Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

A gourmet take on the classic grilled cheese with sweet caramelized onions, nutty Gruyère, and crispy golden country bread.

# What You Need:

→ Caramelized Onions

01 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
07 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

→ Sandwich Assembly

08 - 4 slices rustic country bread
09 - 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
10 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in thyme and balsamic vinegar, cooking 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
02 - Lay out bread slices. Evenly distribute caramelized onions on two slices. Top each with half the grated Gruyère. Cover with remaining bread slices.
03 - Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
04 - Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Press gently with spatula for even toasting.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The slow caramelized onions become candy like and bring this incredible sweetness that balances perfectly with the sharp cheese
  • Its the kind of comfort food that feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night
02 -
  • Do not rush the onions, they need time to develop that deep flavor and color, so turn down the heat if they start browning too fast
  • Grating the cheese instead of slicing it helps it melt more evenly and means you wont have any unmelted pockets in your sandwich
03 -
  • Use a sharp chefs knife and slice your onions as thin as possible for even cooking
  • Keep the heat at medium low, patient onions are sweet onions, and burnt onions are just sad
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