Grilling and Smoking
French Onion Grilled Cheese with Fig & Ginger Mocktail
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Yield
2 sandwiches
This comforting french onion grilled cheese takes classic french onion soup and makes it into a delicious sandwich. Bonus mocktail recipe included.
If there is one thing I find so comforting in the fall weather, it’s French onion soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. So what happens when you mix the two together for the ultimate comfort meal? This french onion grilled cheese that’ll knock your socks off! The best part about this is I’ve paired it with the ultimate fig and ginger mocktail.
Why you’ll love this french onion grilled cheese:
- Comforting: French onion and grilled cheese in one is seriously so comforting and perfect for fall and winter
- Non-Alcoholic: I’ve made a delicious fig and ginger mocktail to pair with this grilled cheese that is non-alcoholic but tastes just like the real thing
Ingredient Notes:
Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative: This zero-proof rum alternative is perfect for making mocktails. When I tell you that it tastes just like real, alcoholic rum, I’m not lying! This stuff is amazing and perfect when you want a fancy cocktail without alcohol. This alternative has the flavors of warm vanilla, toasted spice, and all the velvety decadence you love in a dark rum.
Grilled Cheese: To make french onion soup, you essentially caramelize the onions and add liquid. Then you melt cheese on top with a baguette. Essentially I’ve taken that and deconstructed it (and removed the liquid of course). This recipe is so yummy!
How to make french onion grilled cheese:
- Slice onions very thinly (this can also be done on a mandolin if you prefer). Heat a medium-sized pot or high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and once warm turn to medium-low and add the onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are caramelized (rich brown colour) and golden, this can take about 30 minutes.
- Grate the cheese and set aside. Spread the butter on the outsides of the bread. Place the bread butter side down on a cutting board. Divide the cheese into 4 portions.
- Top one side of the bread with the ¼ of the cheese, add a big spoonful of caramelized onions (about half of whats in the pan) and top with ¼ of the cheese. Top with a slice of bread. Repeat to create a second sandwich.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once warmed, turn to medium low heat. Cook the sandwiches in the pan, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, flipping after about 5-7 minutes or when the bottom side is golden brown.
How to make a fig and ginger mocktail:
- To make one cocktail: To a cocktail shaker add fig preserves, Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative and lemon juice. Shake to combine and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with fresh figs and fresh thyme sprigs.
Expert Tips & FAQ:
Serving: Serve the grilled cheese as an appetizer paired with the cocktail! Once the grilled cheese is done, let rest on a plate for a few minutes. Then, slice into cube/square shapes or longer ‘stick’ shapes.
Make in Advance: Make the caramelized onions ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to warm them slightly over low heat for a few minutes before using in the recipe.
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French Onion Grilled Cheese with Fig & Ginger Mocktail
Ingredients
For the french onion soup grilled cheese
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cups shredded old white cheddar cheese
For the fig & ginger cocktail
- 1 tbsp fig jam
- 2 oz Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative
- juice of half a lemon
- 3 oz ginger beer
- garnish with fresh figs and fresh thyme
Instructions
For the french onion soup grilled cheese
- Slice onions very thinly (this can also be done on a mandolin if you prefer). Heat a medium-sized pot or high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and once warm turn to medium-low and add the onions, sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are caramelized (rich brown colour) and golden, this can take about 30 minutes.
- Grate the cheese and set aside. Spread the butter on the outsides of the bread. Place the bread butter side down on a cutting board. Divide the cheese into 4 portions.
- Top one side of the bread with the ¼ of the cheese, add a big spoonful of caramelized onions (about half of whats in the pan) and top with ¼ of the cheese. Top with a slice of bread. Repeat to create a second sandwich.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once warmed, turn to medium low heat. Cook the sandwiches in the pan, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, flipping after about 5-7 minutes or when the bottom side is golden brown.
To make the fig & ginger cocktail
- To make one cocktail: To a cocktail shaker add fig preserves, Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative and lemon juice. Shake to combine and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with fresh figs and fresh thyme sprigs.
