Tennessee Onions – Cheesy, crispy, and simply better than onion rings

Alright, I’ve got to confess—these Tennessee Onions have officially stolen my heart from regular onion rings. Crispy, cheesy, with that gorgeous golden crunch that makes you want to dive right in without a second thought. Imagine thick onion slices loaded with melty cheese, dipped in a flavorful batter, then fried or baked until they’re perfectly crisp on the outside but tender and gooey inside. You might start thinking of these as the ultimate sidekick for burgers or even as a game-day snack that outshines all the others. Trust me, once you try this, your onion ring cravings will have a serious upgrade!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups) or cooking spray if baking

For the Sauce / Garnish (optional):

• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley
• 1 tsp hot sauce or to taste

How I Make It

Step 1:

First, carefully separate your sliced onions into rings. You want thick, sturdy rings here—about ½ inch—to hold all that cheesy goodness without falling apart.

Step 2:

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk until smooth and combined.

Step 3:

Add the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture and stir to distribute evenly. This cheesy batter is the secret that makes these onions unforgettable.

Step 4:

Dip each onion ring first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dunk it into the cheesy egg batter, coating completely.

Step 5 (Frying):

Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry the coated onion rings in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5 (Baking):

Alternatively, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place coated onion rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 6:

Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream mixed with chives and a splash of hot sauce for a tangy, cooling contrast.

Variations & Tips

• Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a milder or spicier cheese pull.
• Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix for an extra kick.
• If frying, keep oil temperature steady—too hot burns the outside; too cool makes them greasy.
• Try air frying for a crispy texture with less oil—set to 400°F for about 10 minutes.
• Use sweet onions for a naturally sweeter flavor or white onions for a sharper bite.
• Double-coat by dipping back into flour before the egg mixture for extra crunch.

How I Like to Serve It

These Tennessee Onions are my go-to side for summer cookouts, paired with juicy grilled burgers or smoked ribs. They also shine as a game-day snack—trust me, they disappear fast when friends are around! For a cozy night in, serve alongside a bowl of chili or creamy mac and cheese.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven to keep crisp.
• Can swap out cheddar for a dairy-free cheese if you need a vegan-friendly version.

Closing: When you nail that golden, cheesy crust with tender onion inside, these Tennessee Onions become a simple but show-stopping treat every time.