Description
Tennessee Onions is a nostalgic and flavorful onion casserole featuring sweet onions seasoned with herbs and spices, layered with butter and a delightful mix of Cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses. Baked to a bubbly, golden finish, this side dish offers a unique twist on traditional casseroles, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 1/2 lb. sweet onions (about 3 large onions), sliced crosswise into 1/4-in.-thick slices and separated into rings
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup salted butter, cut into 1/4-in.-thick pieces
- 4 oz. mild Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 4 oz. smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Warm the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the onions: In a large bowl, place the sliced and separated onion rings. Sprinkle evenly with dried thyme, parsley flakes, garlic salt, oregano, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Toss gently to ensure the onions are well coated with all the seasonings.
- Add to baking dish: Transfer the seasoned onions evenly into the prepared baking dish, distributing them in a single layer for uniform cooking.
- Add toppings and bake: Evenly arrange the pieces of salted butter over the onions. Then sprinkle the shredded mild Cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses on top. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the sides of the casserole are bubbly.
- Finish baking: Carefully remove the aluminum foil and return the dish to the oven. Continue baking at 350°F for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla for a natural sweetness that balances the spices and cheese.
- Be careful when removing the foil during the final baking stage to avoid steam burns.
- This casserole pairs well with roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread.
- You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking to save time.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
