Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

# What You Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country bread

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

03 - 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

→ Onions

04 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

07 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar

→ Finishing

08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Add sugar halfway through if desired to enhance sweetness and browning.

02 - Remove caramelized onions from heat and set aside. Wipe out skillet if needed. Butter one side of each bread slice.

03 - Place two buttered bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface. Top each with half the grated cheddar cheese, then distribute caramelized onions evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle with black pepper. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

04 - Heat skillet over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula, until bread is crisp and golden and cheese is melted. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.

05 - Remove sandwiches from pan and let rest 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The onions cook down into something almost sweet and jam-like, melting into the cheese in a way that feels indulgent without any fuss.
It uses pantry staples but tastes like you put in real effort, which makes it perfect for impressing yourself or someone else on a quiet night.

02 -

The onions need low, steady heat and real time to caramelize, rushing them on high heat will scorch them instead of coaxing out that sweetness.
Butter the bread all the way to the edges or the corners will stay pale and soft instead of turning golden and crispy.

03 -