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Meet Tennessee Onions

Featured in The Perfect Side for Every Meal.

Just discovered the most amazing cheesy onion casserole that's become my family's new favorite - picture three different melty cheeses getting all bubbly with perfectly caramelized sweet onions, kicked up with this incredible blend of Cajun spices that adds just the right amount of heat. It's honestly mind-blowing how much flavor you get in just 40 minutes, and it's always the first thing to disappear at potlucks. The mix of cheese varieties creates this incredible depth that makes it so much more exciting than your typical casserole.
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:50:06 GMT
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A golden, baked dish with layers of sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and sprinkled parsley in a white casserole dish. Pin it
A golden, baked dish with layers of sliced potatoes, melted cheese, and sprinkled parsley in a white casserole dish. | tastygusto.com

I'm excited to share my Tennessee Onions recipe with you it's a Southern treasure that's gaining so much love for good reason. We take sweet Vidalia onions butter and cheese and turn them into something absolutely magical. It's the kind of side dish that works just as well at your holiday table as it does with a casual weeknight dinner.

What Makes These Special

What I love about this dish is how the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions mingles with melted butter and our three-cheese blend. It tastes like French onion soup transformed into this incredible casserole. The best part? It's budget-friendly super easy to make and you can customize it however you like.

Everything You Need

  • Sweet Onions: 3 Vidalias sliced into nice rings they're the sweetest ones out there.
  • Cajun Seasoning: 1 1/2 teaspoons add more if you like it spicier.
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for that perfect savory base.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons cut into six pieces they'll melt beautifully.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded gives such nice tang.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded makes everything creamy.
  • Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon adds lovely herb flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated for that nutty finish.
A close-up of a baked dish featuring layers of cheese and sliced potatoes, garnished with parsley, next to a bowl of fresh greens. Pin it
A close-up of a baked dish featuring layers of cheese and sliced potatoes, garnished with parsley, next to a bowl of fresh greens. | tastygusto.com

Let's Make It Together

First Things First
Get your oven heated to 350°F and butter up a 9x13 dish.
Layer Your Onions
Put half those onion slices in sprinkle with some of your seasonings then do it again with what's left.
Time for the Good Stuff
Lay those butter slices on top then cover everything with your cheeses and oregano.
Into the Oven
Cover it with foil bake for 20 minutes then uncover and let it go another 15 until it's all golden and bubbly.

How It Tastes

These onions come out rich and buttery with all that melted cheese and those sweet tender Vidalia onions underneath. You get these amazing crispy bits around the edges and just enough spice to make everything interesting.

What to Serve With It

I love serving these alongside fried chicken pork chops or a beautiful roasted turkey. They're perfect next to mashed potatoes green beans or warm cornbread. Got leftovers? They make the most amazing topping for baked potatoes or grilled meats.

Make It Your Own

There are so many ways to switch this up:

  • Try red onions or shallots if you want bolder flavor
  • Add some crispy bacon or ham for smokiness
  • Play with different cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda
  • Sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch
  • Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary they smell amazing

My Best Tips

Always go for those Vidalia onions their sweetness makes the dish. Cut your slices nice and even so everything cooks together. Don't skip that foil at first it helps make the onions tender. Then uncover it to get that beautiful golden cheese on top.

Why You Need This Recipe

This side dish really steals the show at any meal. It's that perfect mix of rich cheesy flavor and tender onions that keeps people coming back for more. Whether it's a holiday dinner or just Tuesday night it always feels special.

Good For You Too

While this is definitely an indulgent dish those Vidalia onions are packed with good stuff like vitamins C and B6 plus antioxidants. Balance it out with some lighter main dishes or extra veggies on the side.

Planning Ahead

You can get this ready a day ahead just assemble cover it tight and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Leftovers stay good for about three days just warm them up in a 350°F oven until they're heated through.

More Than Just a Side Dish

Tennessee Onions always get people talking at the dinner table. They show just how amazing simple ingredients can be when you put them together with a little love. Whether you're hosting holidays or just making dinner they never disappoint.

A baked dish with layers of cheese and parsley, served in a white casserole dish, accompanied by a side of fresh herbs and a small cup of sauce. Pin it
A baked dish with layers of cheese and parsley, served in a white casserole dish, accompanied by a side of fresh herbs and a small cup of sauce. | tastygusto.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of onions should I use?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best, as their natural sweetness complements the cheese and spices.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake just before serving. May need extra time if baking from cold.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
→ Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, you can substitute with other melting cheeses, though the combination suggested provides a good balance of flavors.
→ How do I know when it's done?
The casserole is ready when the onions are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.

Meet Tennessee Onions

A layered casserole of sweet onions and three cheeses, seasoned with Cajun spices and baked until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 sweet onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick.
02 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
04 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 6 slices.
05 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.
06 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
07 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano.
08 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Layer half the onions in 9x13 dish. Add half the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder.

Step 03

Repeat with remaining onions, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder.

Step 04

Top with butter slices, Cheddar, mozzarella, oregano, and Parmesan.

Step 05

Bake 35 minutes until onions are tender and cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  1. Can add more Cajun seasoning to taste.
  2. Cheese should be golden brown at edges.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
  • Protein: 10 g