Tennessee Onion Casserole

1h 15m
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Peel and slice 3 pounds of sweet onions thinly, about 1/4 inch thick, using a mandoline.
  2. 2Toss the sliced onions in a bowl to break up all the rings.
  3. 3Prepare the spice blend by combining 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 2 teaspoons of brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of stripped fresh thyme leaves in a small bowl.
  4. 4Mix the spice blend together.
  5. 5Add a couple of tablespoons of good quality olive oil to the sliced onions and toss to coat.
  6. 6Sprinkle about half of the spice and herb mixture over the onions and toss with your hands to distribute evenly.
  7. 7Sprinkle the other half of the spice and herb mixture over the onions and toss again to ensure all onions are coated.
  8. 8Grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
  9. 9Place the first layer of seasoned onions in the greased baking dish.
  10. 10Add 2 ounces of freshly grated Tillamook mild cheddar cheese over the first layer of onions.
  11. 11Add 2 ounces of freshly grated Gruyère cheese over the cheddar.
  12. 12Add another layer of seasoned onions on top of the cheese.
  13. 13Add another 2 ounces of freshly grated Tillamook mild cheddar cheese.
  14. 14Add the remaining 2 ounces of freshly grated Gruyère cheese.
  15. 15Sprinkle about a half cup of freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese on top.
  16. 16Dot the top with a total of 3 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces.
  17. 17Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  18. 18Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
  19. 19Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds sweet onions
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (stripped)
  • 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
  • 4 ounces Tillamook mild cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
  • 4 ounces Gruyère cheese (freshly grated)
  • 0.5 cup Pecorino Romano cheese (freshly grated)
  • 3 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)

Equipment

mandolinemixing bowlbaking dish (13x9 inch)aluminum foiloven

Tips

  • Slice onions uniformly and thinly (about 1/4 inch thick) so they melt and become silky, not crunchy.
  • You can use light or dark brown sugar.
  • You can use sharp cheddar, Parmesan Reggiano, or Grana Padano cheese as alternatives.