Grilled cheese is the perfect comfort food, but adding sweet, syrupy caramelized onions brings it to another level. Be sure to use the richest, thickest balsamic vinegar you can find– it really does make a difference. And, grating the vegan cheese in a food processor saves time– be sure to pulse it a little at a time– you don’t want gloppy cheese.
Serve this with a salad for a complete meal– the Curried Fall Salad would be wonderful.
I wouldn’t say this is one of my healthiest recipes– but it makes your kitchen smell heavenly and I did use Ezekiel bread to add some fiber. 🙂 Enjoy!
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Caramelized onions combine with vegan cheese to create a melty, fragrant, sweet combination that's perfect as the filling for this twist on a grilled cheese sandwich.
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegan butter (recommend Country Crock Plant Butter)
- 1 large yellow or Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
- Kosher or sea salt and ground black pepper
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 oz vegan smoked Gouda, shredded in food processor
- 2 slices bread
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over med-high heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add the onions along with a healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes. Uncover, reduce heat to med-low and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Add small splashes of water periodically to keep the onions from sticking and burning.
- Once the onions are done, add in the balsamic vinegar; stir and cook for one minute longer.
- Transfer the onions to a bowl. Add the shredded cheese to the onions and stir. Cover with a towel and let sit for 5 minutes so the cheese will melt from the heat of the onions. Uncover and stir.
- Pile the cheese/onion mixture onto one slice of bread evening out the mixture, cover with the other slice of bread and press down gently.
- Wipe out the skillet and add 1/2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook until the bottom turns golden brown, 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 tbsp butter, flip the sandwich, press slightly and cook until the other side is golden brown, another 3-4 minutes. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Made this delicious grill cheese this am. Husband who doesn’t like vegan cheese stole 1/2.
So glad you and hubby enjoyed it! 🙂
Loved this recipe! Quick, easy, and very tasty!!
Thanks, Nitin!