Crispy Tennessee Onions
If you love the rich flavor of sweet baked onions and the golden, bubbly top of a good casserole, this Southern favorite is for you. Crispy Tennessee Onions turn simple sliced onions into a cheesy, buttery side dish with crisp edges and a soft, tender center. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as a hearty topping for burgers and steaks.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 45–50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Sweet Onions: 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into ¼-inch rings
Butter: 4 tablespoons butter, thinly sliced or melted
Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded (mild or sharp)
Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated
Smoked Gouda (optional): ½ cup shredded
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
Salt: ¾ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Italian Seasoning or Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Paprika or Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
Dry Mustard Powder: ½ teaspoon
Cajun Seasoning: ½ teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes (optional): ¼ teaspoon
Heavy Cream (optional variation): ¼ cup
Breadcrumbs (optional topping): ½ cup
Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped, for garnish
Cooking Spray or Extra Butter: For greasing the baking dish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Slice the onions into even ¼-inch rings and separate them gently.
Arrange the onion rings in the baking dish, spreading them out evenly in a slightly overlapping layer.
Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, dry mustard powder, and Cajun seasoning evenly over the onions. Add cayenne if using.
If using heavy cream, drizzle it lightly over the onions for added richness.
Distribute the butter slices evenly across the top of the onions.
In a bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and smoked Gouda (if using).
Sprinkle the cheese mixture generously over the seasoned onions, covering them evenly.
For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling. For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
Use true sweet onions for the best flavor. They caramelize beautifully without becoming bitter.
Slice onions evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Do not overcrowd the dish; too many layers can cause steaming instead of crisping.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly.
Add butter evenly to prevent dry spots.
Use smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Broil carefully at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Variations
Creamy Version: Increase heavy cream to ½ cup for a richer casserole-style dish.
Spicy Kick: Double the cayenne or add diced jalapeños.
Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs entirely.
Extra Crunch: Mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before topping.
Bacon Lovers: Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon between onion layers.
Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Gouda Forward: Replace mozzarella entirely with smoked Gouda for a smoky profile.
Grill Version: Cook in a cast-iron skillet on indirect heat with the lid closed.
Garlic Butter Twist: Melt butter with minced fresh garlic before drizzling.
Mini Servings: Bake in individual ramekins for a dinner-party presentation.
Q&A
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze it?
It is best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven.
What main dishes pair well?
Grilled steak, roasted chicken, pork chops, or barbecue ribs.
Can I use yellow onions?
Yes, though they will be slightly sharper in flavor.
Why are my onions watery?
Overcrowding or slicing too thin can cause excess moisture.
How do I make it crispier?
Broil briefly at the end and avoid covering during baking.
Can I reduce the cheese?
Yes, adjust amounts to your preference.
Is heavy cream necessary?
No, it is optional for extra richness.
Can I make it vegetarian?
It already is vegetarian if using standard cheeses.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 10–12g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 14–18g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning and cheese used
Conclusion
Crispy Tennessee Onions are proof that simple ingredients can deliver bold flavor. Sweet onions bake down into tender layers while butter and cheese create a golden, bubbling crust on top. Whether you serve them at a backyard cookout or as a comforting holiday side, this dish brings warmth and satisfying texture to the table. With easy variations and simple preparation, it is a recipe you will return to again and again.