Description
2 slices sourdough bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
3 oz goat cheese, softened
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until onions are caramelized. Add
sugar if desired for deeper flavor.
Toast the sourdough slices until golden brown.
Spread softened goat cheese evenly on each slice.
Top with caramelized onions and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and a pinch of black pepper.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per serving
Servings: 2
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring every 4-5 minutes, for 15-20 minutes. For a deeper, richer color and flavor, add the optional sugar about halfway through the cooking process. The onions are done when they are deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet.
2. Toast the Bread: While the onions cook, toast your sourdough slices to your preferred level of crispness. Golden brown is ideal for a sturdy base.
3. Assemble the Toast: Spread the softened goat cheese evenly onto the warm toasted bread. Divide the caramelized onions between the two slices, piling them high.
4. Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle each toast generously with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves (if using) and a crack of black pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This caramelized onion and goat cheese toast is a versatile dish. Serve it as an elegant appetizer cut into smaller pieces, a satisfying light lunch, or a sophisticated brunch item. Pair it with a simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, add a bowl of tomato soup for dipping.
How-to Summary
Slowly cook sliced onions with salt (and optional sugar) in olive oil for 15-20 mins until caramelized. Toast sourdough bread. Spread with soft goat cheese, top with onions, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of thyme and black pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time? Absolutely. Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making assembly quick and easy.
What can I use instead of goat cheese? For a similar tangy profile, try whipped feta or ricotta. For a creamier, milder flavor, a high-quality cream cheese works well.
My onions are burning before caramelizing. What went wrong? The heat was likely too high. Caramelization requires low, slow cooking to allow the onions’ natural sugars to break down without burning.
Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze? You can reduce regular balsamic vinegar by simmering it until syrupy, or use a thick, aged balsamic vinegar. A drizzle of honey is a good sweet alternative.
Can I use a different type of bread? Yes. A crusty baguette, ciabatta, or a whole-grain artisanal loaf would all be excellent choices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the Onions: High heat will burn onions, giving them a bitter taste. Patience is key for proper caramelization.
- Using Cold Goat Cheese: Hard, cold cheese is difficult to spread and can tear the toast. Let it soften at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Skipping the Salt: Salt is crucial during cooking as it draws moisture out of the onions, aiding the caramelization process.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Use a pan large enough so onions are in a single layer. Overcrowding steams them instead of browning them.
Conclusion
This caramelized onion and goat cheese toast proves that simple ingredients, treated with care, can create a truly extraordinary dish. The sweet, deep flavor of the onions perfectly balances the tangy, creamy cheese, all brought together by the sweet-acidic punch of balsamic glaze. In just 25 minutes, you can transform a few staples into a gourmet-level meal that is sure to impress.
