Okay, folks, let’s talk about a super simple side dish that’s unbelievably good: Tennessee Onions. I’m tellin’ ya, sometimes the easiest recipes are the tastiest! And these baked onions? They’re melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor. Talk about a total classic, and it only takes a few ingredients.

I remember the first time I had baked onions. My Aunt Carol made them for Thanksgiving one year, and honestly, I thought, “Onions? Really?” But wow, was I wrong! I was so pleasantly surprised and have been hooked ever since. This is *that* recipe, tweaked just a little bit. I know you will love these Tennessee Onions!

Why You’ll Love These Tennessee Onions

Seriously, what’s not to love? These Tennessee Onions are so simple, even I can’t mess them up (and that’s saying something!). You’re gonna be obsessed because they’re:

Easy to prepare: Seriously, it takes like, five minutes.
Minimal ingredients: Onions, butter, salt, pepper. That’s kinda it!
Vegetarian-friendly: A win for the veggie lovers!
Budget-friendly: Doesn’t break the bank at all.
Delicious flavor: Sweet, savory, and totally addictive.

Ingredients for Perfect Tennessee Onions

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You really don’t need much for these Tennessee Onions. Just:

6 medium onions, peeled (I like Vidalia, but any sweet onion works!)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (the good stuff!)
Salt to taste (I use sea salt, but regular is just fine)
Black pepper to taste (freshly ground is always better, trust me)

That’s it! Told ya it was simple.

How to Prepare These Simple Tennessee Onions

Okay, here’s the deal. This is so easy it almost feels like cheating, but trust me, the result is pure magic. So, first things first…

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Don’t skip this! You want that oven nice and hot before those Tennessee Onions go in. Seriously, timing is crucial here.
Prep those onions! Peel your 6 medium onions. Now you’re gonna place them in a baking dish. I usually grab a casserole dish – something that holds them snugly.
Butter ’em up! This is my favorite part. Plop 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each onion. Yes, *each* onion. We aren’t skimping here, okay?! Then, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
Bake, baby, bake! Pop that dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Now, this is where you gotta use your best judgement. You really want ’em tender. If your onions are on the larger side, you might need to go a little longer – maybe even an hour and fifteen minutes.
“Am I done yet?” How do you tell when they’re ready? You want them soft, tender, and maybe even a little browned on top. You can poke ’em with a fork to test. If it slides in easy-peasy, you’re golden! These Tennessee Onions should be shining and sweet!

Remember that small onions will take less cooking time. Just watch them close. You can’t ruin this, probably. Well, don’t overcook them until they are burnt!

Tips for the Best Baked Tennessee Onions

Want to take these Tennessee Onions from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here’s a few tricks I’ve learned along the way!

Fresh is best! Seriously, grab the freshest, firmest onions you can find. It makes a difference!
Size matters! Keep an eye on baking time. Smaller onions will cook faster than huge ones, obviously.
A touch of sweetness! Okay, so here’s my little secret: sometimes I sprinkle a *tiny* bit of brown sugar on top of the onions before baking. So good! Balsamic vinegar works, too!
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a sprinkle of garlic powder, or a pinch of dried thyme. These Tennessee Onions are a blank canvas!

Trust me, these little tweaks will make a HUGE difference! You can thank me later.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tennessee Onions

Okay, so you’ve got these glorious, golden Tennessee Onions… now what? Don’t just eat ’em solo (though I wouldn’t blame you!). They’re begging to be paired with some other deliciousness.

Personally, I love ’em alongside a juicy roasted chicken. Or, how about a killer steak? Seriously, try my Ultimate Steak Bowl – that’s a match made in heaven! For a lighter meal, my Garlic Butter Chicken and Broccoli would be amazing, too. If you’re a vegetarian, these pair so well with lentil loaf.

Bottom line? These Tennessee Onions are the perfect side dish for just about anything!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Tennessee Onions

So you’ve got leftovers? Wow, you showed self-control! Here’s the lowdown. Pop those extra Tennessee Onions into an airtight container and straight into the fridge. They’ll be happy there for about 3-4 days.

Now, reheating! You’ve got choices. Oven’s great – just warm ’em up at 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through. Careful, it can dry them out easily. Microwave works in a pinch, but they might get a little… mushy. Personally, I love them cold straight from the fridge!

FAQ About Making Tennessee Onions

Got questions about these Tennessee Onions? I got answers! Here are some of the most common things folks ask me:

Can I use different types of onions?

Absolutely! While I love using sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for these Tennessee Onions (they get so caramelized and yummy!), you can totally experiment. Yellow onions will give you a more savory flavor. Red onions? Adds a pop of color but has a stronger bite. Just adjust the cooking time if you’re using a tougher onion.

Can I freeze baked onions?

Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the texture, and they might get a little watery. Freshly baked Tennessee Onions will always taste better. However, if you absolutely *have* to, make sure they’re completely cooled before you freeze them in an airtight container.

How do I prevent the onions from burning?

Burning is no fun! The key is to keep an eye on ‘em. If you see the tops browning too quickly while baking your Tennessee Onions, tent the dish with foil. Also, make sure there’s enough butter, you don’t want dry heat only!

Nutritional Information for Tennessee Onions

Hey, quick note: This is just an estimate! Your Tennessee Onions’ nutrition info can totally vary based on the exact ingredients you use and the brand. So, keep that in mind, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Tennessee Onions!

Alright, you made it! You whipped up some seriously amazing Tennessee Onions, and now it’s time to dig in! I am so excited for you. But hey, before you get too lost in onion-y bliss, do me a favor, okay?

Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t be shy! And if you loved this recipe as much as I do, I would love it if you gave it a rating. Share it with your friends on social media, too. Happy cooking!