If you love the crispy, golden magic of onion rings but want something richer, cheesier, and way easier to make, then Tennessee Onions are about to become your new obsession. This Southern-inspired side dish turns humble sweet onions into a bubbling, buttery, cheesy masterpiece that can easily steal the spotlight from the main course.
The secret lies in using Vidalia onions (or any other sweet onion variety), which mellow into tender perfection in the oven, absorbing every drop of butter and seasoning before being crowned with a generous layer of cheese. The result? A dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, gooey, and far more indulgent than your standard fried onion rings—without all the mess and oil splatter.
Ingredients
3–4 large Vidalia sweet onions (or other sweet onion variety)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper (optional, for a mild kick)
1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Monterey Jack works great)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs, for topping)
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