Easy Tennessee Onions : A Comforting Side Dish Your Family Will Love!

Name: Easy Tennessee Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rings); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Posted on November 21, 2025

Close-up of Tennessee Onions baked with sweet onion rings, melted cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese with paprika and herbs

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This easy Tennessee Onions recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is all in one pot for a quick and easy side dish that your family will love! Switch up the cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to incorporate any leftover cheeses you’ve got hanging around. Trust me, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner companion for anything from grilled meats to BBQ!

Ingredient Breakdown

To make these Tennessee Onions, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 medium sweet onions (such as Vidalia, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rings): The star of the show! These sweet onions provide a lovely caramelized flavor when baked, making them deliciously savory.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Because everything is better with butter! This adds richness and helps the onions become tender and flavorful.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: I love the sharp bite of cheddar, it beautifully balances the sweetness of the onions.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, creamy texture that everyone loves.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth that ties all the flavors together.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: A simple addition with tons of flavor. You can even use fresh garlic if that’s what you have on hand!
½ teaspoon paprika: For a touch of warmth and subtle smokiness.
½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional): If you’re in the mood. Adds a little herbal freshness that complements the richness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): A couple pinches for seasoning can make all the difference!

Ingredient Substitutions

Onions: Swap out for yellow onions if you prefer a more robust flavor.
Cheeses: Got a different type of cheese? Use that! Gouda, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses works beautifully too.
Butter: For a lighter option, you can use olive oil or even a plant-based butter substitute.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven : First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and ready for our cheesy goodness! Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter so nothing sticks.
Layer Onions : Now, arrange the sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread them out and make sure to separate the rings slightly. This little detail allows the heat and flavor to distribute beautifully throughout.
Season : Drizzle the melted butter evenly over those onions like you mean it! Next, sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, and oregano (if using), and finish with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle toss with your hands to coat everything nicely.
Add Cheese : Here comes the fun part! Evenly scatter the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the top of the onion layers. Seriously, don’t hold back. The more cheese, the better!
Bake : Place the dish in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. If you get really fancy, you could finish it under the broiler for a minute or two for an extra crispy top, but keep an eye on it!
Serve : Let it cool for a few minutes, if you can wait! This dish is perfect as a side for grilled meats, burgers, BBQ chicken, or even all by itself. You’re gonna love it!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and quick! I’m a real sucker for anything that can be made in one dish, making cleanup just a breeze, thank you, kitchen gods! If I’m coming in after a long day of chasing after my kids, this babes saves the day. The best part is, it’s just loaded with flavor and makes my house smell incredible, like you just walked into a cozy diner! Plus, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. No fresh herbs? No problem! Just make it your own.

If you loved this easy Tennessee Onions, be sure to check out my Easy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole, my Chicken Tetrazzini, or my Beef Macaroni Soup! There’s a whole world of comfort food waiting just for you!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick & Easy

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Minimal Cleanup Required

And let’s be honest, we’re all about that minimal cleanup life, right? With everything baked in one dish, you can spend more time eating and less time scrubbing down pots and pans.

Comfort Food

Don’t you just love the feeling of a warm, comforting side dish? These Tennessee Onions are bursting with flavor and are guaranteed to bring everyone to the table, creating moments worth sharing.

Customizable

As I mentioned earlier, you can literally use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t have mozzarella? That’s okay! Feel free to use gouda or gruyere, just dive into your cheese drawer!

Great for Meal Prep

This dish is perfect for meal prep as well. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

These Tennessee Onions pair beautifully with grilled meats, BBQ, burgers, or even vegetarian dishes. Honestly? They’re delicious enough to stand alone as a light meal!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until they’re warmed through and the cheese is all melty again. Alternatively, you can microwave them, just be careful not to overdo it!

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just let cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and follow the instructions for reheating above.

With this delicious Tennessee Onions recipe, you’re set for cozy family dinners that are quick, easy, and simply scrumptious! So, roll your sleeves up, grab those onions, and let’s get cooking! It’s time to enjoy that amazing homemade goodness in your home.

Did I just make your dinner plans a whole lot easier? I hope so! Happy cooking, friend! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.