Description
Tennessee Onions are a delicious Southern-style caramelized onion dish that combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia or Walla Walla onions with butter, brown sugar, and a tangy splash of apple cider vinegar. Slow-cooked to golden perfection, they make a perfect side dish, burger topping, or addition to grilled meats, offering a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor that enhances any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Large Onions (2-3): Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla
- Butter (4 tablespoons)
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Optional Seasonings
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, fresh or dried)
Instructions
- Slice the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into thin rings, aiming for uniform thickness to ensure they cook evenly throughout.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams and bubbles but does not brown.
- Add the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the melted butter. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start softening.
- Sprinkle Brown Sugar: Once the onions have softened, sprinkle the brown sugar over them. Stir thoroughly to combine and allow the sugar to dissolve into the onions.
- Add Apple Cider Vinegar: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and stir well. This will deglaze the pan, lifting any caramelized bits and adding a tangy depth of flavor.
- Season and Caramelize: Season with salt, black pepper, and any optional seasonings such as garlic powder and thyme. Reduce the heat to low and cook the onions for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and a rich golden brown color.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm as a tasty side dish, as a topping on burgers, or with grilled meats to add a sweet and savory flavor boost.
Notes
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best natural sweetness.
- Cook onions low and slow to develop deep caramelization without burning.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to your personal taste preference.
- Optional seasonings like garlic powder and thyme add extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
- These onions can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Caramelizing
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Tennessee onions, caramelized onions, southern recipe, onion side dish, sweet onions, Vidalia onions, brown sugar onions, apple cider vinegar onions
