, or as a comforting holiday side.
How to Store Tennessee Onions
✅ Refrigerate Leftovers:
Let the dish cool completely.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
✅ Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes).
Or reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes — though the oven keeps the breadcrumbs crispier.
✅ Freezing:
Freezing is not ideal, as the onions can become mushy and the breadcrumb topping may lose its crunch.
If you do freeze them, wrap tightly and use within 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
✅ Make Ahead:
You can slice the onions and assemble the dish up to 1 day in advance (without baking).
Cover tightly and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
(Values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
Calories: ~220–250 kcal
Protein: ~6–8 g
Fat: ~15–18 g
Saturated Fat: ~8–10 g
Carbohydrates: ~18–20 g
Fiber: ~2–3 g
Sugars: ~5–7 g (from sweet onions)
Sodium: ~250–350 mg
Cholesterol: ~30–40 mg
Nutrition Notes
Sweet onions add natural sugars and fiber.
Cheddar and butter contribute most of the fat and calories.
Using reduced-fat cheese or less butter can lighten it up a bit.
Whole-grain or panko breadcrumbs can add extra fiber.