Tennessee Onions Cheesy Bake (Ready-to-Print Version)

Sweet Vidalia onions layered with cheeses and seasoned butter, baked until golden and bubbling.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 large Vidalia onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings

→ Fats & Oils

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Seasonings

03 - 1 teaspoon granulated vegetable bouillon (vegan)
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

→ Cheeses

09 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center. Lightly brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with some melted butter to coat the bottom.
02 - Combine the vegetable bouillon powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme into the remaining melted butter. Whisk until fully incorporated and fragrant.
03 - Separate the onion slices into individual rings and arrange them in a single even layer in the prepared baking dish, avoiding mounding to ensure even softening.
04 - Drizzle the seasoned butter evenly over the onions. Toss gently by hand to coat each ring thoroughly, then spread back into a flat layer. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to soften the onions.
05 - Remove the foil, drain off excess liquid if necessary, then evenly scatter the sharp cheddar and mozzarella over the onions. Top with grated Parmesan. Bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheeses are melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
06 - For deeper browning, broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
07 - Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes to let the cheese set and flavors meld. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, then serve hot.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Uniform 1/2-inch onion rings ensure consistent softening for a jammy texture without raw or stringy bits.
02 - Two-stage baking—covered then uncovered—controls moisture for tender onions and a crisp cheese crust.
03 - Removing excess liquid before adding cheese prevents a watery casserole and promotes browning.
04 - Using a wide 9x13-inch dish creates a shallow layer to encourage caramelized edges over steaming.
05 - Resting 10 minutes off heat allows the cheese to set fully, resulting in cohesive, flavorful servings.

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