Tennessee Onions

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 3 hr.
Yield 8 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Tennessee onions are hands down the best topping for burgers ever—although these sweet and tender onions can be a tasty side dish, too.

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 pounds Vidalia onions, sliced into 1/4-in. rings
  • 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1-1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking dish.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter for 30 seconds or until melted. Add sliced onions; toss to coat. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, thyme, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, oregano, mustard, pepper and cayenne. Pour spice blend over onions; toss to coat.
  3. In a large bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Measure 3/4 cup of the cheese mixture; set aside for later use.
  4. Arrange half of the seasoned onions in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the remaining cheese mixture over the onions. Repeat with remaining onions and remaining cheese mixture. Cube the remaining 4 tablespoons butter; arrange on top of the cheese. Cover baking dish with foil. Bake, covered, for 45 minutes. Remove the foil; bake, uncovered, another 20 minutes. Sprinkle reserved 3/4 cup cheese mixture on top of the onions. Bake another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Transfer to a wire rack to slightly cool. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 281 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.

Sweet and tender Tennessee onions are delicious as a topping for burgers and grilled sausages or served as a side dish with barbecues and roasts. Slice the onions carefully into rings that are 1/4-inch thick. This size ensures the rings soften completely, making them easy to bite through. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Recipe Creator
Community Cook

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