This Pioneer Woman Tennessee Onions recipe layers sweet onions with gooey cheddar and smoky Gouda for a savory Southern side dish that’s outrageously delicious. It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—perfect for pairing with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or your next holiday feast. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this indulgent bake is a go-to when you want something cozy and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Bold, cheesy flavor: Melty cheddar and smoked Gouda turn simple onions into a rich, bubbling masterpiece.
- Simple yet impressive: It’s made with everyday ingredients but feels special enough for company.
- Perfect side for any meal: Ideal with barbecue, steak, roast chicken, or as a holiday table standout.
- Customizable heat: Adjust the cayenne to make it mild or add more for a spicy twist.
Pioneer Woman Tennessee Onions Ingredients:
- Cooking spray, for greasing
- 2½ lbs sweet onions (about 3 large), sliced ¼-inch thick and separated into rings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup salted butter, cut into small pieces
- 4 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 4 oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
How to Make Pioneer Woman Tennessee Onions
- Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Season the onions: In a large bowl, toss sliced onion rings with thyme, parsley, garlic salt, oregano, mustard, and cayenne.
- Layer in the dish: Spread seasoned onions evenly in the baking dish. Dot with butter pieces.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle cheddar and Gouda evenly over the onions.
- Bake covered: Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes, until onions are soft and bubbling.
- Uncover and brown: Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp on top.
- Serve hot: Let it rest briefly before serving alongside your favorite main dishes.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Slice evenly: Uniform onion slices help everything cook at the same rate.
- Fresh herbs boost flavor: Use fresh thyme or parsley if you have it on hand.
- Play with spice: Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for a kick or mozzarella for a gooier texture.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the dish a day ahead and bake when you’re ready.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon-Topped: Add cooked, crumbled bacon before baking for smoky crunch.
- Jalapeño Kick: Layer in thinly sliced jalapeños for bold, spicy flavor.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or heavy cream before baking.
- Beefy Boost: Add a splash of beef broth or Worcestershire for deeper umami notes.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the butter or replace with olive oil; use less cheese if needed.
Storage Instructions
In the Fridge:
Store leftover Tennessee onions in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer:
Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Tennessee Onions
- Oven: Place in a baking dish and warm at 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat single servings in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and top is crisp.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I prep Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. - What if I don’t have smoked Gouda?
Swap it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or extra cheddar for a slightly different flavor. - How do I prevent the onions from drying out?
Keep the dish covered with foil for the first part of baking to trap moisture. - Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, just add a small pinch of salt when seasoning the onions.
- How spicy is this dish?
- Mildly spicy as written—adjust the cayenne to suit your taste.
More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Biscuit Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Hamburger Gravy
- Pioneer Woman Beef Tips And Gravy
Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 198
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
- Sodium: 532mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Calcium: 251mg
- Iron: 0mg
- Potassium: 154mg
Pioneer Woman Tennessee Onions
Description
This Pioneer Woman Tennessee Onions recipe layers sweet onions with gooey cheddar and smoky Gouda for a savory Southern-style bake that’s perfect with steak, chicken, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Toss onion rings with seasonings.
- Spread onions in dish, dot with butter, and top with cheese.
- Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
Notes
- Use even slices for consistent cooking.
Substitute other cheeses to suit your taste.
Spice it up with more cayenne or sliced jalapeños.
Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Pioneer Woman Tennessee Onions
