Tennessee Caramelized Onion and Beer Soup with Cheddar Croutons

Tennessee Onion Recipe My GoTo Cheesy Beer Soup

By OliviaAugust 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever crave something warm and comforting that feels like a hug?

This Tennessee onion recipe is just that. It's a bowl of Southern comfort you won't forget! This Tennessee Caramelized Onion and Beer Soup with Cheddar Croutons is something truly special.

The Story Behind This Southerly Delight

This cheesy Tennessee onions recipe is inspired by a classic Southern favourite. Think warm Southern kitchens and that smoky, sweet flavour.

It is a hug in a bowl, right? It takes a little effort to make those cheesy baked onions but I promise you, it's worth every minute.

It's the perfect way to use up a mountain of onions. Ever wondered what to do with onions ? Here's your answer.

So, Why Should You Make This Soup?

Honestly, the main benefit is pure comfort. This is serious comfort food soup recipes . The flavour! The texture! That's the main draw.

Plus, onions are surprisingly good for you. They're packed with antioxidants and good stuff. It's just perfect for a chilly evening with mates.

Picture this: roaring fire, good company, and a bowl of this Southern onion soup .

Grab Your Ingredients!

This soup brings together sweet caramelized onions , malty beer, and the star of the show: crispy cheddar crouton recipe .

You'll need basics like butter, onions (duh!), beef broth, and beer. For the croutons, grab some baguette, olive oil, and plenty of sharp cheddar.

I always like to go sharp with my cheese!

Ingredients & Equipment: Tennessee Onion Dreamin'

Ready to make some Cheesy Tennessee Onions ? Let's gather what we need. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. I promise this Cheesy Baked Onions recipe is worth it!

Main Players: Tennessee Onion Recipe

Here's what you need, measured perfectly.

Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (60ml)
Yellow Onions: 4 large , thinly sliced (about 3 lbs / 1.36kg)
- Quality Indicator: Look for firm, heavy onions without sprouts.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
Beef Broth: 6 cups (1.4L)
Amber Ale (Beer): 1 cup (240ml)
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Day-Old Baguette: 6 slices , about 1 inch (2.5cm) thick
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), shredded

Seasoning Secrets: The Taste of Tennessee

This Southern onion soup gets its magic from a few key players. Thyme and beer are your friends. Worcestershire sauce gives it depth. A little sugar helps the onions caramelize.

Can't find amber ale? A dark beer works too. Even dry red wine is fine! Play around and use What To Do With Onions you have.

This recipe will make you feel like you are enjoying Comfort food soup recipes .

Gear Up: Essential Kitchen Tools

Keep it simple, friends. You'll need:

Large heavy bottomed pot. A Dutch oven is perfect.
Large skillet. Use it if your pot gets crowded caramelizing Cheesy Onions .
Baking sheet.
Small bowl.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A big pot will do. No skillet? Caramelize in batches in your pot. Making this Caramelized onion soup recipe is not hard!

For the Cheddar crouton recipe You have the oven ready to go. This Baked Onion Recipes will give you some amazing flavor combinations.

I remember the first time I tried to caramelize onions. Total disaster! I burned them. Now, I know low and slow is the way to go.

I love Beer cheese soup , especially paired with these Cheesy Tennessee Onions . It makes me feel like I'm back home.

Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Taming the Tennessee Onion in Soup

Okay, so we're diving headfirst into a Tennessee onion recipe . Honestly, this ain't your average onion soup. We're talking caramelized onion and beer soup with killer cheddar croutons.

It's comfort food soup recipes dialed up to eleven.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Y'all!

First things first, gotta get our ducks in a row. This is the essential mise en place, folks! Thinly slice those 4 large yellow onions.

Grab 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and your spices. Measure out 6 cups of beef broth. Get your beer ready (1 cup of amber ale or similar).

Finally, have your 6 baguette slices and cheddar cheese prepped for those cheddar crouton recipes . Time saving tip? Slice the onions while the butter melts!

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cookin'!

Here's how we bring this Tennessee Onion recipe to life:

Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pot over low heat.
Add sliced onions, 1 teaspoon sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 45- 60 minutes , stirring occasionally, until rich brown. Visual Cue: Mahogany color. Reduced size.
Stir in 2 tablespoons flour. Gradually whisk in 6 cups beef broth, no lumps!
Add 1 cup beer and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Simmer.
Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Preheat oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Brush baguette slices with olive oil, top with cheddar.
Bake 8- 10 minutes , till cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ladle soup, top with croutons. Enjoy your cheesy Tennessee onions !.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Want to make this the best dang Southern onion soup ever? Low and slow caramelization is key . Seriously, be patient! Also, you need a good quality broth.

