Description
Southern comfort meets cheesy indulgence in this Tennessee onion bake. Layers of sweet onions, rich cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs create a mouthwatering side dish that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3–4 Vidalia sweet onions (peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds)
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Italian blend cheese (finely shredded)
- 1 cup (240 ml) cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- ½ cup (120 ml) Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
Seasoning and Butter:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter (cut into small pats)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing for a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
- Coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray for easy serving and cleanup.
- Carefully peel Vidalia onions, slicing them into uniform ¼-inch (0.6 centimeters) thick rounds while preserving the circular shape.
- Layer the onion slices evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base.
- Distribute small butter pats strategically over the onion surface to enhance rich, creamy flavor.
- Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and oregano across the onions, ensuring balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
- Create a luxurious cheese layer by first spreading the Italian blend cheese to completely cover the seasoned onions.
- Add a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, creating additional depth and tangy richness.
- Finish the cheese topping with a fine dusting of Parmesan cheese for a sophisticated, nutty undertone.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until onions become tender and cheese transforms into a golden, melted crust.
- Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 3–5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and cheese set slightly.
- Serve warm as a decadent side dish, complementing your main course with its irresistible cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Seek out sweet Vidalia onions for the most mellow, buttery flavor that melts beautifully in this comforting dish.
- Select a high-quality cheese blend to elevate the richness and create a golden, bubbling top that adds irresistible texture.
- Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and a gorgeous presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
- Prepare this side dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda or pepper jack to personalize the recipe and surprise your taste buds.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the maximum cheese stretch and onion tenderness at its absolute peak.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 342 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg