Caramelized Tennessee Onions Recipe
Introduction
Caramelized Tennessee onions bring a sweet and savory depth to any meal. Their natural sugars develop beautifully in the oven, creating a tender and flavorful side or topping. Perfectly simple and delicious, this recipe highlights the unique charm of Tennessee onions.
Ingredients
- Fresh Tennessee onions
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs and spices for added flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Peel and slice the Tennessee onions into thick rings.
- Step 3: Place the onion rings on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Step 4: Season with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices of your choice.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the onions are caramelized and tender.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve hot as a delicious side dish or topping for your favorite recipes.
Tips & Variations
- For deeper flavor, try adding fresh thyme or smoked paprika before baking.
- Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer, creamier taste.
- Slice onions thinner if you prefer a quicker caramelization and slightly crispier edges.
- Try finishing with a splash of balsamic vinegar after baking to add brightness.
Storage
Store leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to retain their tender texture and rich flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work well, though Tennessee onions provide a unique flavor. Yellow or red onions can also be used but may vary slightly in sweetness.
Should I cover the onions while baking?
No, baking uncovered helps the onions caramelize properly by allowing moisture to evaporate and sugars to brown.
PrintCaramelized Tennessee Onions Recipe
Sweet and savory Caramelized Tennessee Onions baked to perfection until tender and golden, making a delicious side dish or flavorful topping for various meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Fresh Tennessee onions – 4 medium-sized
- Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon, or to taste
- Optional herbs and spices (such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika) – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect heat for caramelizing the onions.
- Prepare the onions: Peel the Tennessee onions and slice them into thick rings, which will hold their shape and caramelize evenly during baking.
- Season the onions: Arrange the onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil or melted butter to help them brown and develop sweetness. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and your choice of optional herbs or spices evenly over the onions for extra flavor.
- Bake the onions: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Monitor the onions and flip them halfway through to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
- Serve: Once caramelized and tender, remove the onions from the oven. Serve them hot as a tasty side dish or a flavorful topping to enhance your favorite recipes.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil for butter for a richer flavor or keep it vegan with olive oil alone.
- Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary adds a savory depth to the caramelized onions.
- For sweeter onions, consider adding a pinch of brown sugar before baking.
- Keep an eye on the onions toward the end of baking to avoid burning.
- These onions pair beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or as a topping for salads and sandwiches.
Keywords: caramelized onions, Tennessee onions, baked onions, side dish, savory topping, oven-baked onions
