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Tennessee Onions Recipe

Tennessee Onions Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked onion dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions layered with a blend of savory spices and a rich combination of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. With a tender texture and a golden, bubbly cheese crust, this recipe makes a perfect side dish or hearty vegetarian main.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 1/2 lb. sweet Vidalia onions (3 large or 4 medium), peeled

Seasonings and Spices

  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Other Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • Cooking spray, for greasing pan
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice and Stack Onions: Place one onion on its side on a cutting board. Slice vertically into 1/4″ thick rounds. Separate these rings and restack them in the baking dish from largest to smallest to retain the onion’s shape. Repeat with remaining onions until the dish is full.
  3. Mix Seasonings and Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, dry mustard, garlic powder, seasoned salt, dried oregano, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
  4. Season Onions and Add Butter: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the onions and gently toss to coat throughout. Dot the onions with the cubed unsalted butter. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the pan, then cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  5. Bake Until Tender: Bake the onions for 75 to 90 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork or cake tester. Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top of the onions.
  6. Melt Cheese and Broil: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges. Switch on the broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully until cheese is browned and bubbly in spots.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm as a flavorful side or vegetarian main dish.

Notes

  • Use sweet Vidalia onions for best balance of sweetness and softness.
  • Be careful when broiling; cheese can burn quickly, so watch closely.
  • Adding water to the pan with foil cover steams the onions and helps them become tender.
  • This recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet but is not vegan due to the cheeses and butter.
  • If preferred, substitute kosher salt with sea salt and adjust seasoning accordingly.
  • For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, Vidalia onion recipe, vegetarian side dish, cheesy onions, Southern recipe

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/tennessee-onions-recipe/