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Gruyere Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Caramelized Onion and Black Forest Ham


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5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Courtney Rowland
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Description

Simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough for a party, especially a party filled with people who have as much love for grilled cheese as you do.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 large sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices rustic Italian bread, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, at room temperature
  • 6 oz. Gruyere cheese, sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. fig jam
  • 4 slices Black Forest ham

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions:
    • Heat olive oil in a pan over low heat.
    • Add a pinch of salt and the thinly sliced onion, stirring to coat.
    • Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until onions are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
  2. Prepare the Sandwiches:
    • Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter.
    • On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer half of the cheese slices, then the ham slices, followed by the caramelized onions.
    • Top with the remaining cheese slices.
    • Spread fig jam on the unbuttered side of the remaining two bread slices and place them, jam side down, on top of the cheese.
  3. Grill the Sandwiches:
    • Heat a skillet over medium heat.
    • Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
    • Carefully flip the sandwiches and continue cooking until the second side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  4. Serve Warm:
    • Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches in half and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary to the caramelizing onions.
  • If Gruyere cheese is not available, substitute with another melty cheese such as Emmental or Swiss.
  • Adjust the amount of fig jam based on your sweetness preference.
  • For a crispier crust, press down gently on the sandwiches while grilling.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan Frying
  • Cuisine: American