Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

The origin of the grilled cheese sandwich hails from the 1920s America, evolving from a simple cheese melt to a beloved comfort food. This recipe takes the classic to new heights by incorporating the sweet, deep flavor of caramelized onions and a mix of gourmet cheeses. The rich, buttery crunch of the bread encases a velvety heart of melted cheese and the mellow sweetness of onions, creating a sensory delight that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• For 4 servings

Grocery Items Needed

• 8 slices of sourdough bread
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 8 ounces of Gruyère cheese, grated
• 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Caramelize the Onions:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and turn translucent, about 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle sugar over the onions, reduce the heat to low, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply browned and caramelized, about 20 minutes more. Stir in balsamic vinegar and set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

• In a bowl, combine the grated Gruyère and cheddar cheeses. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Butter one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side, layer a generous amount of the cheese mixture and a portion of the caramelized onions.
• Close the sandwiches with another slice of bread, buttered side up.

4. Cook the Sandwiches:

• Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press down lightly with a spatula for even grilling.

5. Serve Warm:

• Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor and texture; Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, while cheddar gives a sharper taste.
• Ensure the onions are well caramelized; they should be richly browned but not burnt.
• Cook the sandwiches over medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of lightly dressed arugula or a cup of creamy tomato soup to complement the rich flavors. For a refreshing drink, pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a light, fruity beer.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 650
• Total Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 870mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 58g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 12g (primarily from onions)
• Protein: 28g

Allergens in Bold: Gruyère cheese, cheddar cheese, butter, sourdough bread.

We hope you enjoy making and tasting this gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Share your version of this recipe online and explore different cheese or bread options to make this dish uniquely yours. Bon appétit!