Grilled Gruyère and Sweet Onion Sandwiches

I like this sandwich. Heck I loved it. Is is an OMG? No, but it is a very tasty way to have an easy dinner.  The inside out grilled cheese is a better way to cook the sandwich, (and a better sandwich too) but the fillings were good.

Grilled Gruyère and Sweet Onion Sandwiches
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced crosswise (4 cups)

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Eight 1/2-inch-thick slices of whole-grain bread

Dijon mustard

8 ounces imported Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced

2 half-sour pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise

In a deep skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in the oil. Add the onion, cover and cook over high heat, stirring once or twice, until softened, about 5 minutes. Uncover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is very tender and caramelized, about 25 minutes longer. Add water to the skillet as necessary, 1/4 cup at a time, to prevent the onion from scorching. Season the caramelized onion with salt and pepper.

 

Spread the bread with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and arrange, buttered side down, on a work surface. Spread a thin layer of mustard on each slice. Top half of the slices with the onion, Gruyère and pickles and close the sandwiches.
Preheat a skillet or panini press. Grill the sandwiches over low heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, 10 minutes. If using a skillet, press the sandwiches with a spatula and flip them halfway through. Cut in half and serve right away.