Tennessee Onions take the humble onion and turn it into something extraordinary. Thick slices of sweet onion are baked until irresistibly tender, smothered in a trio of bubbling cheeses, and seasoned to perfection. The result is a melty, golden, savory side dish that steals the spotlight every time it hits the table.

Perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or weeknight comfort meals, this Southern favorite is simple to make yet unbelievably flavorful. One bite and you’ll understand why these cheesy baked onions disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love Tennessee Onions

This dish embodies everything great about Southern comfort food—minimal ingredients, rich flavor, and a satisfyingly gooey texture. Serve it next to grilled meats, burgers, BBQ chicken, or enjoy it as the main event with warm crusty bread. Either way, it’s a guaranteed hit.

What Onions Work Best?

Sweet Vidalia onions or yellow onions are the top choice for this recipe. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven, offering a mellow sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
White onions can be used for a slightly sharper bite, but skip the red onions—they lose color and become overly pungent when baked.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
Butter, cut into small pats
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Mozzarella cheese – for that classic melty stretch
Provolone cheese – creamy and smooth
Parmesan cheese – salty, nutty, and perfect for crisping

How to Make Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Slice the Onions

Peel the onions and slice them into sturdy ½-inch rounds. Keep the rings intact so they roast evenly and hold their shape.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish, then arrange the onion slices in a single, even layer. It’s fine if they touch—just avoid stacking.

Step 3: Season Well

Sprinkle the onions with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add small pats of butter across the top to help the onions soften and develop rich flavor as they bake.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Start with a generous layer of mozzarella, add slices of provolone for extra creaminess, and finish with grated Parmesan for a beautifully golden crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbling, and just starting to brown.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—but watch carefully!

Step 6: Let Them Rest

Allow the onions to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese can set slightly and scoop more easily.

Serving Suggestions

Tennessee Onions are best served piping hot. Pair them with:

Grilled steak or chicken
Pulled pork or BBQ ribs
Burgers
Baked potatoes
Crusty bread (amazing for scooping the melted cheese!)

They’re hearty, comforting, and surprisingly versatile.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive the melty cheese and crisp edges. Avoid the microwave if possible—your texture will stay much better in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should I slice the onions?
½ inch is ideal—it keeps the onions sturdy and prevents them from turning mushy.

Can I swap out the cheeses?
Definitely! Try cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Do I need butter?
Butter adds richness, but olive oil can be used for a lighter, slightly different flavor.

Can I prep them ahead?
Yes! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.

How can I make them spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack.

What do they pair well with?
Grilled meats, casseroles, roasted veggies, and classic BBQ meals.

More Comforting Side Dishes to Try

If you love Tennessee Onions, you’ll also enjoy:

Cheesy Cauliflower Patties – low-carb and crispy
Roasted Potatoes & Carrots – simple and hearty
Green Olive & Feta Dip – creamy and tangy
Spicy Sailor’s Dip – smoky, bold, and addictive
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – perfect with cheesy onions

Tennessee Onions – Cheesy Baked Southern Classic

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

Ingredients

Sweet onions, sliced ½ inch thick
Butter, cut into small pats
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Shredded mozzarella
Provolone slices
Grated Parmesan

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish.
Arrange onion slices in a single layer.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add pats of butter.
Top with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Bake 25–30 minutes until melted and golden.
Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crisp, if desired.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.