Every once in a while I get a hankering for something gooey, melty and cheesy. No, it’s probably not the healthiest, but somehow I feel comfort food, on occasion, is well deserved, if not completely warranted. Last Sunday, all I wanted to do was plop on the couch, put my feet up and devour this decedent grilled cheese sandwich. Flavorful, nutty Gruyere cheese is melted over onions that are caramelized long and slow, prepared like traditional French Onion Soup. The process of caramelizing the onions brings out their delicious complexity and sweetness. I prefer to use a wholesome, whole grain bread- homemade if possible, but in a pinch, store bought french bread works great too. Serve this with a mesclun salad, dressed with a light Dijon vinaigrette and enjoy the luscious flavors and textures.
The season of alliums has begun. Farmers markets are filled with all different varieties, and as the season progresses, more and more will become available. Right now look for sweet onions, chives, ramps, garlic scapes…..and one of my new favorites – green garlic. ( Recipe coming soon).
The easiest way to caramelize onions is to use your biggest heavy bottom skillet, set a burner to medium low heat, and let the pungent alliums cook long and slow in a little oil or butter. Stir every once in a while, but feel free to leave them and attend to other things. At this temperature, the moisture releases and the sugars caramelize steadily, never burning but growing ever more golden and delicious. At the end, add a pinch of salt and pepper and perhaps a splash of port, sherry or beef stock if you like, letting it cook off. This is the essence of French onion soup.
French Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A delicious Grilled Cheese Sandwich with caramelized onions and gruyere….serve with a salad and make this for dinner!! by Sylvia Fountaine June-7-2014 A grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere and caramelized onions
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 large red or yellow onion- thinly sliced about 1/8 in thick
- 1 T oil
- pinch salt
- pinch fresh cracked pepper
- 1/4 C sherry, port, or beef stock ( all optional)
- 4 slices hearty Bread or French Bread
- 2 T Butter ( or half oil)
- 1 C grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme ( optional) Whole grain Mustard ( optional)
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottom skillet, or cast iron pan, heat oil on medium heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes, stirring to coat. Turn heat down to medium low. Stir occasionally and continue sauteing for 30 minutes. Onions will sweat out their moisture, and eventually caramelize into a golden brown. Add a generous pinch of salt, a splash of port, sherry, or stock (optional) and let the liquid cook off. Remove from pan and wipe it out with a paper towel, to use again. Preheat oven to 350 F
- Spread outer slices of bread with softened butter. Spread inside with whole grain mustard (optional) On two slices, divide and layer shredded Gruyere, top with caramelized onions, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, then add the rest of the cheese. “Close” the sandwiches with the other slices of bread, and gently press together
- Heat 2 butter (or a combination of butter and oil) in the same skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and toast, carefully flipping when golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Place in a warm oven to fully melt the cheese if necessary, which will preventing the bread from getting too dark. Cut in half and enjoy.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
June 19, 2014 at 5:50 pmThose onions are total perfection. Yum!
Mary Frances says
June 19, 2014 at 7:34 pmThis looks so delicious. True, comfort food may not always be the healthiest, but it’s good for your SOUL. And as long as you’re using good ingredients (which you obviously are) the result will always be excellent!
Sylvia Fountaine says
June 21, 2014 at 3:33 amI agree! Thanks.
Millie l Add A Little says
June 20, 2014 at 7:42 amThose onions looks so amazing and sweet and caramelised and so delicious! My mouth is watering haha
http://youtube.com/addalittlefood
Bibs @ Tasteometer says
June 20, 2014 at 10:22 amCheese and onion one of my favorite combinations. Melted and caramelised brings on an even better combo. Make me one please.
Sylvia Fountaine says
June 21, 2014 at 3:33 amanytime!
Hannah Jade says
June 20, 2014 at 10:53 amCompletely beautiful – I’m battling some serious cravings now!
Azu says
June 20, 2014 at 7:35 pmOnion soup in a sandwich! Delicious!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
June 20, 2014 at 7:52 pmYou had me at caramelized! Oh, and the Gruyere! I am melting! Thank you for the inspiration, recipe and beautiful photos!
marla {Family Fresh Cooking} says
July 23, 2014 at 12:53 pmLove this grilled cheese recipe!
Anonymous says
September 13, 2014 at 5:06 amYum Yum! Might I add a side of home made apple sauce for dipping this marvelous concoction to honor my dear German daddy! Done!
Kathy Glasgow says
November 6, 2015 at 8:02 amThis is just the best sandwich – family raved!
Sylvia Fountaine says
November 6, 2015 at 9:47 amYay, so glad you liked. We love it too!!
Micaela Graffeo says
December 17, 2015 at 11:59 amThis is hands down my favorite sandwich recipe. I didn’t like grilled cheese until I met this sandwich! It is fabulous.
Sylvia Fountaine says
December 18, 2015 at 7:53 amAhhh, funny! You are lucky–I unfortunately love all grilled cheese sandwiches!! But this one is one of my favs too!! Thanks for sharing!