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Our Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is full of delicious and satisfying flavor.
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4.50 from 2 votes
SkinnyMS

Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions

A sophisticated remake of a timeless classic
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Kid-Friendly
Servings: 2 People
Calories: 378kcal
Author: Alison Borel

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 yellow onions medium sized
  • 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1/8 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Grilled Cheese

  • 4 whole wheat bread slices Sourdough or whole-grain very good too
  • 2 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 1/2 teaspoon on each slice (4)
  • 1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese

Instructions

Caramelized onions

  • Peel and halve the onions, with the root part facing up. Cut a V-shaped notch around the root on both halves to fully remove the part that interferes with slicing. When you do slice the onion, all slices will individually separate.
  • With the root part facing up, slice one half lengthwise, moving from one end to the other. Optimal width of each slice should be between 1/8-1/4 inch. Repeat with other 3 halves.
  • In a large, wide pan with high sides, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add half of the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until they are translucent. Then add the other onions and a pinch of salt.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, keeping an eye on the onions, stirring every five minutes. After 15-20 minutes, the onions should start looking light tan/blonde. If, at that point, the pan begins to look dry, add 1/8 cup water or chicken broth. Do not stir anymore, unless you see the edges crisping up. If that happens, reduce the heat.
  • The time it takes for the onions to reach a deep brown can be anywhere between another 15 minutes to 45 minutes. If at the 20 minute mark, they haven’t gotten brown enough, then turn the heat up and watch them closely. At this point you need to stand by until they look nice and brown.
  • Add balsamic vinegar to the onions and de-glaze the pan to get all the good bits off. The vinegar will enhance the sweetness a great deal and make it jammy.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

  • Warm a cast iron griddle pan (something that can accommodate 4 pieces of bread) to medium heat for five minutes.
  • Spread 1 1/2 teaspoons on one side of four slices of bread. Place on pre-heated pan and add 1/2 cup cheese to two slices.
  • Warm up 2/3 cup of caramelized onions on free space on griddle or in the microwave for 45 seconds. Once cheese has melted, then add the onion to the cheese side. Top the sandwiches with remaining slices. Serve.

Notes

To reduce calories and carbs, you can make this open-faced on one piece of bread. Jam, jelly, or preserves of any kind really up the flavor ante here. Also, pear or apple work wonderfully if you want something sweet without refined sugar. 
Cheddar is highest in calories. For a flavor parade and more sophistication, try Parmesan, Brie, and mozzarella mixed together.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 752mg | Potassium: 361mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 306IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 2mg |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 13
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 13