Tennessee Onions

Southern Comfort in Every Bite: Baked Vidalia Onions (Tennessee Style)

A Celebration of Sweetness and Simplicity:

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Tennessee with these Baked Vidalia Onions. This incredibly easy and flavorful recipe transforms everyone's favorite sweet onion into a delightful casserole that's guaranteed to become a new family favorite. More than just a side dish, these Baked Vidalia Onions offer a taste of Southern comfort in every single bite.

A Tradition Steeped in Flavor:

• Vidalia's Sweet Perfection: The star of the show is, without a doubt, the Vidalia onion. Renowned for its unmatched sweetness and mild flavor, Vidalia onions are a true Southern treasure. Sliced thinly into rings, these onions bake to tender perfection, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that complements the savory and cheesy elements beautifully.
• Savory Symphony: A simple blend of garlic powder, salt, and oregano acts as a flavor enhancer. Sprinkled over the onions, this trio of seasonings elevates the natural sweetness of the Vidalia onions without overpowering it. The result is a harmonious balance of sweet and savory that is truly delightful.
• Triple Cheese Delight: A symphony of creamy, sharp, and nutty flavors awaits you with the decadent cheese topping. A combination of shredded Italian blend cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese creates a textural and flavor sensation. The Italian blend cheese offers a creamy and slightly tangy base, while the cheddar cheese provides a sharp and bold counterpoint. Finally, the Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness and a touch of salty depth, tying all the elements together in a cheesy masterpiece.

Ingredients for Your Southern Treasure (Serves 6-8):

The Sweet Star:

• 3-4 large Vidalia onions (approximately 3 pounds): These sweet onions are the foundation of this dish, offering unparalleled sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The Savory Trio:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a subtle garlicky aroma and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, drawing out the natural sweetness of the onions and the savoriness of the cheese.
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of herbal warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

The Cheesy Trio:

• 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese: This blend offers a creamy and slightly tangy base, complementing the sweetness of the onions perfectly.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp and bold cheese, cheddar cheese provides a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness and creaminess of the other ingredients.
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty richness and a touch of salty depth, rounding out the flavor profile and adding a visually appealing golden finish.

The Finishing Touch:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats: Dotted on top of the onions, it adds richness and moisture, while also helping to brown the cheese for a visually stunning and mouthwatering presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tennessee Onion Bliss:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish for easy cleanup.
2. Onion Magic: Slice the Vidalia onions into thin ¼-inch rounds. Carefully separate the onion rings to allow for even cooking. Spread the rings evenly across the prepared baking dish.
3. Savory Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the onion rings, ensuring they're well coated.
4. Dot with Butter: Distribute the cubed butter evenly over the top of the seasoned onions. The butter will add richness and moisture as the onions bake, and will help to create a beautiful golden brown crust on the cheese topping.
5. Triple Cheese Delight: In a glorious shower of cheese, sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese over the entire dish. Finally, add a finishing touch with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delightful combination of caramelized onions, savory spices, and melted cheese.
7. Serve and Savor: Enjoy these Baked Vidalia Onions hot out of the oven. They make a fantastic side dish for any protein, such as roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked fish. Alternatively, they can be enjoyed on their own as a comforting and flavorful vegetarian option. These Baked Vidalia Onions are sure to become a new favorite, offering a taste of Southern

Tips and Tricks for Baked Vidalia Onions (Tennessee Style):

• Onion Selection: For the best results, choose firm and heavy Vidalia onions. Avoid any onions that feel soft or have blemishes.
• Slicing Savvy: A mandoline slicer can be a helpful tool for achieving uniformly thin onion slices. However, a sharp knife will work just as well.
• Don't Crowd the Dish: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish with the onion rings. This ensures even cooking and prevents the onions from steaming instead of baking. If necessary, use a larger baking dish to accommodate all the onions comfortably.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyere cheese can be used instead of cheddar cheese for a slightly nuttier flavor. For a touch of smokiness, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika along with the other seasonings.
• Leftovers: While these Baked Vidalia Onions are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The texture may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, preheat the oven, add the cheese topping, and bake according to the recipe instructions.