Tennessee Onions: A Southern Favorite You’ll Crave Again and Again!
A Personal Recipe Straight from the Heart of the South
Trust me, nothing hits quite like sweet onions baked in buttery goodness with melty cheese and a golden, crunchy topping. These Tennessee Onions have become a go-to dish at my table—perfect for family dinners or backyard BBQs. They’re quick to make and packed with comforting flavor.
The Story Behind the Recipe
This dish comes straight from Tennessee, where sweet onions are kitchen royalty. The concept is simple, but the result? Absolutely rich and satisfying! Picture this: thin rings of sweet onion, drizzled with melted butter, blanketed in cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show.
Servings
Serves: 4 people
Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
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2 large sweet onions (Vidalia works best), sliced into rings
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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Salt and black pepper to taste
What You’ll Need
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Baking dish
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Grater
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Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make It
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Slice the onions into even rings.
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Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Cooking Instructions
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Arrange the onion rings in the dish evenly.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the onions.
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Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top.
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Add breadcrumbs, then season with salt and pepper.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with grilled steak, roasted chicken, BBQ ribs—you name it! If you’re going vegetarian, pair it with roasted mushrooms or hearty vegetables for a cozy, flavor-packed meal.
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? (Unlikely!) Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven—not the microwave—to keep that top layer crispy.
Tips & Variations
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Use sweet onion varieties like Vidalia for best results.
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Don’t go heavy on the seasoning—let the onions speak for themselves.
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Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumbs if you like a little heat.
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Smoked cheddar adds a rich, bold flavor twist.
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This recipe doubles easily for parties or potlucks.
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Mix up the cheese types to make it your own.
Final Touch
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.
What to Serve It With
Perfect alongside:
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Grilled meats
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Roast chicken
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BBQ pork
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Or veggie mains like sautéed mushrooms or roasted eggplant
For more details, visit the full recipe