Tennessee Onions Recipe

Name: Tennessee Onions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 large sweet onions, sliced into 1/4-inch slices; 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, or more to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 tablespoons butter, cut in 6 slices; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

3 sweet onions, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, or more to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
4 tablespoons butter, cut into 6 slices
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
Arrange half of the sliced onions at the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle the first half of the Cajun seasoning and garlic powder evenly over the onions.
Repeat the process with the remaining onions, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder.
Place the butter slices on top of the onions, followed by an even layer of shredded Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Sprinkle the oregano over the cheese layer and finish by adding the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	198
Total Fat	14g (19%)
Saturated Fat	9g (43%)
Cholesterol	42mg (14%)
Sodium	532mg (23%)
Total Carbohydrate	9g (3%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4%)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	9g (17%)
Vitamin C	4mg (4%)
Calcium	251mg (19%)
Iron	0mg (2%)
Potassium	154mg (3%)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Recipe by Nicole McLaughlin

Tennessee Onions are a mouthwatering side dish made from sweet onions, seasoned with Cajun spices, and baked with a delightful blend of three types of cheese. This simple yet flavorful recipe has garnered rave reviews for its rich, buttery texture and bold, cheesy flavor.

History of Tennessee Onions

The origins of Tennessee Onions are closely tied to the Southern United States, particularly the culinary traditions of Tennessee. Known for its rich, comforting dishes, Tennessee cuisine often incorporates bold flavors such as garlic, Cajun seasoning, and cheese. While the exact origin of this recipe remains unclear, it is likely inspired by the region's love for hearty, cheesy side dishes that complement a variety of meats, especially barbecued ribs and steaks. The inclusion of Cajun seasoning adds a Southern twist, reflecting the cultural fusion between Tennessee and neighboring Louisiana flavors.

Regional Features

In Tennessee, onions are often grown in abundance, especially in the fertile soils of the central and eastern regions. Sweet onions, which are mild and less pungent than yellow onions, are favored for their sweetness and tenderness when cooked. This dish showcases the versatility of onions, which are used in a variety of Southern dishes such as onion rings, onion gravy, and fried onion casseroles. The addition of cheese and seasoning brings a unique twist to the traditional baked onion dish, making it a popular choice for family gatherings and festive meals.

What Makes It Different

While there are many dishes that feature baked onions, such as French onion soup or onion gratin, Tennessee Onions stand out due to the combination of cheese and Cajun seasoning. The cheesecheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesanadds a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the tender sweetness of the caramelized onions. The Cajun seasoning brings a mild heat and earthiness that enhances the overall flavor profile, distinguishing it from milder onion-based side dishes like French onion rings or onion casseroles.

Where It's Served

Tennessee Onions are often served as a side dish at Southern-style barbecues, family dinners, or casual gatherings. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or pork, making them a perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal. You can find them featured on many Southern restaurant menus, especially those that specialize in comfort food or Southern-inspired fare. In some variations, they are used as a topping for burgers, adding a deliciously savory touch to a classic dish.

Interesting Facts

The use of Cajun seasoning in Tennessee Onions reflects the influence of neighboring Louisiana's Cajun and Creole cuisine, which is known for its bold, spicy flavors.
Onions have been a staple in American cooking for centuries, prized not only for their flavor but also for their health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
Although this dish is named after Tennessee, variations of onion-based casseroles can be found throughout the Southern United States, with each region putting its own spin on the recipe.
One of the best things about Tennessee Onions is their versatilityyou can add bacon, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.

FAQ about Tennessee Onions Recipe

Leftover Tennessee Onions should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Yes, you can freeze Tennessee Onions. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Some good options include gouda, provolone, or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt at different rates, which may affect the final texture of the dish.

If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste, or you could use any other spice blend you prefer.

Tennessee Onions are a great side dish for many main courses. You can pair them with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. They also work well with a salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple potato dish.

Yes, you can use different types of onions. While sweet onions are the recommended choice for their mild flavor, yellow or white onions can also be used. Keep in mind that yellow onions tend to be stronger in flavor, and white onions are a bit sharper, so you may need to adjust the seasoning.

If you find that the onions are too watery, you can try draining some of the liquid before baking or use a thicker layer of cheese to absorb excess moisture. Additionally, you could try sautéing the onions in the skillet before baking to help remove some of the moisture.

Yes, bacon and mushrooms can be great additions to Tennessee Onions. You can sauté the mushrooms and add them to the dish before baking, or crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it on top for added flavor. Just ensure that any extra ingredients are cooked beforehand to prevent excess moisture.

Yes, you can prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time. Assemble the dish as instructed, but instead of baking immediately, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as directed. The dish may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if it's cold from the fridge.

The name 'Tennessee Onions' likely comes from the use of Cajun seasoning, which is often associated with Southern and Tennessee-style cuisine. The dish combines the rich, savory flavors of onions and cheese, reminiscent of comfort food commonly found in the Southern United States.

