Just when you think grilled cheese is the most perfect food there ever was, somebody goes and puts BACON-ONION JAM in it.
I definitely could eat this bacon-onion jam with a spoon. Caramelized onion with crispy bacon cooked down with sugar and balsamic vinegar for the sweet and savory flavors of my dreams! My current favorite condiment.
I made it specifically with the end goal of putting it on grilled cheese, but if you have any leftover (which you probably will!) I think it would be good on.. um… everything? Grilled meat! Flatbread! Toast! Roasted veggies! Salads! From a spoon is also good.
Also also between slices of buttery grilled bread loaded with sharp and creamy gruyère and white cheddar.
I am doing my best to control myself here. THESE ARE SO GOOD.
Regular grilled cheese is a lunchtime staple around here, but sometimes it’s fun to jazz it up for dinner and make our most favorite sandwich a little fancier.
Grilled Cheese with Bacon-Onion Jam
Ingredients
FOR THE JAM
- 1 1/2 cups chopped bacon (from about 6 ounces)
- 3 cups diced sweet onion (from about 2 medium onions)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
FOR THE GRILLED CHEESE
- 1 (16 ounce) loaf of Italian bread, butts removed and cut into 16 slices
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 5 ounces shredded white cheddar
- 4 ounces shredded gruyère
Directions
FOR THE JAM
Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high. Add bacon and cook until fat is rendered and bacon begins to crisp – about 7 minutes. Add the onions and continue cooking 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown.
Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle brown sugar over the onions and – without stirring – pat sugar into an even layer. Cook 10 minutes, undisturbed. Brown sugar should be melted and gently bubbling.
Stir in vinegar and simmer over medium heat until jam is thick – about 10 minutes. Season with salt.
If not using immediately, bacon-onion jam can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days.
FOR THE GRILLED CHEESE
Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter. Combine cheeses in a medium bowl.
To assemble sandwiches, layer cheese, bacon-onion jam, then more cheese on an unbuttered side of sliced bread. Top with another slice, buttered side out. Grill in a large skillet or griddle for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-low heat, until bread is browned and crisp and cheese is completely melted.
