Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese (Print View)

Golden-brown bread with sweet caramelized onions and sharp white cheddar melted together for the ultimate comfort sandwich.

# Components:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country bread
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

→ Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional

→ Extras

08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Add sugar halfway through if desired to enhance sweetness and browning.
02 - Remove onions from heat and set aside. Wipe out skillet if needed. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
03 - Top each slice with half the grated cheddar, then distribute caramelized onions evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with black pepper. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is crisp and golden and cheese is melted. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
05 - Remove from pan and let rest 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The onions cook down into something so sweet and jammy, you'll want to keep a jar in the fridge at all times.
  • It's comfort food that feels a little grown-up, perfect for when you want something more than plain cheese on bread.
  • The contrast between crispy, buttery sourdough and melty cheddar is pure magic.
  • You probably have everything you need already sitting in your kitchen right now.
02 -
  • Don't rush the onions—if you crank up the heat to save time, they'll burn instead of caramelize, and the whole sandwich will taste bitter.
  • Use softened butter, not melted, or it will soak into the bread instead of crisping the surface.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a minute or two after cooking so the cheese firms up just enough to hold everything together when you bite in.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one—it holds heat evenly and gives the bread the best golden crust.
  • Press down gently on the sandwich with your spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt and the layers meld together.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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