The Best Cheeses To Pair With Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are a tasty treat, but what cheese goes well with them? A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a great option, and you can add caramelized onions for an extra kick. To make the perfect grilled cheese, consider using mayo instead of butter – it's easier to spread so you'll need less, and your bread won't feel greasy. When it comes to cheese, Gruyere is a popular choice, but you could also try cheddar, havarti, or even a combination of multiple cheeses. If you're feeling adventurous, add some mustard or sliced garlic to your sandwich for an extra flavor boost. So, the next time you're craving a grilled cheese, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to find your perfect combination.

Caramelized onions and cheese in a grilled sandwich

Caramelized onions and cheese is a classic combination for a grilled sandwich. The natural sweetness of the caramelized onions pairs beautifully with the savoury, salty cheese. This sandwich is a comfort food classic and is sure to impress.

Ingredients

To make this grilled cheese sandwich, you will need:

• Onions (sliced)
• Butter
• Oil (canola or olive)
• Bread (rustic Italian, sourdough or whole wheat)
• Cheese (Gruyere, cheddar, or havarti)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: vinegar (sherry, red wine or white wine), sugar, garlic, thyme

Method

First, heat some oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized. This should take around 20-25 minutes. You can add some vinegar and sugar to the onions to enhance the caramelization. Once the onions are done, you may want to stir in some grated cheese to guarantee an even melt.

Butter one side of each slice of bread. On a work surface, lay out the bread slices and top four of them with cheese, followed by a generous dollop of the caramelized onions, and then more cheese. Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, butter-side up.

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and add the sandwiches. Cook until the cheese begins to melt and the bread is golden brown, about 2-4 minutes per side. Flip the sandwiches and continue cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is toasted to your liking.

Serve the sandwiches immediately. This recipe can easily be adapted to make multiple sandwiches, and any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Tips and Variations

Some people like to add sliced garlic to the onions during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra flavour boost. You can also experiment with different types of bread and cheese, or add other ingredients such as sliced tomatoes, sautéed peppers, spinach, apples, bacon or ham.

For a crispier sandwich, try buttering the bread instead of the pan. You can also use mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of the bread – this will give a crispier result without feeling greasy.

If you want to save time, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The best bread for grilled cheese

The perfect grilled cheese sandwich starts with the bread. While there are many types of bread that can be used, some are better than others. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the best bread for your grilled cheese sandwich.

Texture and Thickness

For the ideal grilled cheese, look for bread with a soft-but-hearty texture and even slices of medium thickness (about 1/4 inch). Even slices ensure that your sandwich cooks evenly, preventing unmelted pockets of cheese. If your bread is not pre-sliced, take care to slice it as evenly as possible and not too thickly.

Uniform Texture

Avoid breads with an open crumb or large holes in the interior, as these can allow melted cheese to leak out of the sandwich. A loaf with a uniform texture is ideal.

Sliced Bread vs. Rolls

Sliced bread is preferable to rolls when making a grilled cheese sandwich. This is because the interior of sliced bread will make contact with the pan, getting nice and crispy, while the exterior of a roll is all crust, which is not ideal for a grilled cheese.

Bread Types

Now that we know what to look for in the perfect grilled cheese bread, here are some specific types of bread that are well-suited for this delicious sandwich:

• Sandwich bread: Pre-sliced sandwich bread is a great option, as the uniform thickness helps ensure even heat distribution. Look for bread with a bit of a heartier texture so it doesn't flatten out when pressed in the pan. Whole-wheat, multigrain, oatmeal, and potato bread are all excellent choices.
• Sourdough: Sourdough adds a nice tang to your grilled cheese and its slightly sharp flavor contrasts well with the rich cheese and butter. Just be sure to choose a loaf with a uniform texture to prevent cheese leakage.
• Brioche: Buttery and soft yet sturdy, brioche makes for an extra-decadent grilled cheese. This enriched bread includes ingredients like eggs and sugar, which cause it to brown more quickly, so adjust your heat accordingly.
• Rye: With its unique flavor from rye berries and caraway seeds, rye bread adds a nice twist to your grilled cheese. Light rye, dark rye, or marbled rye are all great options, pairing well with mild cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Gouda.
• Cinnamon raisin bread: For a sweet and savory combination, try cinnamon raisin bread. Contrast the sweetness of the bread with savory fillings like bacon and Muenster cheese, or experiment with your own flavor combinations.
• Pullman loaf: This classic white bread is naturally associated with sandwiches thanks to its long, rectangular shape, which makes for perfect square slices. Top with your favorite cheddar, juicy ripe tomato slices, and crispy bacon before griddling.
• Multigrain: Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread add fiber and flavor to your grilled cheese. Hearty multigrain stands up to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent blue cheese.
• Pumpernickel: Made with molasses and brown sugar, pumpernickel bread has a deep brown color, a sweet flavor, and a soft texture. Pair it with an Alpine cheese like Gruyere or Emmental, or go for a mild cheese like young cheddar or Colby with thin slices of tart apple.
• Baguette: Slice a baguette horizontally down the middle and griddle the cut side for a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Fill it with Camembert and jam or Alpine cheese with caramelized onions.
• Ciabatta: Ciabatta's crusty exterior and bubbly interior make it a great choice for an outside-in grilled cheese. Stuff it with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and pesto.
• Focaccia: Give stale focaccia a new life by turning it into a grilled cheese. Depending on the thickness, use two separate slices or split the focaccia horizontally and fill it with smooth Fontina, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh herbs.

