Description
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich, featuring caramelized onions and a delicious blend of Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheeses. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, it’s enhanced with balsamic vinegar and optional Dijon mustard for a delightful twist. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 8 slices of sourdough bread (or your favorite bread)
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the sliced onions.
- Sprinkle the sugar, salt, and pepper over the onions. The sugar will help with the caramelization process, so don’t skip this step!
- Stir the onions to coat them evenly with the oil and butter. Cook them for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to turn golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook the onions for another 30-40 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes, until they develop a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Once the onions are a rich, golden brown color, add the balsamic vinegar. Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the vinegar reduce slightly. Remove the skillet from heat and set the onions aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheese. For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- If using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer on one side of each slice of bread.
- Take two slices of bread and place them on a clean surface. On the unbuttered side of one slice, add a generous amount of the cheese mixture.
- Top the cheese with a layer of the caramelized onions, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
- Add another layer of cheese on top of the onions to help hold everything together.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out. Repeat this process for the remaining slices of bread, cheese, and onions until all sandwiches are assembled.
- In the same skillet used for the onions, add about 1 tablespoon of butter and heat over medium-low heat until melted and bubbling.
- Carefully place one or two sandwiches in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to check the color.
- Once the first side is golden, carefully flip the sandwich over and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme into the caramelized onions.
- Serve with a side of tomato soup for a classic pairing.
- Adjust the cheese types based on your preference; mozzarella or fontina can also work well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes