This comforting caramelized onion cheese toast is made with simple ingredients yet full of rich flavours.
Frankenstein: A Gothic Culinary Journey
In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley weaves a tale of creation and ruin – and most importantly, hunger. Hunger for knowledge, power, love, companionship, and vengeance. To honour this gothic romance masterpiece, we are following the journey of Victor Frankenstein through food – from his days as an inquisitive scientist to his ultimate poetic ruin by the will of his unbridled creation.
Each recipe leads us through Dr. Frankenstein’s and the creature’s story – the frozen Arctic, a candlelit laboratory in Bavaria, the alpine woods and its cozy cottages, and the ultimate final act of vengeance enacted upon Dr. Frankenstein’s bride by the creature. These recipes draw on the landscapes and unique circumstances of the characters, reflecting the dualities defined by Frankenstein – isolation and familial warmth, love and vengeance, innocence and hubris. We invite you to devour these recipes either one at a time, at an autumnal gathering, or at your next book club!
The Creature
Having fled to the mountainous Alps, the creature finds quiet refuge in a warm cottage, home to a small family. Hidden in the shadows, the creature watches the family tend their modest garden, share their meagre meals, and speak with a kindness that stirs something long dormant within him. He learns to read, to speak, and to yearn for the human connection and affection he secretly observes.
Inspired by the humble provisions of this family, this caramelized onion cheese toast captures the rustic simplicity of the meals they would have enjoyed. A thick slice of golden toasted bread topped with slow-cooked onions and a melting layer of cheese is a comforting and satisfying dish. The sweetness of the onions is balanced with a tangy splash of balsamic vinegar under a blend of two cheeses – nutty Gruyère and sharp Parmesan. But even this tender representation of a shared meal brings with it a tragedy; for when the creature emerges from the shadows seeking to join their circle, he is only met with horror. This rejection hardens his heart and sets his creator’s ruin in motion.
Ingredients
Onions: I like to use sweet or Vidalia onions, but regular yellow onions will work as well. Caramelizing onions does take some time – they need to be cooked low and slow. Plan for 45 to 60 minutes to fully caramelize the onions. Of course, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Balsamic vinegar: A splash of vinegar adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the onions.
Cheese: I like using a blend of two cheeses for this recipe. Gruyère cheese has a nutty flavour, melts beautifully, and represents the Alpine setting of Mary Shelley’s novel, while Parmesan cheese adds a salty sharpness. You can customize this recipe by using a variety of other cheeses. I recommend using at least one type of melting cheese (mozzarella, Emmental, fontina, etc.) and, if desired, another sharper cheese for added flavour (white cheddar, asiago, etc.).
Bread: Choose a sturdy bread such as sourdough, French, or even a baguette.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Cheese Toast
Caramelize the onions
In a wide skillet, add the butter and 1 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium heat until the butter begins to melt. Add all the onions along with a generous pinch of kosher salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat until the onions begin to soften. Then turn down the heat to medium low.
Cook the onions over medium low heat until they are very tender and a deep brown colour. Keep an eye on the onions, stirring regularly, to ensure they caramelize evenly and do not stick to the pan. Add a bit more olive oil if the onions begin to stick. The onions will take about 45 minutes.
When the onions are fully caramelized, add the balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook for another couple of minutes until the vinegar has reduced and coats the onions.
Toast the bread
Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly spread butter on both sides of the bread slices. Arrange the bread slices in the skillet. Cook until the bread is well toasted and golden brown and then flip over. Transfer the toasted bread to a rack and set aside until ready to assemble.
Serve the Caramelized Onion Cheese Toasts
Turn the broiler on high. Arrange the toasted bread on a baking sheet. Top with a pile of the caramelized onions. Combine the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. Cover each toast with a mound of shredded cheese. Broil the toasts for 4 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted and begins to brown. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!
