Crispy Onion Grilled Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Golden fried onions layered with melted cheese and toasted bread for a deliciously crispy, gooey sandwich experience.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Crispy Onions

01 - 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
08 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ For the Sandwich

09 - 4 slices sourdough or white bread
10 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 cup (4 oz) grated sharp cheddar cheese
12 - 1 cup (4 oz) grated mozzarella cheese

# How To Make It:

01 - In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Place buttermilk in another bowl. Dip onion slices in buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
02 - Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry onions in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
03 - Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
04 - Sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over each slice. Top with a generous layer of crispy onions, then the remaining cheese. Cover with the other bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from skillet, let rest briefly, then cut in half and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy onions add a texture that makes every bite feel like an event, not just a sandwich.
  • It uses simple ingredients you probably already have, but tastes like something from a diner menu.
  • You can make it as indulgent or as light as you want by adjusting the cheese and butter.
  • It comes together fast enough for lunch but feels special enough for dinner.
02 -
  • If your oil isnt hot enough, the onions will absorb too much grease and turn soggy instead of crispy.
  • Pressing the sandwich too hard while grilling squeezes out the melted cheese, a gentle press is all you need.
  • Using cold butter will tear your bread, let it soften at room temperature for ten minutes before spreading.
03 -
  • Use a mix of cheeses for the best flavor and melt, one sharp and one creamy is the perfect combination.
  • Fry a few extra onions because they disappear fast, and you will want them for snacking.
  • If you dont have buttermilk, stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into half a cup of milk and let it sit for five minutes.
Go Back