What makes sweet onions ideal for this recipe?

Sweet onions like Vidalia have a lower sulfur content compared to other varieties, making them less pungent and naturally sweeter. This quality allows them to caramelize beautifully and blend seamlessly with the rich cheese blend when baked.

Can I prepare Tennessee Cheesy Baked Sweet Onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare this dish in advance! Assemble the recipe completely, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the total baking time.

What are Vidalia onions and can I substitute them?

Vidalia onions are a specific type of sweet onion grown in a designated region of Georgia, renowned for their exceptionally mild flavor and crisp texture. They are typically available seasonally. If Vidalia onions aren't accessible, other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla, Maui, or even a good quality yellow onion will work well as a substitute in this recipe.

How can I customize this cheesy baked onion recipe?

There are many ways to customize this dish! Consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon bits for a smoky flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, or fresh herbs like chopped rosemary or chives. For added texture, a topping of buttered breadcrumbs during the last 10 minutes of baking can create a delicious crispy crust.

Tennessee Cheesy Baked Sweet Onions: Your New Favorite Comfort Side Dish

Name: Tennessee Cheesy Baked Sweet Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Description

A delightful and easy-to-make side dish featuring tender sweet onions baked to perfection with a rich blend of three savory cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale

3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Arrange half of the sliced sweet onion rings evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the seasoned butter mixture over the onions.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the onions, followed by half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Layer the remaining sweet onion rings over the cheese. Drizzle with the remaining seasoned butter mixture.
Step 6: Top with the remaining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly over the onions.
Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If desired, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for an extra crispy cheese topping (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your delicious Tennessee Cheesy Baked Sweet Onions!

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can sauté the onion slices lightly in 1 tablespoon of butter before layering them. This will enhance their sweetness and reduce baking time slightly. You can also add a splash of heavy cream to the butter mixture for extra richness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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