Welcome to the most flavorful and comforting side dish you’ll ever make. These Tennessee Onions are a true Southern classic, featuring thick-sliced sweet onions baked in a rich, savory broth until perfectly tender, then topped with a crunchy, cheesy cracker crust. It’s a simple recipe that delivers an incredible depth of flavor, transforming the humble onion into a show-stopping star. If you’re looking for a side dish that is both incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious, you’ve found it.
Why This Tennessee Onions Recipe is a Keeper
This isn’t just another baked onion recipe; it’s a dish steeped in Southern tradition and designed for pure comfort. The onions become sweet and jammy as they bake, absorbing all the savory goodness from the beef broth and butter. The crispy, cheesy topping provides the perfect textural contrast. It’s the kind of side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course and will have everyone asking for the recipe. Plus, it requires minimal effort for a truly impressive result.
What Are Tennessee Onions?
Tennessee Onions are a classic Southern side dish where large, sweet onions are slow-baked in a savory liquid until they are exceptionally tender and sweet. The dish is characterized by its rich, buttery flavor and is almost always finished with a crunchy topping, typically made from crushed crackers, butter, and cheese. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
The Essential Ingredients
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of staple ingredients to create these incredible baked Tennessee Onions.
- Sweet Onions: Large Vidalia or other sweet onions are the star. Their low sulfur content means they become incredibly sweet and mild when cooked.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter, as you’ll be adding salt and other savory elements. It forms the rich base of the baking liquid.
- Beef Broth: This adds a deep, savory, and umami flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the onions.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A secret weapon for adding complexity and a tangy depth of flavor.
- Buttery Crackers: Crushed Ritz or similar crackers create that signature crunchy topping.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a tangy, cheesy crust that browns beautifully.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder is all you need.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Tennessee Onions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious baked onions. We’ll break it down into preparing the onions and baking them to perfection.
Phase 1: Preparation
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Onions: Peel the onions and slice them into thick, 1-inch rounds. Arrange the onion slices in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Create the Broth: 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.
- Pour and Cover: Carefully pour the hot broth mixture over the onions in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Phase 2: Baking to Perfection
- First Bake: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Topping: While the onions are baking, mix the crushed crackers and shredded cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
- Add Topping & Second Bake: Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the onions.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. For a similar Southern comfort food classic, try these Southern Cornbread Poppers (coming soon).
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Onions
A few simple tips can take your Tennessee Onions from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Choose the Right Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia are essential for this recipe. They lack the harsh bite of yellow or red onions and caramelize beautifully.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Ensure the onions are in a single layer to cook evenly. If you need to make a larger batch, use a bigger dish or two separate ones.
- Cover Tightly: Covering the dish with foil for the initial bake is crucial. It traps the steam, which helps to soften the onions and make them tender.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is fantastic, feel free to get creative. For a different flavor profile, consider adding a little heat with our favorite Homemade Slap Ya Mama Seasoning.
- Add Herbs: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the broth for an aromatic twist.
- Switch the Cheese: Try Gruyère, Parmesan, or a spicy Pepper Jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon Makes Everything Better: Add some cooked, crumbled bacon to the cracker topping for a smoky, savory crunch.
What to Serve with Tennessee Onions
These baked onions are an incredibly versatile side dish. They pair wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. They’re also a perfect addition to a holiday meal, complementing dishes like turkey and ham. For a full Southern-style meal, serve them alongside some Smothered Chicken and Rice (coming soon).
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the onions in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. The topping may not be as crispy, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Onions
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can assemble the onions and broth in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, proceed with the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time. You can also bake it completely and reheat before serving.
For the best results, it is highly recommended to use sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Mayan Sweets. Their lower sulfur content makes them sweeter and less pungent when cooked, which is key to the dish’s flavor profile. Using yellow or white onions will result in a much stronger, more pungent flavor.
The onions are ready when they are fork-tender. After the initial 30-35 minutes of covered baking, you should be able to easily pierce them with a fork with very little resistance. They should be soft and translucent.
Tennessee Onions are a traditional Southern side dish made from thick-sliced sweet onions that are baked in a savory mixture of butter and beef broth until tender. They are then topped with a crunchy layer of crushed crackers and melted cheese.
Sharp cheddar cheese is the classic choice as its tangy flavor provides a great contrast to the sweet onions. However, Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a spicy Pepper Jack would also be delicious alternatives.
The Recipe for Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions: The Ultimate Buttery Baked Southern Side Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the onion slices in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 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.
- Carefully pour the hot broth mixture over the onions in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are fork-tender.
- While the onions are baking, mix the crushed crackers and shredded cheddar cheese in a small bowl.
- Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the onions.
- 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 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.
Share Your Creation!
We are certain that this Tennessee Onions recipe will become a new favorite in your home. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness that brings comfort to any meal. If you make this recipe, we would love to see it! Share your dish on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback and creations inspire us!
