Description
Cheesy Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked side dish featuring sweet onions layered with a flavorful blend of herbs, Cajun seasoning, and a generous mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Baked until tender and topped with golden melted cheese, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet, ideal for enhancing any meal or holiday spread.
Ingredients
Onion and Seasonings
- 2 1/2 lbs sweet onions, sliced into ¼ inch rings
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Butter and Cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish or a similar sized baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Onions: Spread the sliced sweet onions evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating a flat layer.
- Season Onions: Sprinkle the dried parsley, oregano, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper over the onions. Toss gently to ensure all onion slices are coated with the spices for balanced flavor.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Dot the top of the onions with the sliced unsalted butter pats, then evenly sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheeses over the surface.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to allow the onions to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping becomes lightly golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cheesy onions cool for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy this deliciously cheesy and aromatic side dish alongside your favorite meals.
Notes
- Using sweet onions enhances the natural sweetness that balances the savory cheese and spices.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses with alternatives like Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavor profiles.
- To make ahead, prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Ensure to use a casserole dish that matches the size recommended to cook the onions evenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
