Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions

Sweet onions baked with butter and cheese until soft and golden — this dish is richer and more comforting than onion rings, and makes an excellent side for burgers, steaks, or BBQ.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tender onion slices with a rich buttery base
• Heavily cheesy — every bite has melty goodness
• Baked, not fried — less greasy, more wholesome
• Easy to prep and crowd-pleasing
• Great for family dinners, cookouts, or as a hearty side

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3–4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 4 tbsp (¼ cup) unsalted butter, cut into small pats
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix like cheddar + mozzarella)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Onions
   • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
   • Grease a baking dish (about 9×13 cm or slightly larger) lightly with butter or cooking spray.
   • Arrange the onion rounds in a single layer in the dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
2. Add Butter and Seasoning
   • Distribute the small pats of butter evenly over the onion slices.
   • Sprinkle the minced garlic and thyme over the top.
   • Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Add the Cheeses
   • First, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the onions.
   • Then add the Parmesan.
   • Finally, top with the remaining cheddar — you want a thick, even layer of cheese.
4. Bake
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
   • Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the onions are soft and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
   • If the top doesn’t brown enough, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes — watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Serve
   • Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes so the cheese sets slightly.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.
   • Serve warm as a side dish — it goes great with grilled meats, burgers, or as a cheesy appetizer.

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You Must Know

• Use sweet onions (like Vidalia) for a naturally mild and sugary flavor.
• Slicing the onions evenly ensures they cook uniformly.
• Distribute butter and garlic well so every slice gets flavor.
• Letting the onions rest after baking helps the cheese firm up so it doesn’t slide off when you serve.

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Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5–8 minutes to restore creaminess and melt.
• Don’t freeze — the texture of the cheesy onions changes too much when thawed.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Cheese: Use Gouda, Gruyère, or a sharp cheddar blend for different flavors.
• Herbs: Use rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme.
• Butter: Use a mix of butter + olive oil if you want a lighter result.
• Onions: Yellow or sweet Spanish onions work if you can’t find Vidalias.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
• Use as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.

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Pro Tips

• Use a good-quality baking dish to ensure even heat distribution.
• If your onions seem too crowded, consider using two dishes so they roast rather than steam too much.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before adding the cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes — you can prep the onions and cheese mixture, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?
You could try using vegan butter and a plant-based “cheese,” but flavor and texture will be different.

→ Can I add bacon?
Definitely! Add cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking, or sprinkle it on after broiling.

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✨ These Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions are sweet, buttery, and cheesy — a comforting side that’s easy to make and unforgettable to eat.

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