Comments

Poppe Art

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

One of the reviews(1 star) is from today, 4/28. It's ten in the morning where I am. What, did they make this for breakfast? I call bogus review. Well, I DID make it for breakfast, and it was fabulous. I put this next to some fried eggs and it rocked my world. It wasn't "greasy" at all, it tasted like heaven on a plate. I thought next time I'd put some fried mushrooms in there. I fry my "shrooms" in butter fat. Even bacon might work. Fatty bacon mixed in with the buttered shrooms, all that cheese, and the buttery onions. I finish my dish with a drizzle of olive oil over top of the buttery, cheezy goodness.

janmauss

04/28/2024 04:49:38 PM

Not necessarily "healthy," but pretty darn good. I'm really tired of folks who try to tell others how awful a recipe is, when small amounts of nearly anything cheesy and fatty can make a meal without being horrible--it's really about portion size, only 198 calories per serving. This recipe did show up early today, but fit into our lunch plan. I made a half recipe and served small portions as burger topping--fabulous onion cheeseburgers! As Poppe Art suggested, some mushrooms would have been a terrific addition. I don't know how anyone would follow the recipe adding the Cajun seasoning and then find the dish "bland." It wasn't particularly spicy, but definitely had some kick.

FairWrap3059

07/14/2024 12:32:37 AM

I made this recipe and it turned out so well. I modified it by using Old Bay instead of the Cajun seasoning. Sooo delicious and easy to prepare.

Southern Belle

07/04/2024 04:50:44 AM

Man, these were wonderful, I omitted the Cajun seasoning simply because I didn’t have any on hand. I made a full batch The first time I made them. The next time I made them in my 10 inch cast-iron skillet since it’s just me. and yes, I ate some for breakfast with scrambled eggs. I’m officially addicted to these.

TealHoney4353

10/24/2024 12:47:53 AM

Nice recipe. I added the seasoning to the raw sliced onions to distribute it evenly and then only made one thick layer of onions. The cooking time and temperature used were the same as in this recipe. Buttery, cheesy, tender onions. That says it all. Why are these called "Tennessee" onions?

Azure

12/12/2024 05:49:54 AM

Thinking what could make this better. There was lots of liquid in baking dish. Like covering the bottom layer. Also bottom layer was crunchy. Proposed solution: add some salt to onions while caramelizing onion rounds in skillet before going to baking dish. Salt draws out water. Onions will be somewhat sweet when caramelized. Bump up the umami with sauteed mushrooms, or bacon.

BriefLadle2177

10/13/2024 07:29:26 PM

Did 1/2 of the recipe seeing it's only 2 of us. It's good, we both enjoyed it. We used large sweet onions and my homemade cajun seasoning. I'll make it again as a side w/grilled ribeyes or strips. And it's simple to put together. Thanks ! It's a keeper.

SereneGum4303

04/28/2024 08:37:29 PM

This was very good!!! Also, it tastes like pizza topping without the crust!! Like one review stated use it as a burger topping. I made it like the recipe called for except less butter! Thank you

SmartSalad9029

12/04/2024 08:52:09 PM

I made it , enjoyed it. Tweaked it with cream of chicken soup and some diced chicken. Also cut onions bite size. Baked it 40 minutes and it was a big hit. Will become a regular dish in our home.

ToddandJody Beckley

02/26/2025 04:10:17 PM

Easy & delicious! We increased the Cajun seasoning to 1 Tbl....it was very flavorful but still just mild enough for me. The second time we made it, we added skinless cheese sausage (kielbasa-like), sliced & added in between the onion layers. WOW - LOVED IT this way!! Thanks for the great recipe, it's now a family favorite.

donnam1517

10/13/2024 07:03:55 PM

Easy to make and a delicious side dish. I’m thinking you could add bread crumbs as a topping to give it a little crunch.

Allrecipes Member

08/25/2025 11:54:28 AM

You talk about a fantastic meal filling high protein and low carb !!! ❤️ Man you got something great here. Thanks for this recipe. I'll for sure be making it more than once ! 👍🏼☺️❤️❤️❤️

Patti Pretzel

08/19/2025 01:30:22 AM

Loved it

Luke Tansey

07/02/2025 06:52:54 PM

no, because it was made by my favorite host here! i am secretly in love with her!

Femailmailman

06/03/2025 07:34:17 AM

This is delicious. Have made it a couple times and everyone loves it. I found it did take longer than the recipe said to bake. But so worth the wait.

BriskBoba7556

05/21/2025 06:49:54 AM

Yes I have made only a couple of the recipes

Penny Newcomer

03/02/2025 03:34:29 PM

Tasty but I would use less onions

Margot Rockefeller

02/28/2025 04:54:17 PM

Thank you for this wonderful recipe. Just made this treat.

Tyler Torres

02/27/2025 12:35:25 AM

Can’t believe how flavorful this turned out.

HeartySalad8218

02/26/2025 10:47:13 PM

My mother loves cheese and onion cooked together

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