This Mushroom Grilled Cheese with Balsamic- Caramelized Onions might be the best grilled cheese you’ve ever tasted!
I like ordinary grilled cheese, but this is no ordinary grilled cheese. This one incorporates caramelized onions flavored with balsamic vinegar and mushrooms that have been sautéed in white wine. You can use Jack or Havarti cheese in this recipe. White cheddar would be good too!
There’s the butter. A couple of spoonfuls of shredded Parmesan and freshly chopped rosemary added in too. This was a very good idea. It turns ordinary bread into something special.
Step one: spread that delicious butter on one side of the bread and place it butter-side-down into a skillet.
Step 2 and 3: Add a generous layer of cheese. Add the balsamic caramelized onions (I explain how to make them in the recipe below, but you’re basically going to slow sauté sliced onions in a little oil for about 30 minutes, then swoosh in some balsamic vinegar for even more flavor. You’ll want to eat them with a spoon (be strong).
Step 4: Add your sautéed mushrooms (again, explained in the recipe below. These are simply sautéed with oil, salt, pepper and a swoosh of white wine).
Step 5: Add another generous layer of cheese. Why two layers of cheese? You want the cheese to act as the glue on both sides to hold the goodies together. Plus, you can’t really use too much cheese in grilled cheese, can you??
Step 6: Slather another slice of bread with that good butter and place it butter-side-up.
Let the sandwich sizzle away. It’s best if you do this one in a nonstick skillet since you don’t want the cheese to stick to the pan. A lid placed on top helps the cheese melt.
Flip it and watch that fabulous melty cheese do its thing!
When it’s all nice and toasty on both sides, move it to a cutting board, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice in half.
Serve it up!
Mushroom Grilled Cheese with Balsamic Caramelized Onions
Recipe Details
Ingredients
BALSAMIC CARAMELIZED ONIONS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
SAUTEED MUSHROOMS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- One 8-ounce package sliced mushrooms
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup white wine
BUTTER:
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
SANDWICHES:
- 4 slices bread
- 4 ounces jack, havarti or white cheddar cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Heat a nonstick skillet to medium; add oil, onions and salt. Sauté the onions over medium to medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become soft and browned. Add the vinegar and swirl into the onions. Sauté until the liquid is absorbed/evaporated. Let cool.
- Prepare the mushrooms: Heat a nonstick skillet to medium; add oil, mushrooms, salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until they are softened. Add the wine and sauté until the liquid is absorbed/evaporated. Let cool.
- Prepare the butter: Mix butter ingredients in a small dish.
- Assemble and grill the sandwich: (These are instructions for one sandwich, then repeat to make another): Spread butter on 2 slices of bread. Place the bread, butter-side-down, on a nonstick skillet. Top with a layer of cheese, then ½ of the onions, then ½ of the mushrooms. Add a second layer of cheese on top of the mushrooms. Add the 2nd slice of bread, butter-side-up, and set the pan over medium heat. Place a lid on top. Watch it closely. You want it just toasted and cheese beginning to melt before you flip it. Use a spatula to peek underneath, and adjust heat as needed. Flip and toast the other side. When properly toasted on both sides, remove to a plate, slice and eat. Repeat to make a second sandwich.
Nutrition
They all look so delicious. I want your grilled cheese sandwich for lunch!
Irish Coolea is a fabulous cheese but then what cheese isn’t, I ask? Your sandwich looks so good. I will be making it this week for sure!!
I love grilled cheese..this is a great prize!!
Cheese makes just about anything better! Salsa Jack in one of my favorites.
My favorite cheese so far is a simple blue cheese or a good smoked provolone. I am kind of all over the map. I love cheese. <3
Have I ever mentioned how much I love cheese? I think I could live on it. Your sandwich looks phenomenal Lori!
I had a morel cheese once. So good.
I had an amazing brie sandwich at a French restaurant one time. Since then, I have become a brie-liever!
I am drooling! Here I am drinking my morning coffee and craving this grilled cheese. Mmmmmm.
The best flavor of cheese I have tasted was Cougar gold.
The best cheese I ever had was a rosemary asiago….yum!
Rosemary manchego
My favorite is Bacon Cheese. It’s a great cheddar with real bacon. THE BEST EVER!
Cannot wait to try this- have been buying the Morel & Leeks cheese for years but can’t wait to try it with the balsamic caramelized onions – YUM!!!
That sandwich looks so yummy! We love to have a fruit and cheese tray Sunday evening after an early dinner. These cheese would be a fun way to change things up.
Love me some cheese~
I am a sucker for any cheese with a spicy kick, I had a habanero cheese that was so yummy
Seriously, I’ve never had a cheese that I didn’t like but all forms of bleu are my favorite, along with goat, and cheddar – it’s just too hard to pick!
Best cheese I ever tasted was a real cheddar. Cheddar cheese that we know here in the USA is NOTHING like a true cheddar :o)
Oh pick me, I love cheese!!! <3
Love love love grilled cheese!
I love sharp cheddar! Thanks for the amazing recipes & giveaway!!
Smoked Cheddar
An amazing pepper jack cheese…..spicy!
I absolutely love pepper jack cheese!