Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Grilled Cheese (Printable View)

Sweet caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese melted between crispy country bread for an elegant, gourmet sandwich.

# What You'll 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

→ Sandwiches

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

# How to Make It:

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, then cook 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
02 - Lay out bread slices. Evenly distribute caramelized onions on two slices. Top each with half of the grated Gruyère cheese. Place remaining bread slices on top to close.
03 - Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
04 - Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula for even toasting.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The slow cooked onions become impossibly sweet and add a depth that makes this feel like something from a fancy bistro
  • Gruyère melts into this incredible creamy puddle while still maintaining that nutty sophisticated flavor profile
02 -
  • Rushing the onions is the number one mistake, they need time to develop that deep sweet flavor that makes this sandwich special
  • Low and slow heat prevents the onions from burning and developing bitter notes that will ruin the final result
03 -
  • Make a double batch of caramelized onions and keep them in the fridge, they elevate practically everything from burgers to pasta
  • Let your bread come to room temperature before assembling to ensure even cooking throughout
Return