Cheese And Caramelized Onions: A Perfect Pairing

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, and there are many types of cheese that pair well with them. Gruyère is a popular choice, but other options include Swiss cheese, Havarti, and Cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try Brie, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. To elevate your grilled cheese, try adding some sliced garlic to the onions during the last 5 minutes of cooking time. You can also experiment with different types of bread, veggies, or meats to create your own masterpiece.

What type of bread is best for grilled cheese with caramelized onions?

When making grilled cheese with caramelized onions, the type of bread you use is important. You want something that will complement the sweetness of the onions and the savouriness of the cheese. Here are some options:

Sourdough

Sourdough bread is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a slight tanginess that highlights its flavour and prevents it from getting lost among the other ingredients. It is also very sturdy, so it won't fall apart, and it toasts at a moderate pace, giving the cheese enough time to melt.

Whole-grain bread

Whole-grain bread is another option that will pair well with the caramelized onions. It has a nuttiness that will bring out the savouriness of the cheese.

Brioche

If you want something a little more decadent, brioche is a good choice. This airy, buttery bread will create an extra-indulgent grilled cheese sandwich.

Pullman loaf

Tender, white Pullman loaves are naturally associated with sandwiches due to their long, rectangular shape, which makes for perfect square slices. This bread will work well with cheddar and bacon, creating a classic flavour profile.

Pumpernickel bread

Pumpernickel bread is made with molasses and brown sugar, giving it a deep brown colour, a hint of sweetness, and a soft texture. It works well with Alpine cheeses like Gruyere or Emmental, cornichons, and whole-grain mustard.

Multigrain bread

Thick slices of nutty multigrain bread will boost the fibre and flavour of your grilled cheese sandwich. This type of bread stands up to a variety of cheeses, from gooey mozzarella to pungent, creamy blue cheese.

Baguette

What do you do with day-old baguettes? Make gourmet grilled cheese, of course! Slice the baguette horizontally, then griddle the cut side until you get a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Fill it with Camembert and jam, or Alpine cheese and caramelized onions.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta is similar to a baguette, with a crusty exterior and a bubbly interior, making it perfect 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 grilled cheese. Depending on the thickness of the loaf, you can use two separate slices or split the focaccia horizontally and stuff it with fillings like Fontina, roasted red peppers, olives, and fresh herbs.

Other options

Other types of bread that will work for grilled cheese with caramelized onions include rye bread, craggy morning breads (such as English muffins), and soft white bread.

How long does it take to caramelize onions?

Caramelizing onions is an art, and it takes time. The process can take anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes for French onion soup to 45 minutes to an hour for jammy, mahogany-hued onions. Some people even report that it can take up to three hours to get the desired level of caramelization. The time it takes will depend on various factors, such as the size of your pan, the size of your onions, and the heat of your stove.

To caramelize onions, start by slicing the onions as evenly as possible so that they cook at the same rate. Heat some olive oil or butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften.

Once the onions are softened, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring every few minutes. If the onions start to burn or stick to the pan, reduce the heat to low or add a splash of water. For most of the cooking process, the heat should be low to medium-low to prevent the onions from burning before they have a chance to soften and caramelize.

It will take 50 to 80 minutes for the onions to get deeply brown, soft, and caramelized. If you want your onions to be extra-dark, cook them until they start to almost blacken around the edges and go slightly crisp, which will take another 10 to 15 minutes. This stage requires constant attention to prevent burning.

While caramelizing onions takes time, it is worth the effort. Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet, and complex flavor to dishes such as soups, dips, pastas, burgers, sandwiches, eggs, and pizzas. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to two months.

What are the best cheeses to pair with caramelized onions?

Caramelized onions are a delicious addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, and there are several cheeses that pair well with them. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:

Gruyère

Gruyère is a firm favourite when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches with caramelized onions. It is a hard Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and salty taste that melts beautifully. Its creamy texture and flavour complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions perfectly.

Cheddar

Aged cheddar is another excellent option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its sharp, tangy flavour creates a delicious contrast with the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Cheddar also melts well, ensuring a gooey and indulgent sandwich.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese, also known as Emmentaler, is a mild and creamy cheese with a slightly nutty flavour. It melts easily, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. When paired with caramelized onions, it creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury flavours.

Havarti

Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a buttery texture and a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It melts smoothly, making it an ideal choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of havarti and caramelized onions results in a rich and indulgent sandwich.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a mild flavour and a stretchy, melt-in-your-mouth texture when cooked. When paired with caramelized onions, mozzarella adds a creamy element that enhances the overall taste experience.

In addition to these cheeses, some recipes suggest using brie, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked jack cheese for a unique flavour profile. The key to a successful pairing is balancing the sweet and savoury elements, creating a delicious and indulgent grilled cheese sandwich.

What are some extra ingredients that can be added to grilled cheese with caramelized onions?

Grilled cheese with caramelized onions is a delicious combination, but there are several extra ingredients you can add to elevate this classic sandwich even further. Here are some suggestions for extra ingredients that will complement the flavours of the grilled cheese and caramelized onions:

Different Types of Cheese

While Gruyère is a popular choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese to add variety to your grilled cheese sandwich. Some options include:

• Mozzarella
• Cheddar
• Parmesan
• Monterey Jack
• Jarlsberg
• Provolone
• Havarti
• Brie

Meat

Adding meat to your grilled cheese sandwich can make it more substantial and savoury. Try including one of the following:

• Bacon
• Ham

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and onions. Consider adding:

• Apples or pears (sautéed or thinly sliced)
• Tomatoes (sliced)
• Spinach or other greens
• Bell peppers (sautéed)

Condiments and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of your sandwich, experiment with different condiments and seasonings. Some options include:

• Fig jam or fig butter
• Sherry, red wine, or white wine vinegar
• Worcestershire powder or sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Brown sugar

Bread

Using a different type of bread can also change the texture and taste of your grilled cheese. Try one of the following:

• Rustic Italian bread
• Whole wheat bread
• Sourdough bread
• Corn tortillas

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique grilled cheese with caramelized onions!

What are some good sides to serve with grilled cheese and caramelized onions?

Grilled cheese with caramelized onions is a delicious meal, but you may want to serve some sides with it to make it more of a feast. Here are some ideas for sides that would complement the flavours of the grilled cheese and caramelized onions:

• A green salad: A simple green salad dressed with a tangy mustard vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the grilled cheese and caramelized onions. You could add some extra crunch and flavour with ingredients such as nuts, seeds, or crispy bacon bits.
• Fruit salad: If you're looking for something a little sweeter, a fruit salad would be a great option. Choose fruits that are in season and perhaps add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.
• Tomato soup: This classic combination is always a winner. The acidity of the tomatoes will cut through the richness of the grilled cheese and caramelized onions, providing a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Crisps/chips: If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, a bowl of crispy crisps/chips could be the perfect side. Choose a flavour that will complement the cheese and onions, such as sour cream and onion, or barbecue.
• Pickles: For something a little different, why not serve some crunchy pickles on the side? They will provide a refreshing contrast to the grilled cheese and caramelized onions, and their tangy flavour will cut through the richness of the dish.
• Sliced apples: Apples and cheese are a classic combination, and for good reason. The sweetness of the apples will complement the savoury flavours of the grilled cheese and caramelized onions, and their crisp texture will add a nice contrast.

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