So, the next time you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich, head to your local bakery or grocery store and choose one of these recommended breads to take your grilled cheese to the next level!

How to make the perfect grilled cheese

Ingredients

To make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Butter or mayonnaise
• Bread (ideally a fresh loaf of sourdough)
• Cheese (Gruyere, Cheddar, or Havarti are popular choices)
• Caramelized onions
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: mustard, garlic, sugar, or vinegar

Step-by-Step Guide

• Start by preparing your caramelized onions. Heat some oil or butter in a pan over medium heat, add sliced onions, and cook until they are soft and golden brown. This process can take around 20-25 minutes. You can also add a splash of vinegar, sugar, or garlic to enhance the flavour.
• Next, prepare your sandwich. Butter both sides of each slice of bread generously, or spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead.
• Layer your cheese and caramelized onions between two slices of bread. You can also add mustard for a bit of extra flavour.
• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place your sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-4 minutes per side.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use grated cheese instead of sliced for better melting.
• Keep the skillet over medium heat to ensure the bread crisps up without burning.
• If you have time, prepare a large batch of caramelized onions and store them in the fridge. They can be a great addition to many dishes!

Caramelized onions in a savoury tart

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to a savoury tart, and there are a few different types of cheese that can be paired with them to create this dish. Gruyere is a popular choice, as its soft and slightly acidic nature pairs well with the sweetness of caramelized onions. When making a savoury tart with caramelized onions and Gruyere, you can also add some mustard to the mix, as it helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and onions.

To make the caramelized onions, heat some olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until they turn a nice medium golden brown colour. You can also add a little water to the pan if the onions start to look dry. Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.

For the savoury tart, you will need some grated Gruyere cheese, fresh sourdough bread, mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme. Spread mayonnaise over two slices of sourdough bread, and spread the mustard on the opposite side of one of the slices. Place both slices, mayonnaise side down, into a skillet over medium heat. Add the caramelized onions and thyme to one of the slices, and top with the grated Gruyere. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted, then press the sandwich together and serve.

You can also get creative and experiment with different types of cheese in your savoury tart. For example, a combination of caramelized onions, apple slices, and sharp cheddar cheese can be used to make a delicious autumnal tart. Alternatively, you could try using goat cheese, which pairs well with the sweetness of caramelized onions and can be used to make a Mediterranean-style tart with grilled vegetables and phyllo dough.

Other recipes that use caramelized onions

Caramelized onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. Here are some mouth-watering recipes that use caramelized onions:

Caramelized Onion Tartlets with Brie

These elegant mini tarts combine the creamy goodness of melted brie cheese with sweet caramelized onions, all nestled in crispy phyllo cup shells. Garnished with fresh thyme, they are perfect for bridal showers or holiday events.

Caramelized Onion Hummus

This unique hummus recipe blends slow-cooked caramelized onions with tahini, chickpeas, garlic, and lemon. It can be enjoyed as a dip with fresh veggies or spread on sandwiches for an elevated flavour experience.

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Tartlets

Sweet yellow onions, tangy balsamic glaze, creamy goat cheese, and flaky puff pastry come together to create these exquisite tarts. They are a delightful appetizer for any party or special occasion.

Bacon Cheeseburgers with Coca-Cola Onions

Imagine biting into a juicy burger topped with slow-cooked onions that have been simmered in Coca-Cola, giving them a distinct sweetness. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue.

Caramelized Onion Burgers with Swiss Cheese and Arugula

Take your burger game to the next level with these mouthwatering homemade burgers. Topped with creamy Swiss cheese, balsamic-caramelized onions, and a generous handful of peppery arugula, they are perfect for summer grilling.

Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Bacon, Havarti, and Caramelized Onions

This adult twist on the classic grilled cheese is a flavour explosion. The combination of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and two types of gourmet cheese is sure to impress. It's an ideal dish to celebrate Father's Day or any special occasion.

Caramelized Onion Dip

This versatile dip can be served with chips, veggies, or toasted bread. It's a great way to use up a big batch of caramelized onions and elevate your next party or gathering.

Caramelized Onion, Apple, and Sausage Pasta

A savoury one-pot wonder, this pasta dish combines caramelized onions, apples, and Italian sausage for a flavourful and comforting meal.

Steak with Drunken Mushrooms, Caramelized Onions & Roasted Blue Cheese Potatoes

Indulge in a steak dinner like no other. The addition of beer-soaked mushrooms, caramelized onions, and blue cheese-roasted potatoes will have your neighbours knocking on your door in envy.

Flatbreads with Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onions, and Basil

This recipe is a delightful blend of flavours and textures. The sweet caramelized onions, sharp goat cheese, and pungent basil are supported by a crisp and chewy flatbread, making it a perfect appetizer or light supper.

Caramelized Onion, Ham, and Provolone Breakfast Bread Pudding

This dish is a sophisticated upgrade to the classic breakfast casserole. Cubes of day-old sourdough are soaked in a rich custard infused with caramelized onions, ham, and sharp provolone cheese. It's an easy yet impressive way to start your day.

These recipes showcase the versatility of caramelized onions, adding depth and flavour to a wide range of dishes. Whether you're hosting a party, cooking for a crowd, or simply looking for new ways to incorporate this delicious ingredient into your meals, these recipes are sure to inspire your culinary creations.

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