If you’ve dismissed onions as just another boring side dish, you haven’t experienced the magic of Tennessee Onions yet. These aren’t your typical grilled vegetables – they’re a Southern masterpiece where sweet onions meet melted cheese in perfect harmony. You’ll often spot these foil-wrapped bundles of joy at backyard barbecues, where they quietly steal the show from flashier dishes. Once you discover how the butter and cheese transform simple onions into golden, caramelized heaven, you’ll wonder what else you’ve been missing. So lets get to making some amazing and delicious Tennessee Onions.
History of the Tennessee Onions
While the exact origins of Tennessee Onions remain somewhat unclear, this comfort food classic emerged from the American South’s tradition of transforming simple ingredients into crowd-pleasing dishes.
You’ll find that Tennessee Onions gained popularity in the mid-20th century when outdoor grilling became a cornerstone of Southern entertaining. As families gathered for barbecues and cookouts, creative cooks discovered that sweet onions, butter, and cheese could become something extraordinary with just a little time on the grill.
The dish’s name stuck because of its prevalence at Tennessee gatherings, though you’ll spot similar recipes across the Southeast.
What started as a practical way to use abundant local sweet onions has evolved into a beloved side dish that’s now a staple at everything from casual backyard parties to holiday celebrations.
Recipe for amazing Tennessee Onions
Tennessee Onions are a luxurious Southern side dish that transforms simple onions into a mouthwatering, cheese-covered delicacy. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of caramelized onions with rich, melted cheese to create a dish that perfectly complements grilled meats and other main courses.
The beauty of Tennessee Onions lies in its simplicity and the way it elevates a common ingredient into something spectacular. When cooked properly, the onions become tender and sweet, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbling crust that’s impossible to resist.
- 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla preferred)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and arrange them on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Add butter in small pieces distributed throughout the onions and sprinkle with black pepper. Create a tightly sealed foil packet and place on a preheated grill over medium heat for 20-25 minutes.
Once onions are soft and translucent, carefully open the packet, add both cheeses on top, and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
For best results, choose sweet onions that are firm and heavy for their size, avoiding any with soft spots or signs of sprouting. When creating the foil packet, leave some headspace above the onions for steam to circulate while keeping the seal tight.
If cooking indoors, place the foil packet on a baking sheet before putting it in a 400°F oven. Allow the finished dish to rest for a few minutes before serving, as the cheese and onions will be extremely hot.
Cooking Steps for Tennessee Onions
Before you start cooking these crowd-pleasing Tennessee Onions, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients and slice those sweet onions into thick, uniform rings!
Next, you’ll create a tight foil packet, add your butter and seasonings, and let those onions transform over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until they’re tender and translucent.
Finally, you’ll carefully open the packet to blanket those perfectly cooked onions with both types of cheese, returning them to the heat until you’ve got a gloriously melted, golden-brown topping.
step 1. Gather All Ingredients First
Successfully preparing Tennessee Onions starts with gathering every ingredient on your counter before firing up the grill!
You’ll need three large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla work best), a stick of butter (1/2 cup), and your two-cheese combo: shredded mozzarella (1 cup) and grated Parmesan (1/2 cup).
Don’t forget the teaspoon of black pepper!
Equipment-wise, grab a roll of heavy-duty aluminum foil – you’ll want a piece large enough to create a secure packet for those onions.
Having everything ready means you won’t be scrambling back and forth to your fridge while your grill heats up!
Take a moment to check that your cheese is properly measured and your butter’s at room temperature for even melting.
Trust me, this prep step makes the cooking process so much smoother.
step 2. Slice Onions Into Rings
Now that your ingredients are lined up, let’s get those onions ready for their star performance!
You’ll want to start with your three large sweet onions, making sure they’re firm and fresh.
Begin by cutting off both ends of each onion and removing the papery outer skin. Slice each onion crosswise into rings about 1/2-inch thick – you don’t want them too thin or they’ll disappear during cooking!
Try to keep the rings intact as you separate them.
Pro tip: If your eyes start watering (and they probably will), try chilling the onions for 30 minutes before cutting. You can also run your knife under cold water to reduce those tear-inducing compounds.
Place your perfectly sliced rings in a bowl, and you’re ready for the next exciting step!
step 3. Create Aluminum Foil Packet
Getting your foil packet just right sets the stage for perfectly tender Tennessee Onions! Start with a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil that’s about 18 inches long – you’ll want plenty of room to work with.
Lay the foil on a flat surface and fold up the edges slightly to prevent butter from escaping. Place your sliced onion rings in the center, keeping them relatively even (don’t worry if they overlap a bit). Add your butter pats evenly across the top, and sprinkle with black pepper.
To seal the packet, bring the long sides up and fold them together twice, creating a tight seam. Then, fold each end twice toward the center, making sure there aren’t any gaps where steam could escape.
Give it a gentle squeeze – if it feels secure, you’re ready to grill!
step 4. Season and Add Butter
Once your foil packet is properly formed, it’s time to add the key ingredients that give Tennessee Onions their signature rich flavor.
Start by dotting your sliced onions with 1/2 cup of butter, distributing it evenly throughout the layers – don’t worry if it looks like a lot, those onions will drink it right up!
Season the onions generously with 1 teaspoon of black pepper, making sure to sprinkle it across all the layers. The pepper provides a perfect counterbalance to the sweet onions and rich butter.
At this point, your foil packet should look like a buttery, pepper-speckled masterpiece ready for the next step.
Remember to work quickly while the foil is open to keep all that precious heat contained!
step 5. Add Both Cheeses And Melt
The melted cheese transforms these tender onions into an irresistible side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Now it’s time to give your onions that signature Tennessee crown of gooey goodness.
Carefully open your foil packet (watch out for that steam!) and evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the softened onions.
Follow that with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, creating a two-cheese blanket that’ll melt into every nook and cranny.
Close up your grill and let the heat work its magic for 5-7 minutes, until both cheeses have melted completely and started to turn slightly golden brown.
You’ll know it’s ready when you see those tiny bubbles forming and the edges getting just a bit crispy.
Final Thoughts for Tennessee Onions
Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking in your kitchen, Tennessee Onions deliver an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness.
You’ll find these melt-in-your-mouth onions are the perfect side dish for just about any meal, from backyard barbecues to holiday feasts.
Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe – it’s one of those simple dishes that always impresses!
While the recipe is straightforward, remember that patience is key when caramelizing the onions.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re completely tender and golden brown, with the cheese forming a bubbly, irresistible crust on top.
And here’s a bonus tip: if you have any leftovers (though that’s rarely the case!), they’re fantastic reheated the next day in a skillet.
