Oh, the magic of grilled cheese! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, especially when you add the sweet allure of caramelized onions and the nutty decadence of Gruyere. Picture this: a crispy golden crust cradling gooey, melty cheese, with onions caramelized to perfection—it’s comfort food that feels like a gourmet treat.
Steps
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, cover, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to medium-low, uncover, and continue to cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes. If the onions start to dry out or stick, add a few tablespoons of water and scrape the bottom of the skillet.
- Optionally, deglaze the skillet with a splash of vinegar once the onions are caramelized. Cook for about a minute until the liquid evaporates, then transfer the onions to a bowl and season as needed. Clean the skillet if necessary.
- Mix the grated Gruyère cheese with the caramelized onions in the bowl. Place two slices of bread on a work surface, then evenly distribute half the cheese-onion mixture on each slice. Top with the remaining bread slices and gently press them together.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown, adjusting the heat if needed to prevent burning.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet, flip the sandwiches, and press down gently. Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese has melted and the other side is golden brown. Serve the sandwiches immediately.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound yellow or Vidalia onions, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sherry, red-wine, or white-wine vinegar (optional)
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
- 4 slices bread, no thicker than ½-inch each
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1360 | Fat: 88g | Saturated Fat: 50g | Trans Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Carbohydrates: 92g | Dietary Fiber: 10g | Sugars: 30g | Protein: 50g | Sodium: 1748mg
FAQ
- How long does it take to caramelize onions for this recipe?
- Caramelizing onions typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes. However, some people find that it can take up to 45-60 minutes, especially if using sweet onions, for them to reach the desired deep golden brown color.
- Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time using a slow cooker or in larger batches and freeze them. This can save time, especially if you want to make the grilled cheese quickly on the day of serving.
- What type of vinegar is recommended for this recipe?
- A splash of sherry, red-wine, or white-wine vinegar can be added to the onions to help balance out the buttery flavors. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich.
- Is there a substitute for Gruyère cheese in the recipe?
- While Gruyère is recommended for its melting properties and flavor, you can experiment with other strong cheeses if preferred. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well and complements the caramelized onions.
- What can I serve with French Onion Grilled Cheese to make it a complete meal?
- A side salad dressed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette pairs well with the sandwich, providing a fresh contrast to the rich, buttery flavors. Additionally, serving it with tomato soup is a classic and comforting combination.
Tips
- Pre-Caramelize Onions: Consider preparing the caramelized onions in advance using a slow cooker or even freezing them in batches. This can save you time when you’re ready to make the sandwiches.
- Cheese and Onion Mixture: Before assembling the sandwich, mix the grated Gruyère with the warm caramelized onions. This ensures even melting and a consistent taste in every bite.
- Deglazing Options: Add a splash of sherry, red-wine, or white-wine vinegar to the onions to balance the buttery flavors. Alternatively, try using bourbon for a vanilla sweetness.
- Bread Selection: Choose a bread that can complement and balance the strong flavors, such as sourdough, to prevent the onions from overwhelming the sandwich.
Equipment
- Large Skillet: A good quality large skillet for caramelizing onions and grilling sandwiches.
- Cheese Grater: A tool for grating the Gruyère cheese.
- Slow Cooker (optional): If you choose to caramelize onions ahead of time using a slow cooker.