Caramelized onions can turn any sandwich into a star. Caramelizing them with beer? That only ups the ante. We used a dark wheat ale that had notes of caramel to begin with, only adding to the flavor of the onions. And of course, we had to batter up this baby, monte cristo style. If you're going to go grilled cheese, you have to go big or go home.
Ingredients
For caramelized onions:
2 onions, sliced thinly
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp. butter
½ cup dark wheat ale
½ cup beef oth
For sandwich:
1 Tbsp. butter
One batch caramelized onions
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices wheat ead
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
Directions
Begin by caramelizing the onions. Melt the butter in a sauce pan over medium heat. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add in the onions and stir, cooking for about a minute. Add in ¼ cup of ale, stir and cover, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. Repeat, alternative oth and beer until all liquid is absorbed and the onions have caramelized.
Once the onions are caramelized, heat up a pan over medium heat. Assemble your sandwich. Mix the eggs and milk in a bowl and whisk until combined. Divide the cheese between two slices of ead, placing ½ cup on each sandwich. Top each with caramelized onions then place the remaining slice of ead on top. Place butter in the pan. Dip the sandwiches into the egg mixture, coating both sides. Place in the pan and cook until golden own. Flip and repeat until the other side is golden and cheese is completely melted.
Makes 2 sandwiches
--Kim Cooper--
