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Cheesy creamy Tennessee onions baked to perfection
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Tennessee Onions

A cheesy, creamy Southern classic dish featuring layers of sweet onions baked in a rich and creamy sauce with a blend of cheeses.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: Cheesy Onion Bake, Cheesy Side Dish, Onion Recipe, Southern Comfort Food, Tennessee Onions
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

For the Onion Base

  • 3 large large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings Sweet onions add a mild sweetness.

For the Creamy Mixture

  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan) Cheese can be varied for personal taste.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Adds luxurious texture.
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, cut into small cubes For rich flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Elevates the taste.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice.

For the Crunchy Topping

  • 0.5 cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional) For an irresistible crunchy topping.

For Garnish (optional)

  • to taste Fresh parsley or chives Highly recommended for garnish.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Peel the sweet onions and slice them into 1/4-inch rings, then separate the rings carefully.
  • Arrange the onion rings in the baking dish, slightly overlapping for an appealing presentation.

Assembly

  • Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the onions.
  • Pour the heavy cream over the onions, ensuring each ring is coated, and distribute the butter cubes on top.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the onions.
  • If desired, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese for added crunch.

Baking

  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Serving

  • Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For best flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Variations can include using different cheese combinations or adding crispy fried onions as a topping.