Fancy Decadent Grilled Cheese 🧀✨

This gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich is both indulgent and irresistible. Featuring a luscious blend of artisanal cheeses, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness from caramelized onions, this grilled cheese is sure to impress at brunch, lunch, or any time you're craving comfort food with flair. Pair it with a side of tomato bisque or a fresh salad for a complete meal! 🍅🥗

Ingredients

For the sandwich

• 4 slices of thick, artisanal sourdough bread
• 1/2 cup of aged cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup of Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup of creamy goat cheese
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
• A drizzle of honey (optional)

For the caramelized onions

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are soft and golden brown. If desired, stir in balsamic vinegar for added flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Assemble the sandwich: On two slices of sourdough, spread a generous layer of goat cheese. Top with equal portions of aged cheddar and Gruyère. Spoon some caramelized onions over the cheese, and top with the remaining slices of sourdough.

3. Prepare to grill: In a clean skillet, heat the remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted.

✨ For a little extra flair, gently press the sandwich with a spatula to encourage a crispy crust while cooking.

4. Serving: Once done, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. Then, slice them in half diagonally and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top. Drizzle with a touch of honey for a delicious sweet contrast if desired.

🍯 The honey adds a delightful sweetness that complements the sharpness of the cheeses beautifully!

Variations

• Vegan: Substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives like cashew cheese or store-bought vegan cheese. Use vegan butter for grilling.
• Add greens: Layer in some fresh spinach, arugula, or roasted peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
• Herb-infused: Mix in some fresh basil or parsley into the cheese mixture for added freshness.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeños for a spicy version of this luxurious comfort food.

Enjoy the blissful melty goodness of this Fancy Decadent Grilled Cheese! 🥪💖