Best Bacon Sandwich with Caramelized Onions: A Savory Delight
Introduction
Few things in life are as satisfying as a well-crafted bacon sandwich. Add caramelized onions to the mix, and you have a culinary masterpiece that elevates this classic to new heights. This Bacon Sandwich with Caramelized Onions recipe is a symphony of savory and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch, this sandwich has you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or ciabatta work well)
- 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Tomato slices (optional)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this irresistible Bacon Sandwich with Caramelized Onions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir until it dissolves.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set the caramelized onions aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a separate skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they’re crispy and golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each of the unbuttered sides of two bread slices.
- On top of the cheese, add the cooked bacon slices.
- Spoon a generous portion of caramelized onions over the bacon.
- If desired, spread Dijon mustard on the other two bread slices and place them, mustard-side down, on top of the caramelized onions.
- Optionally, add lettuce leaves and tomato slices for extra freshness and crunch.
- Complete the sandwiches by topping them with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Carefully place the assembled sandwiches on the hot surface.
- Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool for a moment.
- Slice them in half diagonally and serve immediately.
Conclusion
The Bacon Sandwich with Caramelized Onions is a flavor-packed treat that combines the smoky, salty goodness of bacon with the sweet, rich depth of caramelized onions. This harmonious combination is a true delight for your taste buds, making it perfect for a satisfying meal any time of day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! While sharp cheddar cheese complements the flavors well, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like Swiss, provolone, or Gouda.
- What type of bread is best for this sandwich?
- Thick-cut bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or artisan bread works wonderfully. Choose your favorite for the best experience.
- Can I make caramelized onions in advance?
- Yes, caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to assemble your sandwich.
- How can I make this sandwich healthier?
- To make a healthier version, consider using turkey bacon, whole-grain bread, and light cheese. You can also use less butter and oil in the caramelized onions.
- Can I add other toppings to the sandwich?
- Absolutely! Customize your sandwich with toppings like avocado slices, pickles, or arugula for extra flavor and texture.
Savor the deliciousness of this Bacon Sandwich with Caramelized Onions—it’s the ultimate comfort food that hits all the right notes of savory and sweet. Enjoy every bite!
Source: theendlessmeal.com
Giardiniera Chicken Skillet
Are you looking for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than the Giardiniera Chicken Skillet. This dish combines tender chicken with the tangy, spicy flavors of giardiniera, creating a meal that is both delicious and quick to prepare. Giardiniera, a traditional Italian relish made from pickled vegetables, adds a burst of flavor and a delightful crunch to this skillet dish. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe will soon become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, boneless skinless
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 12 ounces hot Chicago style giardiniera
- 1 ounce fresh basil
- 1 ounce parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- basil and parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add half of the olive oil, and season the chicken thighs very well with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, oregano, and dried basil, reserving some for the vegetables.
Once skillet is hot, cook the chicken until brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed to avoid over crowding the pan. Once all of the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add remaining oil to the skillet, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Heat the broiler of your oven on high. Add chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle the chicken with parmesan cheese, and top with mozzarella slices. Broil for about 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with fresh basil, more parmesan, and the remaining giardiniera. Enjoy!
Notes
- Heat levels vary for different giardinieras so keep this in mind.
- Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned.
- Onion and garlic can be substituted for onion and garlic powder.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted for shredded or slices, and you can use any parmesan variety.
- Season to taste, and add any spices you see fit. We opted to leave out red pepper flakes and cayenne because we used hot giardiniera, but add them if you like.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 544