Tennessee Onions – Southern Baked Onion Casserole with Cheese and Crunch

Looking for a warm, comforting, and outrageously delicious side dish that’s incredibly easy to make? Say hello to Tennessee Onions—a hidden gem from Southern kitchens that turns simple sweet onions into a bubbling, cheesy, golden-brown masterpiece. This dish is savory, buttery, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect companion to grilled meats, roast chicken, burgers, or even holiday feasts.

With just a few pantry staples—onions, butter, cheese, and breadcrumbs—you’ll create a side dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something hearty for dinner, this baked onion casserole delivers comfort in every bite.

Ingredients:

2 large sweet onions (like Vidalia), sliced into thick rings
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned, your choice)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: garlic powder, paprika, crumbled bacon, or a mix of cheeses for extra depth

Instructions (Step-by-Step):

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease a medium-sized baking dish (glass or ceramic works great) with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Onions

Peel and slice your sweet onions into thick rings (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick). You can separate them into individual rings or keep some stacked for variety in texture.

Arrange the onion rings in the baking dish so they slightly overlap and cover the entire bottom. Try to keep it in one even layer for best results.

3. Add Butter & Seasonings

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Be generous—it’s the base of the flavor.
Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. You can also add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika here if you’d like a bolder kick.

4. Cheese It Up

Now for the best part: cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the onions. Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack if you’re feeling adventurous.

5. Breadcrumb Crunch

Top everything with breadcrumbs. This layer adds a light crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melted cheese and tender onions.

If you’re craving something richer, you can mix a little melted butter into the breadcrumbs before sprinkling—it gives an even deeper golden color and a buttery finish.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden and crispy.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot as a savory side dish—or grab a fork and enjoy it as a cozy standalone meal!

Prep & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Tips & Variations:

Add bacon bits or cooked sausage crumbles for a meaty version.
Use panko for a crunchier top or mix in crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery Southern twist.
Want it creamier? Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese under the onions before baking.
Try it with Gruyère or smoked gouda for an elevated flavor experience.

Perfect Pairings:

Tennessee Onions are super versatile. Serve them with:

Grilled steak or chicken
BBQ ribs or pulled pork
Baked potatoes or mashed potatoes
Meatloaf, burgers, or even on top of a hot dog

Nutrition Info (per serving – approx.):

Calories: 290 kcal
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 22g
Protein: 8g
(Values may vary based on cheese and breadcrumbs used)

Why You’ll Love Tennessee Onions:

Easy to make with minimal ingredients
Perfect balance of sweet, savory, cheesy, and crispy
Budget-friendly and customizable
Ideal for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, and weeknight dinners

Final Thoughts

Tennessee Onions may be simple, but they’re far from ordinary. This Southern classic transforms basic ingredients into a rich, crave-worthy casserole that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. If you’re tired of the same old sides, this is your chance to surprise everyone with a recipe that’s as comforting as it is delicious.