Savory Grilled Cheese with Pickles and Sweet Vidalia Onions
Elevate your classic grilled cheese experience with this delectable sandwich that combines the creamy goodness of aged cheddar cheese with the tangy crunch of kosher dill pickles and the sweet, mild flavor of fresh Vidalia onions. Perfect for lunch or a quick snack, this sandwich not only satisfies your cheese cravings but also delivers a lovely balance of flavors and textures. The addition of whole wheat bread adds a nutty note and enhances the overall nutritional profile, making it a guilt-free treat. Enjoy this sandwich warm and melty, paired with a side of chips or a light salad for a complete meal!
1
Servings
470
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Wheat Bread
2 slices (none)
Cheddar Cheese
1-2 slices (sliced)
Butter
1-2 tablespoons (softened)
Kosher Dill Pickle
1-2 (sliced (Sandwich Stackers or Bread and Butter pickles work well))
Vidalia Onion
1-2 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your skillet over medium heat and adding 1 tablespoon of softened butter, allowing it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
2
Spread the remaining butter evenly on one side of each slice of whole wheat bread.
3
Once the pan is hot, place one slice of bread, buttered side down, into the skillet.
4
Layer 1 to 2 slices of cheddar cheese on top of the bread in the skillet, making sure to cover it evenly.
5
Add the sliced pickles on top of the cheese, followed by the thinly sliced Vidalia onions, distributing them evenly.
6
Top with the second slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing up.
7
Cook the sandwich until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 4-5 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and crispy, another 4-5 minutes.
8
Once both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice it in half, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
38g
Carbs
16g
Protein
5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Grilled Cheese with Pickles and Sweet Vidalia Onions?
It is an elevated version of the classic grilled cheese sandwich featuring aged cheddar, tangy kosher dill pickles, and sweet Vidalia onions on whole wheat bread.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for whole wheat bread, which adds a nutty flavor and enhances the nutritional profile.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While aged cheddar is recommended for its creamy goodness, you can experiment with other varieties like Swiss or Provolone.
What makes Vidalia onions special?
Vidalia onions are known for their sweet and mild flavor, which provides a perfect balance to the tangy pickles and savory cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 470 calories in one serving of this sandwich.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this sandwich is a vegetarian-friendly meal option.
What heat setting should I use to cook the sandwich?
You should preheat your skillet and cook the sandwich over medium heat.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1 to 2 tablespoons of softened butter for coating the pan and the bread slices.
How long does it take to cook each side?
It takes about 4 to 5 minutes per side for the bread to become golden brown and the cheese to melt.
Can I use different types of pickles?
Yes, while kosher dill pickles are suggested, you can also use Sandwich Stackers or Bread and Butter pickles.
How many slices of cheese should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 2 slices of cheddar cheese depending on your preference for cheesiness.
How should the onions be prepared?
The Vidalia onions should be thinly sliced to ensure they soften slightly and distribute evenly throughout the sandwich.
What is the protein content of this sandwich?
Each sandwich provides about 16 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, thanks to the whole wheat bread, the sandwich contains about 5 grams of fiber.
What is the total fat content?
One serving contains approximately 27 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this for more than one person?
Yes, you can easily scale the ingredients to make multiple sandwiches by following the same assembly steps.
What side dishes go well with this grilled cheese?
It pairs perfectly with a side of chips or a light garden salad for a complete meal.
Why should I use softened butter?
Softened butter spreads more evenly on the bread without tearing it and ensures a consistent golden crust.
Should the pickles be sliced?
Yes, the pickles should be sliced or you can use sandwich-ready pickle slabs for easy layering.
How do I know when to flip the sandwich?
Flip the sandwich when the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt around the edges.
Can I use white bread instead of whole wheat?
You can use white bread, though the whole wheat version is recommended for its specific nutty flavor profile.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is a balance of savory cheese, tangy pickles, sweet onions, and nutty bread.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is an easy and fast recipe perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Lunch and Snacks.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 5 main ingredients: bread, cheese, butter, pickles, and onions.
Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed other than a standard skillet and a spatula for flipping.
Can I add other toppings?
While this recipe focus on pickles and onions, you can customize it with additional ingredients like mustard or tomato slices.
How should I serve the sandwich?
It is best served warm, sliced in half to reveal the melty cheese and layered vegetables.
Is there any preparation needed for the butter?
The butter should be softened at room temperature before you begin to make spreading easier.