Apple, Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions by Becky of Project Domestication
Ingredients: 1 tsp. good olive oil (plust more for grilling sandwich) 1 lg. red onion, cut in half and sliced thin Real Salt (to taste) freshly cracked pepper (to taste) 1 tsp. local honey 6-8 strips applewood smoked bacon 1 c. Beehive Cheese Co. Rosemary Cheddar, grated (packed well) 1 apple (honeycrisp or jonagold) 4 slices of good sourdough bread (french country loaf also nice) mixed greens or arugula (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Over medium heat in a medium to large saute pan, heat one teaspoon olive oil until shimmering. Add onions and a few pinches of Real Salt and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile place bacon on rimmed baking sheet and bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, until bacon is crisp. Place bacon on paper towel lined plate and dab dry.
After red onions have cooked 10 minutes add honey and a few pinches of freshly cracked black pepper. Continue to cook until transparent, golden and caramelized.
Heat griddle to 350 degrees. While onions and bacon are finishing, shred cheese and apples. Chop bacon. Add finished onions, bacon, grated cheese and apples in medium bowl and stir until evenly combined.
Once griddle is preheated, dress one side of each slice of bread with olive oil (you may use butter instead). Place oiled sourdough on griddle and place a heaping 1 cup of mixture on bread and greens, if using. Top with second slice of bread and oil its top. Cook each side for approximately 4 minutes or until crispy and golden on outside. Repeat to make other sandwich. Slice in half and serve!
Makes two grilled cheese sandwiches.
