Gourmet French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese
Indulge in this decadent take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich inspired by Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio's creations at his renowned Wichcraft restaurant. This Gourmet French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese combines layers of rich, caramelized Spanish onions with melty aged Gruyere cheese, all nestled between slices of hearty rye bread infused with caraway seeds. While the caramelization process requires patience, the reward is a sandwich that's irresistibly savory, with a deep, complex flavor. Enhance your sandwich with fresh greens like lettuce or spinach, or enjoy it in its pure, cheesy glory. For those who want to savor it later, consider making a double batch and freezing half for another day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aged Gruyere cheese
8 (slices)
Rye bread with caraway seeds
8 (slices)
Spanish onion
1 (large, sliced thinly lengthwise)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Butter
1 (tablespoon)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by heating olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, ensuring they are spread out evenly in the pan.
2
Reduce the heat slightly and allow the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Maintain a high enough temperature to prevent steaming, allowing the onions to caramelize beautifully over the course of about 30 minutes.
3
Once the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, season them with salt and pepper. Add in the butter, stirring until melted and well combined.
4
To assemble the sandwiches, start with one slice of rye bread. Layer a generous portion of aged Gruyere cheese, followed by a hefty scoop of the caramelized onions, then add another slice of cheese on top. Finally, place a second slice of rye bread to complete the sandwich.
5
Preheat a panini grill or skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, you can add a little butter for extra flavor. Place the assembled sandwich in the grill or skillet, pressing down gently.
6
Cook until the bread is golden and crisp, and the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes per side if using a skillet. Remove from the heat, slice in half, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind this Gourmet French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the decadent creations of Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio at his famous Wichcraft restaurant.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for aged Gruyere cheese to provide a rich, melty, and savory profile.
Which bread is best for this gourmet grilled cheese?
Hearty rye bread infused with caraway seeds is recommended for its ability to hold up to the ingredients and its complementary flavor.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The caramelization process takes approximately 30 minutes over medium-high heat with occasional stirring.
What kind of onions should I buy?
Large Spanish onions are used in this recipe, sliced thinly lengthwise.
How do I prevent the onions from steaming instead of caramelizing?
Maintain a high enough temperature and spread the onions evenly in the pan to prevent steaming.
Can I use a skillet instead of a panini grill?
Yes, a skillet works perfectly; you can even add a little extra butter for flavor when cooking in a skillet.
How many slices of bread are required for the full recipe?
The recipe requires 8 slices of rye bread with caraway seeds, making approximately four sandwiches.
When should I add the butter to the onions?
Add the butter once the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, along with salt and pepper.
How do I assemble the sandwich layers?
Layer a slice of rye bread with a portion of Gruyere, a scoop of caramelized onions, another layer of Gruyere, and the final bread slice.
Can I add vegetables to this sandwich?
Yes, you can enhance the sandwich by adding fresh greens like lettuce or spinach.
Is it possible to freeze these sandwiches for later?
Yes, the description suggests making a double batch and freezing half to enjoy at another time.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What seasonings are needed for the onions?
The onions are seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How long should I cook the sandwich per side in a skillet?
Cook the sandwich for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until the bread is golden and crisp.
What fat is used to cook the onions?
A combination of olive oil (initially) and butter (at the end) is used for the onions.
What is the texture of the bread when finished?
The bread should be golden, crisp, and infused with the flavor of caraway seeds.
Should I press down on the sandwich while cooking?
Yes, pressing down gently while in the grill or skillet helps ensure even melting and crisping.
Is this sandwich considered a snack or a meal?
Based on its tags, it serves as both a hearty lunch and a gourmet snack.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While Spanish onions are recommended for their size and flavor profile, you could substitute other sweet onions if necessary.
Does the recipe include instructions for nutritional values?
Currently, the specific calorie, fat, and protein counts are not listed in the raw data.
How should the onions be sliced?
The onions should be sliced thinly lengthwise for optimal caramelization.
What heat setting is used for the panini grill?
Preheat your panini grill or skillet over medium heat.
Is the Gruyere cheese sliced or shredded?
The recipe specifies using 8 slices of aged Gruyere cheese.
How should I serve the finished sandwich?
Remove it from the heat, slice it in half, and serve it hot for the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe in under 15 minutes?
No, because the caramelization process alone requires about 30 minutes of cooking time.
What makes this 'French Onion Soup' style?
The combination of caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese mimics the traditional topping of French Onion Soup.
Should the onions be stirred frequently?
They should be stirred occasionally to ensure even cooking while allowing them to brown.
What happens if I cook the onions on too low a heat?
Cooking at too low a heat may cause the onions to release moisture and steam rather than brown and develop complex flavors.
Is the olive oil added at the same time as the butter?
No, the olive oil is used to start the onions, while the butter is added at the end for richness.