Tennessee onions is an old-fashioned onion casserole that is unlike any side dish you’ve had before.

Onions don’t get the credit they deserve.

They’re the backbone of soups, casseroles, and pasta dishes.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions in the dish ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

They’re also wonderful chopped or sliced and served raw on salads, sandwiches, even burgers.

But even the most ardent onion fan has probably never heard of Tennessee Onions.

This creamy, cheese casserole is so much more than the sum of its parts.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Try it once, and we know you’ll agree.

Learn how to make Tennessee Onions, and keep the recipe for this onion casserole handy.

You’ll be asked to bring it to every family gathering from now on.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions in a bowl with seasoning

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What’s in Tennessee Onions?

This onion casserole is made with a handful of simple ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need:

What Do Tennessee Onions Taste Like?

Southern Living Tennessee Onions in the baking dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The key to this dish is, obviously, the onions.

But not just any onions will do.

You need sweet onions, and more specifically, you need sweetVidalia onionsif you might find them.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions with topping

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The Georgia-grown sweet onions are beloved for their naturally sweet taste.

So why do Tennessee Onions use Georgie onions?

We’re really not sure, but we’re going to eat it anyway.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions covered with foil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

The final dish is a cheesy, tangy-sweet scoop of tender onion slices with browned bits of cheese.

So really, we’ll treat them as both.

More Ways With Onions:

We’re a big believer in the powerand flavorof onions.

Southern Living Tennessee Onions in the dish after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Season the onions:

Place onions in a large bowl.

Add to baking dish:

Arrange evenly in prepared baking dish.

Add toppings and bake:

Arrange butter evenly over onions, and sprinkle with Cheddar and Gouda.

Finish baking:

Remove foil.

Bake at 350F until top is golden, about 30 minutes.