Don't skimp! Common mistake? Rushing the onions. I learned that the hard way. Burnt onions are a no-go. You can prep the onions a day ahead to save time.

You know, what to do with onions is make this soup! Seriously!. A caramelized onion soup recipe that can not be left out.

A beer cheese soup for the soul.

And hey, these cheddar croutons? You could bake those earlier in the day too. Just keep them in an airtight container.

Trust me, this soup is worth the effort. It's the perfect Cheesy baked onions upgrade, and it makes killer leftovers!

Recipe Notes for Your Tennessee Onion Creation

Alright folks, before you dive headfirst into this Tennessee onion recipe , let's chat about a few things. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your soup from good to Oh my gosh! delicious.

Honestly, it's all about the details.

Serving This Slice of Southern Comfort

When it comes to plating, think rustic charm. A hearty bowl, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and those glorious cheddar croutons floating on top.

You know, presentation matters! For sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup perfectly.

Or, why not channel your inner child with a grilled cheese sandwich? For a drink, a crisp, dry white wine or the same beer you used in the soup works wonders.

Storage: Keep That Flavour Alive

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This comfort food soup recipe keeps beautifully. Store the soup in the fridge for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers. Reheating is easy - just gently warm it on the stovetop. But honestly, the cheddar crouton recipe is best made fresh, so don't freeze those.

I always have a batch of these babies ready for the soup..

Making It Your Own: Adaptations and Swaps

Fancy a twist? For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.

Or skip it altogether. Want a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth. For a creamier texture, swirl in a spoonful of heavy cream or crème fraîche before serving.

Now, about those caramelized onion soup recipe onions, if you want something less strong, you could use sweet onions.

Nutrition Breakdown (The Fun Part!)

While I'm no nutritionist, let's keep it simple. This soup is packed with flavour, and those onions bring some serious health benefits.

They are good for you!. It also has protein from the beef broth and cheese. Obviously, the cheesy baked onions croutons do add some calories, so maybe go easy on those if you're watching your waistline.

Each serving is roughly 350 calories.

So there you have it! Now get in the kitchen, crank up some tunes, and whip up this fantastic Tennessee onion recipe .

Don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process. And let me know how it turns out, alright? I'm dying to hear about your cheesy Tennessee onions adventures.

You could use this amazing soup when thinking of What To Do With Onions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does caramelizing the onions take so long? It feels like watching paint dry!

You're right, caramelizing onions for this Tennessee onion recipe definitely requires patience. The long cooking time at low heat is what draws out the natural sugars in the onions, creating that deep, sweet, complex flavour we're after.

Think of it like slow cooking a barbecue brisket the magic happens when you take your time. Trust the process, put on some Dolly Parton, and let those onions work their magic!

Can I make the Tennessee onion recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the soup often tastes even better the next day. You can prepare the soup base (before adding the croutons) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, and then prepare the croutons fresh for the best texture.

No soggy bottoms here!

What can I substitute for the beer in this Tennessee onion soup recipe?

If you're not a beer drinker or want to avoid alcohol, there are a couple of great substitutes. You can use 1/2 cup of dry red wine, like a Merlot, which will add a similar depth of flavour.

Alternatively, you can substitute with an equal amount of beef broth mixed with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a little extra tang.

My croutons got soggy! How can I prevent that when making this Tennessee Caramelized Onion and Beer Soup with Cheddar Croutons?

Soggy croutons are a crime against soup! To avoid them, make sure your baguette slices are slightly stale before toasting. Brush them generously with olive oil and bake them until they are nice and crispy before adding the cheese.

Also, don't add the croutons to the soup until you are just about to serve, letting everyone add their own to keep them crisp. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!

Is there a vegetarian version of this Tennessee onion recipe?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian! Simply substitute the beef broth with a good quality vegetable broth or stock. Also, Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies, so use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether.

The caramelized onions and beer will still provide plenty of flavour.

How long does the soup last in the fridge or freezer?

Properly stored, the Tennessee Caramelized Onion and Beer Soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavour will still be delicious.