Caramelized Onion & Gruyère Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Slow-cooked onions and nutty Gruyère melted between crispy country bread for an elevated classic.

# 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 (optional)
07 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

→ Sandwich Assembly

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Melt butter with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in thyme and balsamic vinegar if using, and cook 1 minute longer.
02 - Lay out bread slices. Spread caramelized onions evenly on two slices. Top each with half the grated Gruyère. Close 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 with melted cheese, about 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with spatula for even toasting.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between sweet, jammy onions and sharp, nutty Gruyère creates those perfect bistro flavors without leaving your kitchen
  • Once you master caramelized onions, you will find yourself putting them on everything from burgers to pasta
02 -
  • Resist the urge to rush the onions because low and slow is what transforms them from cooked to caramelized
  • Grating your own cheese makes a shocking difference in how smoothly it melts
03 -
  • Make a double batch of caramelized onions and keep them in your fridge for impromptu grilled cheese all week long
  • Letting the assembled sandwiches sit for a few minutes before grilling helps everything meld together
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