If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors, you absolutely must try the Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe. This dish celebrates the humble sweet onion by layering it with fragrant seasonings and a decadent mix of cheddar, Italian cheese blend, and parmesan. The result is an irresistibly cheesy, melty bake that’s both simple and elegant, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Once you taste it, it will quickly become your go-to side or even a standout appetizer that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe lies in its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, turning simple onions into a luxurious casserole packed with richness and a hint of Italian flair.
- Sweet onions (3-4, sliced): These provide a naturally sweet base that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory note that deepens the flavor without overpowering the onions.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings earthy herbal tones, tying all ingredients together with a classic taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick to round out the spices.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Enriches the dish with creamy goodness and helps the onions soften perfectly.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded): Delivers sharp, tangy melty cheese flavor that everyone loves.
- Italian blend cheese or mozzarella (2 cups, shredded): Provides a mild, stretchy cheese layer for texture contrast.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish that crisps beautifully on top when baked.
How to Make Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and to prepare it for layering your flavorful onions and cheeses.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Peel and slice the sweet onions thinly, then gently separate them into individual rings. Carefully arrange these rings evenly in the greased baking dish. This layering will allow the onions to cook evenly and soak up all the delicious seasonings.
Step 3: Season the Onions
Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the onion rings. This seasoning combination cues the bake’s savory profile, enhancing the natural sweetness of the onions while adding depth.
Step 4: Add Butter
Slice the unsalted butter into small pats and distribute them over the seasoned onions. The butter will melt over the onions during baking, ensuring a luscious texture and rich flavor throughout.
Step 5: Layer the Cheeses
Now for the best part: layering the cheeses! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the dish, follow with the Italian blend or mozzarella, and finish with a generous dose of grated parmesan on top. This layering creates a beautiful melting effect with contrasting textures and flavors.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Bake your creation for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top. The aroma will fill your kitchen and tempt your taste buds, signaling that your Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe is ready to be enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a touch of color and fresh brightness, balancing the richness of the dish. A light dusting of extra parmesan right before serving can also add a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. Its cheesy, savory qualities complement roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a perfectly rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Tennessee Onion Bake as a warm dip for crusty bread or crunchy crackers at your next gathering. You can also spoon it as a topping over baked potatoes or use it as a flavorful layer in a casserole for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This will keep the flavors fresh and the cheese creamy but moist.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the cheese from turning rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use different types of onions for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet onions work best for their mild and slightly sweet flavor, yellow or white onions can also be used for a more pungent taste. Just slice them thinly and be prepared for a stronger onion flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
This Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or meat products. Just be sure to use cheeses that fit your dietary preferences.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If Italian seasoning is not on hand, you can mix dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to mimic the blend. This lets you customize the herbal flavor while keeping the dish balanced and aromatic.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes in with your seasonings or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. This will give the Tennessee Onion Bake a subtle, warming spice that pairs nicely with the creamy cheeses.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. Simple ingredients come together in a richly satisfying way, combining sweetness, herbs, and indulgent cheeses for a crowd-pleasing side or appetizer. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that will have you reaching for seconds and undoubtedly sharing it with your favorite people.
Print
Tennessee Onion Bake with Cheddar and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked onion dish featuring sweet onions layered with aromatic seasonings and a luscious blend of cheddar, Italian blend, and parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this side dish offers a savory, cheesy flavor perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3–4 sweet onions, sliced into rings
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Dairy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese or mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Onions: Peel the sweet onions and slice them into rings. Carefully separate the rings and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Season: Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper over the onion rings to infuse them with savory, aromatic flavors.
- Add Butter: Place slices of unsalted butter atop the seasoned onion rings, which will melt during baking and add rich flavor.
- Add Cheeses: Layer the shredded cheddar cheese, Italian blend cheese or mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the onions and butter, creating a cheesy topping that will melt and brown.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and has turned a golden brown color.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Tennessee Onions as a side dish or a savory snack!
Notes
- For a sharper flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
- You can substitute Italian blend cheese with mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on your cheese’s saltiness.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for best flavor balance.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for added color and freshness.
