Caramelized Onion & Brie Sourdough Panini Recipe

When it comes to comfort food with a gourmet twist, few things hit the spot quite like a well-made panini. And if you’re craving something indulgent yet simple to prepare, this Caramelized Onion & Brie Sourdough Panini is the perfect choice. The sweetness of slow-cooked onions, the luxurious creaminess of Brie cheese, and the crunch of perfectly toasted sourdough come together to form an unforgettable sandwich.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through every step of creating this mouthwatering panini—from ingredients and techniques to tips and variations—so you can enjoy this dish like a professional chef at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet sophisticated: A handful of quality ingredients come together to create a flavor-rich sandwich.
• Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for a cozy lunch, a weeknight dinner, or even a fancy brunch.
• Customizable: Add greens, meats, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
• Vegetarian-friendly: This recipe is meatless but doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps onions caramelize faster)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for a tangy depth)

For the Panini:

• 4 slices sourdough bread (thick-cut)
• 150g Brie cheese, sliced (rind on or off based on preference)
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but recommended for balance)
• 1 tbsp butter (softened, for toasting)
• Handful of arugula or baby spinach (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown.

If you want to speed up the process, you can add a teaspoon of sugar around the 10-minute mark. Just before finishing, splash in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Set aside.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t rush the caramelization process. The slow cook time is what develops the onion’s rich, sweet flavor.

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Step 2: Prep the Bread

Take your sourdough slices and butter one side of each. Flip the slices and spread Dijon mustard on the other side. This ensures a crisp outer layer and a tangy interior that pairs beautifully with the Brie.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Lay two slices of sourdough (butter side down) on a clean surface. Top with slices of Brie, followed by a generous scoop of caramelized onions. If using, add a handful of arugula or spinach for freshness. Place the remaining slices on top, butter side up.

Step 4: Cook the Panini

If you’re using a panini press, heat it to 180°C. Place the sandwich in and press for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

If you’re using a skillet, place the sandwich and press it with another heavy pan or spatula. Cook 3–4 minutes on each side over medium heat.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the panini rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese settle and keeps it from spilling out when you slice it. Cut in half and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Caramelized Onion & Brie Sourdough Panini with:

• A bowl of creamy tomato soup
• A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted root vegetables
• A glass of white wine or warm apple cider

Variations to Try

Add Protein:

• Grilled chicken breast slices
• Smoked turkey
• Prosciutto or crispy bacon

Change the Cheese:

• Camembert (similar to Brie)
• Goat cheese for a tangier bite
• A sharp aged cheddar for contrast

Swap the Bread:

• Ciabatta rolls
• Multigrain or rye
• French baguette slices

Extra Toppings:

• Sliced pear or apple for sweetness
• A drizzle of honey or fig jam
• Roasted garlic for deeper flavor

Make-Ahead Tips

• Caramelized Onions: Prepare in advance and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Assemble & Refrigerate: You can assemble the sandwich ahead of time and cook just before eating.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing fully assembled sandwiches as Brie and onions may lose texture. Freeze the caramelized onions separately if needed.

Storage and Reheating

• Store leftover paninis (wrapped in foil or airtight container) in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat on a skillet over low heat to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which makes the bread soggy.

Final Thoughts

The Caramelized Onion & Brie Sourdough Panini brings gourmet flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated brunch, this sandwich delivers every time. The creamy Brie, the savory-sweet onions, and the crispy, buttery bread combine to make a panini that’s anything but ordinary.

This recipe is proof that with a few quality ingredients and a bit of care, you can elevate a simple sandwich into a memorable meal.

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Caramelized Onion & Brie Sourdough Panini Recipe

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Cooking Method: Grilling, Stovetop Cuisine: American Courses: Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Snacks

Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 2 Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

This Caramelized Onion & Brie Sourdough Panini is a gourmet sandwich packed with deep, savory flavor from slowly caramelized onions and rich, creamy Brie cheese, all pressed between slices of crusty sourdough. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a quick yet elevated dinner, this panini is crispy, melty, and full of comforting warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps with caramelization)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

For the Panini:

• 4 slices sourdough bread (thick-cut, artisan style)
• 150 g Brie cheese, rind on, sliced
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds tang)
• 1 tbsp butter (for toasting, softened)
• Handful of fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown. Add sugar midway if needed, and finish with balsamic vinegar. Set aside.

Prep the Bread

1. Spread a light layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Flip and spread Dijon mustard (if using) on the opposite side.

Assemble the Sandwich

1. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer Brie cheese, a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, and greens if desired. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.

Cook the Panini

1. Preheat a panini press to 180°C or heat a skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 4–5 minutes in the press or 3–4 minutes per side in a skillet (press down with a spatula or another pan), until bread is crisp and cheese is melty.

Rest and Serve

1. Let the panini rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing to avoid the cheese spilling out. Serve warm and enjoy!

Note

Storage: Caramelized onions can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Make it your own: Swap Brie for Camembert or goat cheese. Add cooked bacon or turkey for a heartier version.

Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of tomato soup or a crisp apple salad.

Keywords: easy panini recipe, gourmet sandwich, caramelized onion, Brie cheese, sourdough sandwich