Tennessee Onions – Better Than Onion Rings!
If you love the crispy, golden magic of onion rings but want something richer, cheesier, and way easier to make, then Tennessee Onions are about to become your new obsession. This Southern-inspired side dish turns humble sweet onions into a bubbling, buttery, cheesy masterpiece that can easily steal the spotlight from the main course.
The secret lies in using Vidalia onions (or any other sweet onion variety), which mellow into tender perfection in the oven, absorbing every drop of butter and seasoning before being crowned with a generous layer of cheese. The result? A dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, gooey, and far more indulgent than your standard fried onion rings—without all the mess and oil splatter.
Ingredients
- 3–4 large Vidalia sweet onions (or other sweet onion variety)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a mild kick)
- 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack works great)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs, for topping)
Instructions
1. Prep the onions:
Peel your Vidalia onions and slice them into thick rings—about ¼ to ½ inch thick. These thicker slices hold their shape during baking while still turning soft and tender.
2. Arrange in the dish:
Grease a baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray. Lay the onion slices in a single layer, overlapping slightly like tiles for full coverage.
3. Add buttery seasoning:
Melt the butter and stir in salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the onion slices, making sure each one gets coated. This step is key to infusing deep flavor into every bite.
4. Layer the cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack over the onions. Add Parmesan for extra savory depth. The mix of cheeses ensures gooey meltiness plus a crispy golden top.
5. Add a crunchy topping (optional):
For a texture contrast similar to fried onion rings, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese. This will create a crispy, buttery crust when baked.
6. Bake to perfection:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
7. Serve hot:
Tennessee Onions are best served straight from the oven, when the cheese is still molten and the edges are crispy. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, barbecue, or even as a hearty snack on their own.
Tips for Success
- Choose sweet onions – Vidalia onions are ideal, but Walla Walla or Texas 1015 work well too.
- Play with cheese blends – Add pepper jack for a spicy twist or Gruyère for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Make ahead – Assemble the dish in the morning, refrigerate, then bake right before serving.
Why They’re Better Than Onion Rings
- Less mess – No frying, no oil splatter, no batter to prepare.
- More flavor – The butter and cheese soak into the onions, creating layers of savory richness.
- Healthier (sort of) – Baked instead of deep-fried, but still indulgent.
- Feeds a crowd easily – Perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, and backyard barbecues.
Serving Ideas
- As a side with grilled steak or BBQ ribs.
- Over toasted bread for an open-faced cheesy onion sandwich.
- Alongside a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.