Tennessee Onions Recipe

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Tennessee onions are a tasty side dish you can make with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe uses sweet Vidalia onions, three types of cheese, and a mix of herbs to create a gooey, comforting meal in just 45 minutes. You’ll love how the onions get soft and sweet as they cook, blending with the melted cheese on top.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to make and serves 8 people. Each serving has about 199 calories, so it’s a yummy treat that won’t break your diet. You can pair it with grilled meats or roasted veggies for a full meal that everyone will enjoy.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious Tennessee Onions:

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder

Main Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3-4 large sweet onions (Vidalia are best)

Cheeses:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

You’ll also want to have some butter or cooking spray on hand to grease your baking dish. This recipe serves 8 and takes about 45 minutes total to make.

Remember, the star of this dish is the onions. Pick nice, big Vidalia onions if you can find them. They’ll give you the sweetest flavor when cooked.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Mix the dried herbs and spices in a large bowl. Set this aside for now.

Peel and slice your Vidalia onions into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Separate the slices into rings and add them to the bowl with the spices. Toss well to coat all the onion slices.

Arrange the seasoned onions in your prepared baking dish. Cut the butter into thin slices or small cubes and spread them evenly over the onions.

Sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses on top of the onions and butter. Make sure to cover the onions completely with cheese.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. The onions should be tender and the cheese melted and bubbly. For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee onions hot as a tasty side dish!

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find all the ingredients for Tennessee Onions? No worries! Here are some easy swaps you can try:

Onions: If Vidalia onions aren’t available, use any sweet onion variety like Walla Walla or Maui. In a pinch, yellow onions work too.

Cheese: Mix and match your favorite melty cheeses. Try:

• Gouda for cheddar
• Fontina for mozzarella
• Asiago for Parmesan

Herbs: Out of dried herbs? Use fresh! Just double the amount. For example:

• 2 tsp fresh thyme instead of 1 tsp dried
• 2 tsp fresh parsley instead of 1 tsp dried

No mustard powder? Skip it or add a tiny dash of Dijon mustard.

Butter alternatives:

• Olive oil
• Margarine
• Ghee

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and butter substitutes. The texture will be different, but still tasty!

Remember, these swaps might change the flavor slightly. But that’s part of the fun of cooking – making a recipe your own!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make Tennessee Onions more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple changes. Start by using less butter – just 2 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup. This small swap cuts down on fat and calories.

Next, reduce the cheese amounts. Use 1/2 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan. You’ll still get that gooey, cheesy goodness with fewer carbs.

Consider adding some veggies to boost fiber and nutrients:

• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms

Mix these in with the onions before baking. The extra veggies will help fill you up without spiking blood sugar.

For the seasonings, keep them the same. Herbs and spices are great for flavor without added carbs or calories.

When serving, stick to a smaller portion size. Aim for about 1/2 cup per person as a side dish. This helps control carb intake while still letting you enjoy the dish.

Pair your Tennessee Onions with lean protein like grilled chicken or fish. The protein will help balance out the meal and keep blood sugar levels steady.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Want to make the best Tennessee Onions? Try these handy tips:

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  Use sweet Vidalia onions for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness balances perfectly with the savory cheese.

  
  
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  Slice onions evenly for consistent cooking. A sharp knife or mandoline slicer can help.

  
  
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  Don’t skimp on the cheese! The gooey, melted cheese is key to this dish’s appeal.

  
  

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat:

1. Cool completely before storing
2. Place in an airtight container
3. Refrigerate for up to 3 days
4. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes

For longer storage, you can freeze Tennessee Onions:

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Try these tasty variations:

• Add crumbled bacon on top before baking
• Mix in some sliced mushrooms with the onions
• Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs after baking for extra flavor