why make this recipe
Tennessee Onions are a delicious twist on the classic onion ring. They are full of flavor and will surprise you with their cheesy goodness. These onion rounds are easy to make and are perfect for a snack, side dish, or even an appetizer for gatherings. If you love onions and cheesy treats, this recipe is a must-try!
how to make Tennessee Onions
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Vidalia sweet onions (peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pats)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese (finely shredded)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the onion rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper without separating the rings.
- Dot each round with pats of unsalted butter.
- Season with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Layer generously with Italian blend cheese, followed by cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
how to serve Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions are best served warm and can be enjoyed straight from the baking sheet. They make a fantastic appetizer at parties or as a side dish for grilled meats. You can also pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or marinara, for an extra burst of flavor.
how to store Tennessee Onions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
tips to make Tennessee Onions
- Use Vidalia onions or any sweet onion for the best flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; give each onion round space to bake evenly.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Adding pepper jack cheese can give a nice kick!
variation
You can add cooked bacon bits on top of the cheese for some extra flavor. Another fun twist is to add chopped jalapeños for a spicy version of these Tennessee Onions.
FAQs
Can I use regular onions instead of Vidalia?
Yes, you can use any type of onion, but sweet onions will give the best flavor.
Can I prepare these onions ahead of time?
You can slice the onions and prepare them with butter and seasonings ahead of time. Just cover and store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake them.
How do I make these onions crispy?
To get a crispier texture, make sure not to cover the baking sheet too tightly, and try baking a little longer if needed. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!

Tennessee Onions
Ingredients
For the Onion Mixture
- 3-4 pieces Vidalia sweet onions, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds Use sweet onions for best flavor.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
For the Cheese Layer
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the onion rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper without separating the rings.
- Dot each round with pats of unsalted butter.
- Season with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Layer generously with Italian blend cheese, followed by cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Bake for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm.
