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Bacon and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Bacon and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Buttery grilled cheese sandwiches loaded with smoky bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, all toasted to crisp golden perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 6-8 strips thick cut bacon
  • 8 slices hearty sandwich bread such as sourdough or country white
  • 8 slices sharp cheddar or similar melting cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon fat
  • 2-3 tablespoons softened butter for spreading on bread
  • 1 pinch sugar optional, helps onions caramelize
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • garlic powder or dried thyme optional, to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Slice the onions thinly. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil or bacon fat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring often, until soft and golden. Add a pinch of sugar if desired and lower the heat if they brown too quickly.
  2. In a separate skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
  3. Assemble the sandwiches: Place a slice of cheese on four pieces of bread. Top each with caramelized onions, a few strips of bacon, and another slice of cheese. Close with the remaining bread slices.
  4. Spread softened butter on the outsides of each sandwich.
  5. Warm a clean skillet over medium low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
  6. Remove from the pan, let rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Cook the onions slowly for the best flavor and texture. Use sturdy bread so the sandwiches hold together. For a twist, mix cheeses or add a swipe of mustard or a spoonful of fig jam to the inside of the bread.