Caramelized Onion Gruyère Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère melted between golden, crispy country bread for a gourmet vegetarian twist on the classic comfort sandwich.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Caramelized Onions

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

→ Sandwiches

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

# How-To:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the sweet, slow cooked onions and sharp nutty Gruyère creates that perfect balance that makes restaurant sandwiches taste so much better than homemade ones
  • This recipe teaches you patience in the kitchen and rewards you with something that feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for Tuesday night
02 -
  • The biggest mistake people make with caramelized onions is rushing the process, but those 30 minutes are absolutely essential for developing the deep sweetness that makes this sandwich sing
  • Low and slow is your friend here, and if the onions start looking too dry or sticking, add a splash of water and keep going
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, which contains anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Let the sandwiches rest for a minute or two after cutting so the cheese sets slightly and does not ooze out completely when you take that first bite
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