Tennessee Onion Casserole: Southern Comfort in Every Bite

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen where a Tennessee Onion Casserole is baking in the oven. After a particularly hectic Wednesday last week, I found myself craving comfort food that wouldn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s when this treasured family recipe came to the rescue. The sweet aroma of caramelized onions mingling with melted cheese filled my home, instantly melting away the day’s stress.

This Tennessee Onion Casserole isn’t just another side dish – it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The tender, golden onion layers become deliciously sweet when baked, creating a perfect harmony with the rich, molten cheese and subtle spices. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe after just one bite.

Whether you’re looking for an impressive side dish for Sunday dinner or a comforting addition to your weeknight meals, this easy Tennessee Onion Casserole recipe delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort. Let me show you how to create this Southern classic in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Tennessee Onion Casserole

• ✅ This Southern-style Tennessee Onion Casserole with breadcrumbs creates the perfect crispy topping that will have everyone fighting for seconds
• ✅ The baked Tennessee Onion Casserole with sharp cheddar delivers a creamy, cheesy flavor explosion that complements any main dish
• ✅ Perfect comfort food Tennessee Onion Casserole side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from holiday ham to weeknight chicken
• ✅ This easy Tennessee Onion Casserole for potluck parties can be prepared ahead, making entertaining stress-free
• ✅ The Tennessee Onion Casserole with caramelized onions transforms affordable ingredients into a luxurious dish that tastes like it took hours to make
• ✅ A classic Tennessee Onion Casserole for family gatherings that brings generations together with its timeless appeal

Ingredients for Tennessee Onion Casserole

To make this delicious Tennessee Onion Casserole with savory spices, you’ll need:

• 4 large Vidalia or sweet onions (about 3 pounds), sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick rings
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) salted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded havarti cheese, divided
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient Notes:

• For a milder flavor, you can substitute sweet onions with yellow onions
• To make a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives
• For extra tang, add 1/4 cup of sour cream to the cheese mixture
• If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice blend

How to Make Tennessee Onion Casserole – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Slice the onions crosswise into 1/4-inch rings and separate them. For the most authentic Tennessee Onion Casserole with a crispy topping, make sure your onion slices are uniform in thickness.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the salt, dry mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Set this seasoning mixture aside.

Assembling the Casserole

Step 4: Place one-third of the onion rings in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Sprinkle one-third of the seasoning mixture over the onions, then dot with one-third of the butter pieces.

Step 6: Combine the havarti and cheddar cheeses in a bowl. Sprinkle one-third of the cheese mixture (about 1 1/3 cups) evenly over the onions.

Step 7: Repeat these layers twice more, ending with the remaining cheese on top. This layering technique ensures your Tennessee Onion Casserole creamy cheese bake has perfect flavor distribution.

Baking

Step 8: Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese.

Step 9: Bake covered for 30 minutes.

Step 10: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the onions are tender.

Step 11: If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving your Tennessee Onion Casserole with green onions and sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Tennessee Onion Casserole

• For a more intense flavor in your Tennessee Onion Casserole, let the onions caramelize slightly in a skillet before layering. This extra step adds remarkable depth to the dish.
• The secret to the best Tennessee Onion Casserole is using a combination of cheeses. The havarti provides creaminess while the sharp cheddar delivers a tangy, robust flavor.
• Don’t rush the baking process. The covered baking time allows the onions to become tender without the cheese burning.
• For an extra crispy top, broil for the final 2-3 minutes – but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
• Can I make Tennessee Onion Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate, then add 10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Best Ways to Serve Tennessee Onion Casserole

The best way to serve Tennessee Onion Casserole is hot from the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to portion.

This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled or roasted meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops
• Holiday meals alongside ham or turkey
• Sunday pot roast for a classic Southern dinner
• Simple green salads for a lighter meal option

For a complete Southern feast, serve your Tennessee Onion Casserole alongside honey glazed carrots and buttermilk biscuits.

Nutritional Information for Tennessee Onion Casserole

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	325 kcal
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	15g
Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	75mg
Sodium	650mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g

Based on 8 servings per casserole. Nutritional values are approximate.

Storage & Leftovers

How long does Tennessee Onion Casserole last in the fridge? Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover casserole will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze Tennessee Onion Casserole? Yes! This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The best way to reheat Tennessee Onion Casserole is in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For smaller portions, microwave on 70% power in 30-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Onion Casserole

What are the main ingredients in Tennessee Onion Casserole?

The main ingredients in Tennessee Onion Casserole are sweet onions (preferably Vidalia), sharp cheddar cheese, havarti cheese, butter, and a blend of savory spices including dry mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

How long does it take to bake Tennessee Onion Casserole?

It takes approximately 50-55 minutes to bake Tennessee Onion Casserole. This includes 30 minutes covered with foil, followed by 20-25 minutes uncovered to achieve that beautiful golden-brown top.

Can you make Tennessee Onion Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Tennessee Onion Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What can be served with Tennessee Onion Casserole?

Tennessee Onion Casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, holiday meals, and hearty main courses. It’s also delicious alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal option. The rich, cheesy flavor complements most protein-centered dishes.

Conclusion

This Tennessee Onion Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a Southern tradition that brings comfort and joy to any table. The magic happens when those humble onions transform into something sweet and tender, wrapped in a blanket of melted cheese and subtly enhanced with just the right spices.

Whether you’re making this for a holiday gathering, Sunday dinner, or simply to treat yourself on a weeknight, this casserole delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of sweet onions and savory cheese creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

I’d love to hear how your Tennessee Onion Casserole turns out! Did you make any exciting variations? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you enjoyed it.

Now you know how to make the best Tennessee Onion Casserole at home—a dish that’s sure to become a regular request at your family table!

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