Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Buttery bread with sweet caramelized onions and melted sharp white cheddar for ultimate comfort in a golden-brown sandwich.

# What You Need:

→ 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

→ Seasonings

08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Steps:

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 cooking to enhance sweetness and browning if desired.
02 - Remove caramelized 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 work surface.
03 - Top each bread slice with half the grated cheddar cheese, then distribute caramelized onions evenly over the cheese. Season with freshly ground 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 with spatula, until bread is crisp and golden brown and cheese is completely melted. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
05 - Remove sandwiches from pan and let rest for 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The onions turn so sweet and sticky they barely need anything else, but the sharp cheddar cuts through with just enough bite.
  • It feels fancy enough to serve someone you want to impress, but easy enough to make on a Tuesday when you're too tired to think.
02 -
  • Don't rush the onions, if you crank the heat too high they'll brown on the edges but stay crunchy in the middle instead of turning soft and sweet.
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, the anti-caking powder on bagged cheese keeps it from melting smoothly.
03 -
  • Let the sandwiches rest for a full 2 minutes after cooking, it keeps the cheese from sliding out the sides when you cut into them.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
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