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A close-up of thick-sliced sweet onions arranged in a baking dish before being cooked into Tennessee Onions.

Tennessee Onions: The Ultimate Buttery Baked Southern Side Dish

Discover the best Tennessee Onions recipe! This classic Southern side dish features sweet onions baked in a savory butter and beef broth, finished with a crunchy, cheesy cracker topping. Perfect for any dinner or holiday meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large sweet onions (like Vidalia) peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the onion slices in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Carefully pour the hot broth mixture over the onions in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  4. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are fork-tender.
  5. While the onions are baking, mix the crushed crackers and shredded cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
  6. Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the onions.
  7. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: For the best flavor, use high-quality sweet onions like Vidalia. They are crucial for achieving the signature sweet and savory taste.
Tip 2: Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly with foil for the first part of baking. This steams the onions and makes them perfectly tender.
Tip 3: Don't be shy with the topping! A generous layer of the cracker and cheese mixture ensures a perfectly crunchy and cheesy bite every time.