Have a weak spot for anything sweet and salty, and this sandwich is the perfect balance of both. With April (aka national grilled cheese month) right around the corner, I figured I would experiment with different flavors. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a good ol’ fashioned American cheese sandwich with a side of hot tomato soup. However, grilled cheese is something that can be made in so many delicious ways (including this one!).
This meal cost me $13.75 and took me about 20 minutes (thanks to baking soda method of making caramelized onions – so much faster!)
1. In a large skillet, add onions, olive oil and baking soda and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often. Stir in salt and transfer onions to a bowl. Set aside.
2. Spread 1 teaspoon apricot preserves onto each slice of bread. Top with fontina cheese.
3. Top 4 slices with ham and caramelized onion. Top the other half with arugula and put pieces together to make 4 sandwiches.
4. Coat a non-stick griddle (or large non-stick skillet) with cooking spray and turn heat to medium. Add sandwiches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely golden brown.
5. Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half. Serve immediately.
Toasty Ham and Fontina Sandwich with Caramelized Onion and Apricot Jam
Serves 4
All you need:
2 yellow onions, sliced thin
2 teaspoons olive oil
Pinch baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
8 slices bakery bread of your choice
8 teaspoons apricot preserves
8 oz. fontina cheese, grated
1/2 pound thinly sliced black forest ham
1 oz. arugula
Non-stick cooking spray
All you do:
1. In a large skillet, add onions, olive oil and baking soda and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often. Stir in salt and transfer onions to a bowl. Set aside.
2. Spread 1 teaspoon apricot preserves onto each slice of bread. Top with fontina cheese.
3. Top 4 slices with ham and caramelized onion. Top the other half with arugula and put pieces together to make 4 sandwiches.
4. Coat a non-stick griddle (or large non-stick skillet) with cooking spray and turn heat to medium. Add sandwiches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely golden brown.
5. Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and slice in half. Serve immediately.