Tennessee Sweet Onion Casserole, known for its comforting flavors and simplicity, is a dish inspired by the South’s love of Vidalia sweet onions. These onions, naturally mild and sweet, are the heart of this casserole, which combines butter, a blend of cheeses, and a touch of herbs to create a golden, bubbly masterpiece. Perfect as a side dish for family gatherings or holiday dinners, this casserole is both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. With a combination of Italian blend, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, the recipe has a rich, gooey texture balanced by the sweetness of the onions and the subtle seasonings.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 Vidalia sweet onions
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup finely shredded Italian blend cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Preparation Time :
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: Serves 6 as a side dish
Preparation Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- Prepare the Onions: Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions, removing any outer layers that may be too tough or dry. Carefully slice each onion into rounds, approximately ¼ inch thick, maintaining the circular shape rather than separating them into individual rings. Keeping the onions in full rounds preserves their natural sweetness and texture as they bake.
- Layer the Onions: Arrange the onion rounds evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This layering will ensure each piece is coated with seasonings and cheese, and it allows the dish to cook evenly.
- Season the Onions: Sprinkle salt evenly over the onion rounds, then follow with the garlic powder and dried oregano. These simple seasonings bring out the onion’s natural sweetness and add a subtle hint of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Add the Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into roughly eight even portions, or “pats.” Distribute these butter pats across the onions, placing them evenly around the dish. As the butter melts during baking, it will coat the onions, creating a rich, buttery base for the cheese to melt into.
- Top with Cheese: Start with the Italian blend cheese, spreading it evenly over the onions, followed by the cheddar cheese. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese across the top for a hint of salty, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the other cheeses. The mix of cheeses melts together to create a beautiful, bubbly, golden topping that’s hard to resist.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil, then place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes with the foil on, allowing the onions to soften and the cheese to begin melting. Covering the dish for the initial bake helps trap steam, ensuring the onions become tender without burning.
- Finish Baking: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. During this time, the cheese will bubble and turn golden brown, creating a crispy, flavorful top layer. Keep an eye on the dish during this final bake to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown.
- Remove and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese will set slightly and make it easier to serve portions. This dish pairs wonderfully with meats or roasted vegetables and makes a comforting addition to any holiday table or family dinner.
This Tennessee Sweet Onion Casserole is a recipe that blends simplicity with indulgent flavor, highlighting the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions in a dish that feels both traditional and special. Whether you’re preparing it as a side for a casual family dinner or as a featured dish for a holiday meal, this casserole will please any crowd. The melting, gooey cheese and the savory, seasoned onions create a depth of flavor that’s both rustic and refined. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a side dish that feels as comforting as it does delicious.