Oh, let me tell you about a dish that has stolen my heart—and my taste buds! Tennessee Onions is like the ultimate comfort food on a plate, and it holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire. The combination of sweet, caramelized onions layered under rich, gooey cheese just warms your soul! I remember the first time I made it for my family; the delicious aroma wafting through the house had them flocking to the kitchen faster than I could say “dinner’s ready!” Now, it’s become a go-to side dish at family gatherings—a true crowd-pleaser!
What makes this dish unique? It’s not just the cheese; it’s the incidentals—the creams, the garlic, and those luscious onions melding together in such a savory symphony. You might even find yourself stealing a forkful before it even makes it to the table (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone!). Ready to dive into cooking this delightful dish? Let’s break it down!
What’s in Tennessee Onions?
- Yellow onions: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness shines through once sautéed. Make sure to peel and slice them into rings for even cooking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: This adds a tangy richness. I love using sharp cheddar for that extra oomph—totally brings the flavor!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Who can resist the meltiness of mozzarella? It creates that perfect gooey texture you’ll just want to dive into.
- Heavy cream: The luscious base that makes everything creamier! Feel free to use half-and-half if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing those onions to perfection. If you can’t find unsalted, just keep an eye on additional salt later.
- Garlic powder: A little wink of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the onions.
- Onion powder: Just to boost that oniony goodness without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Always essential for balancing flavors. Trust me, don’t skip these!
- Chopped fresh parsley: The garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness. Feel free to use your favorite herbs as well!
Is Tennessee Onions Good for You?
Now, I won’t lie; Tennessee Onions is definitely a treat! Onions are rich in antioxidants, which can help maintain good health, and the cream and cheese? Well, that’s where it gets a bit indulgent. While it can be a bit heavy due to the heavy cream and cheeses, this dish can certainly fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Consider serving it as a side dish alongside lean proteins or steamed veggies to create a well-rounded meal. Just remember, when it comes to comfort food, moderation is key—though you might not want to think about that while diving into this cheesy goodness!
Ingredients List
- 3 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Tennessee Onions?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepping the oven is step one; trust me, this dish deserves it!
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Take a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the sautéed onions evenly at the bottom.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the onions, then sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
- Repeat with the remaining onions, cream mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows everything to meld together wonderfully.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. You want that beautiful crust!
- Once done, let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for that touch of green.
A Little Extra Love for Your Tennessee Onions
- This dish makes a fabulous side for grilled meats, but it shines on its own with some crusty bread, too!
- Feel free to get creative with your cheese. Gouda or Monterey Jack could be delightful substitutes, depending on your mood.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach can give an extra layer of flavor. More veggies? Count me in!
The next time you’re gathering with friends or family, give this Tennessee Onions a whirl. It’s simple, it’s decadent, and I guarantee it’ll disappear faster than you can say, “seconds, please!” If you try it, let me know how it turned out; I’d love to hear your stories! Happy cooking, folks!
