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Crispy Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Brie Grilled Cheese Recipes

Want a grilled cheese that tastes like it came from an upscale sandwich shop instead of your kitchen counter? This Crispy Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Brie Grilled Cheese delivers melty plant-based brie, sweet caramelized onions, smoky vegan bacon, and juicy pear slices all pressed between crispy buttered bread.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer recipe, Gluten-free, vegan Appetizr
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • This recipe layers several components together for a genuinely loaded sandwich. Here's exactly what you need.
  • 8 slices vegan bacon
  • 2 cups chopped onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 1 oz slices vegan Swiss-style cheese
  • 4 oz plant-based brie-style cheese thinly sliced
  • 2 firm but ripe pears sliced
  • 4 tablespoons softened vegan butter
  • 8 slices hearty bread
  • Vegan bacon has genuinely improved in recent years with several brands now delivering that same smoky, crispy texture. Look for one made from coconut, tempeh, or seitan depending on your texture preference.

Equipment

  • This recipe uses a couple of pans to build all those layers of flavor. Here's what to have ready:
  • Large skillet (for cooking the vegan bacon and caramelizing the onions)
  • Griddle or another skillet (for grilling the assembled sandwiches)
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife (for slicing the pear and brie)
  • Butter knife (for buttering the outside of the bread)
  • No stand mixer, no complicated equipment. Two pans and a spatula handle nearly the entire process.

Method
 

  1. Step 1- Cook the Vegan Bacon
  2. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add the vegan bacon and cook until browned and crispy according to the package instructions. Remove from the pan and set on paper towels to drain.
  3. Step 2- Caramelize the Onions
  4. Remove any excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 to 3 tablespoons. Add the onions and sauté on high heat for 2 minutes, then reduce to medium-high and cook until the onions turn dark brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 3- Assemble Each Sandwich
  6. Spread 1/4 of the caramelized onion mixture on a slice of bread. Layer on the vegan Swiss cheese, pear slices, 2 slices of vegan bacon, and 1 ounce of plant-based brie. Top with another slice of bread.
  7. Step 4- Butter and Grill
  8. Butter the outsides of each sandwich with the softened vegan butter. Grill on medium heat until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
  9. Step 5- Serve
  10. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm while the cheese is still melty.

Notes

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Sandwich)

Here's an estimated nutrition breakdown per sandwich, based on 4 total servings from this recipe:
  • Calories- approximately 620 kcal
  • Sugar- 15g
  • Sodium- 950mg
  • Fat- 34g
  • Saturated Fat- 9g
  • Carbohydrates- 55g
  • Fiber- 5g
  • Protein- 20g