Tennessee Onions are a delicious and visually appealing side dish made by thinly slicing onions, arranging them in a rose-like pattern, and baking them with butter, broth, and often cheese. They become tender and caramelized, with a lovely savory flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow or sweet onions, peeled
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère, Swiss, or Parmesan cheese (or a combination)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar-sized dish) with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Onions:
- Slice off the root end of each onion. Place the onion cut-side down and make thin, vertical slices from the top almost all the way to the bottom, being careful not to cut through the root end so that the onion stays intact. Make several slices all around the onion, creating many thin segments.
- Gently fan out the slices of each onion to resemble a blooming flower or rose.
- Arrange Onions in Baking Dish:
- Carefully place the fanned-out onions in the prepared baking dish. They can be close together.
- Make the Butter-Broth Mixture:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, beef broth (or vegetable broth), minced garlic (if using), dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour Over Onions:
- Slowly pour the butter-broth mixture evenly over the onions, making sure it gets down into the slices.
- Bake the Onions:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the onions.
- Continue Baking:
- Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are very tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size and type of onions.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the Tennessee Onions from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. They are best served warm.
Tips and Notes:
- Onion Type: Yellow or sweet onions work best for this recipe as they become nicely caramelized.
- Slicing Technique: Take your time when slicing the onions to ensure they are thin and evenly cut, which helps them cook through evenly.
- Broth Amount: If your baking dish is larger, you may need slightly more broth to prevent the onions from drying out.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sharp cheddar.
- Serving Suggestions: Tennessee Onions make a wonderful side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or even vegetarian main courses.
Enjoy your beautiful and flavorful Tennessee Onions!