Description
This Bacon and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe combines savory crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and melted cheese between buttery toasted bread slices. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this sandwich offers rich flavors and a satisfying texture that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sandwiches
- 8 slices of bread (sourdough or whole grain recommended)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or a mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish
For the Fillings
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 strips of bacon
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced onion along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown. If the onions begin to stick, add a small amount of water to deglaze the pan. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of a bread slice and place it butter-side down on a clean surface. On the unbuttered side, layer a generous amount of shredded cheese, followed by caramelized onions, and chopped bacon. Add another layer of cheese on top and cap with another bread slice, butter side facing up.
- Cook the Sandwich: Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Using a spatula, flip the sandwich carefully and cook an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side until golden brown and the cheese has fully melted. Covering the skillet with a lid can help the cheese melt faster if needed.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it cool for a minute. Slice in half and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use sourdough or whole grain bread for best flavor and sturdiness.
- Butter the outside of the bread to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Adding a lid during cooking helps melt the cheese more evenly.
- You can use any combination of Swiss and cheddar cheese for different flavor profiles.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add extra caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms.
