If you’ve never had Tennessee Onions, get ready to add a brand-new side dish to your rotation — and one that people request over and over again. At first glance, it seems simple: sliced sweet onions baked with butter and cheese. But once it hits the oven, something magical happens.

The onions soften into buttery, sweet perfection.
The cheese melts into a gooey, golden crust.
The seasoning blends into a savory, aromatic blanket of flavor.

The result? A comforting, unbelievably delicious Southern dish that pairs with everything. Barbecue, chicken, steak, burgers, pork chops, holiday dinners — Tennessee Onions fit right in.

This is the kind of recipe you make for a crowd because everyone wants seconds. It’s inexpensive, easy, requires zero special equipment, and transforms humble onions into a rich, decadent side dish that tastes far more impressive than the ingredients suggest.

Let’s dive into what makes Tennessee Onions so special, plus how to perfect them every time.

Why Tennessee Onions Are So Popular

1. They taste way better than they sound.

Even people who “don’t like onions” end up loving this dish — the baking process turns them sweet, soft, and flavorful.

2. They’re incredibly budget-friendly.

A few onions, butter, cheese, and seasoning become a full side dish.

3. They pair with any protein.

BBQ? Yes. Steak? Yes. Roast chicken? Absolutely.

4. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and cookouts.

A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

5. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.

No complicated steps, no hard-to-find items.

Ingredients

– Tennessee Onions –

• 3–4 large sweet onions (Vidalia preferred)
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated parmesan
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
• Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep your onions.

Slice onions into thick rings, about ½ inch.

2. Arrange in baking dish.

Place onion rings in a single layer in a greased 9×13 baking dish.

3. Add melted butter.

Drizzle butter evenly over all onions.

4. Season generously.

Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

5. Add the cheese.

Top with cheddar, then mozzarella, then parmesan.

6. Bake.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.

7. Garnish & serve.

Add parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tennessee Onions

A classic Southern side dish made with thick slices of sweet onions baked with butter, seasoning, and a melty golden cheese topping.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 265

Ingredients

  

Tennessee Onions

• 3-4 sweet onions sliced into 1/2-inch rings
• 4 tbsp butter melted
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• red pepper flakes optional
• parsley optional garnish

Equipment

• 9×13 baking dish
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice sweet onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and separate layers.
3. Arrange onions in a single layer in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4. Drizzle melted butter evenly over the onions.
5. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Top with cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Vidalia onions work best — their natural sweetness makes this dish shine.

Tips for the Best Tennessee Onions

1. Use sweet onions.

Vidalias are the classic choice because they caramelize beautifully.

2. Keep the slices thick.

Thin onions can get mushy — thicker slices hold their shape.

3. Don’t skip the butter.

It helps the onions soften and adds richness.

4. Layer cheeses for best melt.

Cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for golden edges.

5. Let them rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the cheese to set slightly for cleaner scooping.

Variations

Spicy Tennessee Onions

Add jalapeños, chili powder, or pepper jack cheese.

BBQ Version

Drizzle with BBQ sauce before adding cheese.

Creamy Version

Add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese underneath the cheese layer.

Bacon Tennessee Onions

Sprinkle cooked bacon on top before baking.

Low-Carb / Keto Friendly

This recipe is naturally low-carb — no swaps needed!

Serving Suggestions

• BBQ ribs or pulled pork
• Grilled chicken
• Ribeye steak
• Fried chicken
• Meatloaf
• Pork chops
• Roasted turkey
• Burgers

Also amazing with baked potatoes or over grilled bread.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Stores well for 3–4 days.

Reheat:
Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
Air fryer: 375°F for 4–6 minutes
Microwave: Works fine for small portions.

Freezing:
Not recommended — onions may become watery.

The Inspiration Behind Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions come straight from classic Southern comfort cooking. They were originally made as a simple, cheesy side dish to serve with barbecue and grilled meats. The recipe spread because it’s foolproof, comforting, and ridiculously good. It’s exactly the kind of recipe you’d expect at a Southern potluck — humble ingredients transformed into something surprisingly irresistible.