Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions are a unique dish that combines the sweet flavor of Vidalia onions with creamy cheeses, creating a savory treat. This recipe has roots in Southern cuisine and is perfect for gatherings, especially potlucks. It’s easy to customize with different cheeses and spices to suit your taste. Interested in learning more about its history and how to prepare this dish? Let’s explore the story behind Tennessee Onions and the steps to make them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this Tennessee Onions recipe, you’ll appreciate the unique combination of flavors and textures that come together in a delicious dish. The sweet Vidalia onions create a wonderful base, while a blend of creamy cheddar and smoky Gouda adds a rich topping.

You’ll love how garlic salt and cayenne pepper introduce savory depth and just the right kick. Adding fresh herbs like thyme and oregano enhances the overall flavor profile. Plus, you can easily customize it with different cheese combinations to suit your taste. This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian option.

Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or family dinner, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Vidalia onions are known for their sweet and mild flavor, making this recipe a perfect choice for those who appreciate southern-inspired cuisine.

History

Tennessee Onions have a rich history that dates back to the Great Depression, showcasing how a simple dish can evolve over time.

Great-Grandma Ellie first created this recipe using Vidalia onions, which thrived in community gardens during those tough years. As the dish became a cherished family tradition, each generation added their own twist, mixing in different cheeses and garlic powder. The use of Vidalia onions, known for their sweet and mild flavor, makes this dish special and highlights the charm of Southern cuisine. This dish is enhanced with a blend of three cheeses, adding to its unique flavor profile.

With roots deeply planted in the South, Tennessee Onions not only offer great taste but also tell a story of resilience and family legacy that continues to be celebrated today.

Recipe

Tennessee onions are a delightful dish that showcases the sweet, rich flavor of onions, enhanced by a blend of cheeses and herbs. This recipe transforms simple onions into a savory side dish, perfect for complementing a wide variety of meals. The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a creamy, cheesy topping that pairs beautifully with the caramelized onions underneath. With its easy preparation and baking method, this dish is sure to become a favorite at any gathering, especially because it serves about 10, making it ideal for potlucks or large gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Although onion dishes can vary widely in preparation, Tennessee onions stand out for their unique blend of flavors and ease of cooking.

These onions are appreciated for their quality, making them a favorite among many home cooks. When you choose Tennessee onions, you’re supporting local agriculture, which plays a significant role in the state’s economy. In fact, the total economic impact of Tennessee agriculture is $89 billion, underscoring the importance of all crops, including onions, to the state’s financial health.

Although specific production data might be limited, the broader agricultural context highlights Tennessee’s productivity. It’s important to recognize that onions, like many crops, have seen changes in production and pricing over the years.

FAQ

What do you need to know about cooking with Tennessee onions? First, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and use a 9×13-inch baking dish coated with non-stick spray. For the best flavor, choose Vidalia sweet onions, peeling and slicing them into ¼-inch rounds.

Season with salt, garlic powder, and oregano. This dish is versatile and pairs well with grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or classic sides. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned. You can mix cheeses like Italian blend, cheddar, and Parmesan, or add crumbled bacon or sausage for a heartier dish.