Description: Tennessee Onions are a delightful side dish hailing from the South. Sweet onion rings are baked to perfection under a blanket of melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and a crisp, golden-brown breadcrumb topping. This simple yet elegant recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, creating a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Begin by peeling the sweet onions. The key to this dish is uniformity, so aim to cut the onions into even 1/4-inch thick rings. This ensures they cook evenly and tenderize beautifully in the oven. Discard the very ends of the onions. Gently separate the rings, making sure not to break them if possible. Having intact rings will give the finished dish a more appealing presentation.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Select a baking dish that comfortably holds the onion rings in a single layer. A 9×13 inch baking dish typically works well. Grease the dish generously with either butter or cooking spray. This prevents the onions from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring that the oven is fully preheated is crucial for even cooking. It allows the onions to soften properly and the cheese to melt evenly without burning the breadcrumbs.
Cooking:
Step 1: Arrange the Onion Rings
Arrange the onion rings in the greased baking dish in a single layer. It’s okay if they overlap slightly, but try to avoid packing them too tightly. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the onions from browning properly.
Step 2: Butter the Onions
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan on the stovetop. Once melted, drizzle the butter evenly over the onion rings. Ensure that all the onions are coated, as the butter adds richness and helps them soften during baking.
Step 3: Season with Spices
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs. This blend of spices adds a savory depth to the dish that complements the sweetness of the onions.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the buttered onion rings. Ensure that the cheese covers the onions completely. This layer of cheese will melt into a gooey, flavorful topping. Next, sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese. The breadcrumbs will create a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds texture and a delightful crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Sweet and Savory Combination: The natural sweetness of the onions, combined with the savory flavors of butter, cheese, and spices, creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to please.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, you can create a restaurant-quality side dish that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile: Tennessee Onions are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving grilled meats, roasted chicken, or vegetarian fare, this dish is sure to complement your meal perfectly.
- Comfort Food: With its cheesy, buttery, and crunchy topping, Tennessee Onions are the epitome of comfort food. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or for bringing a touch of Southern charm to any gathering.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves the combination of cheesy and crispy, and Tennessee Onions deliver on both fronts. This dish is always a hit at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday celebrations.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a side dish alongside grilled steaks, roasted chicken, pork chops, or barbecued meats.
- Pair with hearty mushroom dishes or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian meal.
- Add to a buffet table or potluck for a unique and flavorful side dish.
- Serve as an appetizer with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use sweet onion varieties such as Vidalia or Walla Walla.
- Ensure the onion slices are evenly spread in the dish for consistent cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Smoked cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack would all be delicious.
- To prevent the breadcrumbs from burning, you can tent the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Conclusion:
Tennessee Onions are more than just a side dish; they’re a taste of Southern comfort. This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite, bringing a touch of warmth and charm to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a delicious weeknight side, Tennessee Onions are a perfect choice. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about Tennessee Onions:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time up to the point of baking. Assemble the onion rings, butter, cheese, and breadcrumb topping in the baking dish, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven. This will ensure even cooking.
Q2: What if I don’t have sweet onions? Can I use regular yellow onions?
A2: While sweet onions are ideal for this recipe because of their mild flavor and natural sweetness, you can certainly use regular yellow onions if that’s what you have on hand. However, keep in mind that yellow onions have a stronger, more pungent flavor. To mellow them out a bit, you might consider sautéing them lightly in a pan with a little butter or olive oil before arranging them in the baking dish.
Q3: I don’t have panko breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead?
A3: Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs are preferred because they are lighter and crispier, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. If you’re using regular breadcrumbs, you might want to toss them with a little melted butter before sprinkling them over the cheese to help them brown more evenly.
Q4: Can I add any other vegetables to this dish?
A4: While the simplicity of Tennessee Onions is part of its charm, you can definitely add other vegetables if you’d like. Some great additions would be thinly sliced bell peppers (especially red or yellow for color), mushrooms, or even some chopped bacon for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as adding more vegetables may require a longer cooking time.
Q5: How can I store leftovers and reheat them without the breadcrumbs getting soggy?
A5: To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is to place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help to crisp up the breadcrumbs again. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the breadcrumbs soggy. If you must use the microwave, try placing a paper towel underneath the dish to absorb some of the moisture.
