Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion rings)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tennessee Onions are a fantastic side dish or appetizer that will quickly become a family favorite. Unlike fried onion rings, these onions are baked to perfection with a melty, cheesy topping that adds a savory richness to the sweet Vidalia onions. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3-4 Vidalia sweet onions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust according to preference)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Slice the Onions: Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions. Slice them into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. Do not separate the rounds into individual onion rings.
4. Arrange the Onions: Spread the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish.
5. Season the Onions: Season the onion rounds with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
6. Add Butter: Cut the butter into roughly eight even portions or pats. Distribute these butter pats evenly across the seasoned onion rounds in the baking dish.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onion rounds. Finish with a final topping of shredded Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling.
9. Serve: For optimal taste, serve the dish promptly while it remains warm.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Knife and cutting board
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Measuring spoons

Tips and Shortcuts

• Cheese Mix: If you can’t find Italian blend cheese, make your own by mixing equal parts of Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone.
• Butter Distribution: Ensure even distribution of butter pats to avoid dry spots in the dish.
• Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more garlic powder or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.