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Few dishes offer the simple pleasure of a perfectly made toastie. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a cozy lunch, or a late-night indulgence, this Caramelised Onion Cheese Toastie delivers on all fronts. With its layers of gooey, melted cheese and sweet, rich caramelised onions sandwiched between slices of crisp, golden bread, this recipe is as comforting as it is elegant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The magic of this toastie lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: the sweetness of the caramelised onions balances the savory richness of melted cheese, while the toasted bread provides a satisfying crunch. Unlike many grilled cheese recipes, this toastie doesn’t rely on butter for cooking. Instead, a hot, dry pan does the job beautifully, ensuring a lighter yet equally flavorful result.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Choose sturdy slices like sourdough, artisan bread, or classic toast bread to hold up against the fillings.
- Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt beautifully, such as cheddar, gouda, or emmentaler, for a rich and gooey texture.
- Onion: Use large yellow or white onions for a sweeter flavor, perfect for caramelising.
- Olive Oil and Butter: Essential for caramelising the onions, adding richness and depth to their flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the onions and helps achieve a deep caramelization.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the caramelised onions beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavors in the onions and toastie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Caramelised Onions
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly in the oil.
- Cook the onions on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden.Sprinkle in the brown sugar and mix well.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the mixture thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the onions aside.
Assemble the Toastie
- Lay one slice of bread on a clean surface and sprinkle half of the grated cheese evenly on top.
- Spoon a generous layer of caramelised onions over the cheese.
- Add the remaining grated cheese and top with the second slice of bread.
Cook the Toastie
Heat a non-stick or seasoned pan over medium-low heat (no butter or oil required).
Place the sandwich in the pan and press gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Serve and Enjoy
- Cut the toastie in half, serve immediately, and savor the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Customizing Your Toastie
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar, gouda, and emmentaler are excellent choices, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or brie.
- Bread Options: Swap the toast bread for sourdough, rye, or even a baguette for a different texture and flavor.
- Additional Toppings: Add crispy bacon, thinly sliced apples, or a handful of fresh arugula for extra layers of flavor.
Tips for Toastie Success
- Use Low Heat: Cooking the toastie over medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts thoroughly before the bread becomes too brown.
- Even Cheese Distribution: Spread the grated cheese evenly across the bread for a consistent melt in every bite.
- Let the Onions Cool Slightly: Allowing the caramelised onions to cool for a minute before assembling the sandwich prevents sogginess.
Why Skip the Butter?
In this recipe, the sandwich is cooked in a dry pan without butter or oil. This method produces a crisp, golden exterior without adding extra fat. It’s a lighter option that still delivers a satisfying crunch. If you prefer, you can lightly brush the bread with olive oil for a similar effect.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Caramelised Onion Cheese Toastie is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it with a bowl of tomato soup for a comforting lunch, pair it with a crisp salad for a quick dinner, or enjoy it on its own as a simple yet indulgent snack.
With its rich, caramelised onions, gooey cheese, and perfectly toasted bread, this recipe elevates the humble toastie to gourmet status. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
More Toast Recipes You May Enjoy
Caramelised Onion Cheese Toastie
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Toastie:
- 2 slices of bread (your choice of toast bread)
- 70g grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, or emmentaler)
For the Caramelised Onions:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (aceto balsamico)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, letting them melt together.
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan. Stir to coat the onions evenly in the oil and butter mixture.
- Cook the onions on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, until they are soft and golden.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir well to dissolve.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the onions from the heat and set aside.
- Lay one slice of bread on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese evenly on top.
- Spoon a generous layer of caramelised onions over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining grated cheese and place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to lightly coat the surface.
- Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and press gently with a spatula.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Slice the toastie in half, serve immediately, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness!
