Simple Caramelized Onions Recipe: Sweet Kitchen Magic

Tennessee onions craft ordinary side dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences with their mouthwatering blend of flavor and comfort.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable preparation that elevates humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Thick-cut onions become irresistibly golden and caramelized when bathed in a rich, seasoned coating that brings out their natural sweetness.

Crispy edges and tender centers create a textural symphony that dances across your palate with each delightful bite.

Simple ingredients come together in a method that highlights the onion’s inherent richness and depth.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its effortless preparation and crowd-pleasing results that complement countless main courses.

The combination of savory seasonings and slow-cooking technique ensures a side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfect Tennessee Onions

• Slice Strategically: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin onion rings for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with spices; the herbs and seasonings elevate the onion's natural sweetness.
• Cheese Layer Technique: Grate cheeses fresh for maximum melting and more vibrant flavor profile.
• Butter Distribution: Spread butter pats evenly to ensure each onion ring gets a rich, golden coating.
• Baking Precision: Watch closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent cheese from burning while achieving perfect golden-brown color.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Tennessee Onions

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled Tennessee Onions in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F and transfer onions to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Remove foil during the last 2-3 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Place onions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Best Pairings for Tennessee Onions

• Pair with Hearty Protein: Grilled steak or roasted chicken complements the rich, cheesy onion flavors, adding a robust meat element to balance the dish's creamy texture.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the cheese's richness, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the onions' sweetness.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a zesty counterpoint to the heavy, buttery onion recipe, creating a well-rounded meal experience.
• Complete with Crusty Bread: Warm, crusty artisan bread helps soak up the melted cheese and butter, turning this side dish into a more substantial and satisfying culinary adventure.

Fun Twists on Tennessee Onions

• Spicy Pepper Infusion: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that transforms the classic recipe into a zesty side dish.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Substitute Italian seasonings with oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that elevates the onions.
• Smoky Bacon Crunch: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the cheese layers before baking, creating a savory and smoky dimension to the original recipe.
• Caramelized Onion Upgrade: Briefly caramelize onions in a skillet before placing them in the baking dish, intensifying their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.

Tennessee Onions: Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Caramelized

• Unleash Cheesy Comfort: Dive into a mouthwatering dish that transforms humble onions into a decadent, cheese-laden masterpiece bursting with rich, savory flavors.
• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Create restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, using just a few ingredients and basic kitchen skills that even beginner cooks can master quickly.
• Elevate Family Gatherings: Serve a crowd-pleasing side dish that turns ordinary meals into memorable experiences, perfect for weeknight dinners or special weekend celebrations with loved ones.

What You Need for Tennessee Onions

• Onions: Sweet and mild onions work best, providing a tender base for the dish with a delicate flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and rich cheese that melts beautifully and adds deep flavor.
• Italian Blend Cheese: Creamy mixture that provides a smooth, complex cheese layer. –

Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that creates a crispy golden topping.

• Butter: Unsalted butter helps create a rich, smooth texture and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, aromatic garlic essence without overwhelming the dish.
• Italian Seasonings: Dried herb blend that brings a classic Mediterranean herbal note to the onions.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Non-Stick Spray: Helps prevent the onions and cheese from sticking to the baking dish, ensuring easy serving and cleanup.

How to Make Tennessee Onions That Will Impress

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Onions

Remove the papery outer skins from the onions. Slice onions into thin rings approximately 1/4-inch thick, carefully separating each ring.

Step 3: Season the Onion Rings

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasonings
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Add Butter Layers

Distribute small pats of butter across the seasoned onion rings, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Create Cheese Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Italian blend cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese becomes melted, bubbly, and develops a golden-brown color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve the onions warm, allowing the cheesy, savory aroma to entice your taste buds.

Onions Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets cheesy indulgence in these Tennessee Onions, a mouthwatering side dish that elevates simple ingredients. Creamy, golden-brown layers of sweet onions blend perfectly with melted cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing companion to any main course you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3–4 sweet onions
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese or shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Fats:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, sliced thin

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully peel the outer layers of the onions, then slice them into delicate rings approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 centimeters) thick, gently separating each ring to ensure even cooking.
3. Distribute the onion rings evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that will cook consistently.
4. Enhance the onions’ flavor profile by sprinkling a balanced mixture of garlic powder, Italian herb blend, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper across the surface.
5. Strategically place small pats of unsalted butter across the seasoned onion rings, allowing the butter to melt and infuse rich, creamy notes throughout the dish.
6. Create a luxurious cheese topping by generously layering shredded cheddar cheese, Italian blend cheese, and grated parmesan cheese over the seasoned onions, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to become completely melted, bubbly, and develop a golden-brown color.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving warm, allowing the flavors to settle and the cheese to set slightly.

Notes

• Elevate your side dish game with these mouth-watering Tennessee Onions that transform ordinary onions into a cheesy, flavor-packed sensation.
• Perfectly seasoned and layered with three types of cheese, this recipe turns humble onions into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Pro tip: Use sweet Vidalia onions for an extra touch of natural sweetness that complements the rich, melted cheese blend.
• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations or add crispy bacon bits for a personalized twist that makes this dish uniquely yours.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 26g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg