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The “Gouda” Vibes Only Gourmet Sourdough Melt

The "Gouda" Vibes Only Gourmet Sourdough Melt recipe

Servings

2

Total Cook Time

35MIN

Ingredients

  • 4 slices thick-cut rustic sourdough bread
  • 6–8 slices Cache Valley Creamery® Gouda Slices (Substitution: Cache Valley Creamery® Provolone Slices)
  • 4 tbsp high-quality fig jam
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy
  • 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramelizing onions)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3–4 tbsp softened butter or mayonnaise (for grilling the bread)
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Steps

  • Caramelize the Onions: In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply browned, soft, and caramelized (about 15–20 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Prep the Bread: Lay the four slices of sourdough flat on a clean work surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of fig jam evenly across the inside of two of the bread slices.
  • Build the Melt: On the remaining two plain slices, layer 3 to 4 Cache Valley® Gouda Slices per sandwich. Top the cheese evenly with the crispy thick-cut bacon and a generous scoop of the warm caramelized onions. Close the sandwiches using the jam-coated bread slices.
  • Coat the Exterior: Spread the softened butter (or mayonnaise, which yields an exceptionally crisp, even browning) generously on the top and bottom exterior of the assembled sandwiches.
  • Grill to Perfection: Heat a large skillet, cast-iron pan, or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and toasted. Carefully flip the sandwiches, cover the pan with a lid (to trap the heat and ensure the Gouda melts beautifully), and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the bread is perfectly crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
  • Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the pan, allow them to rest for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese sets slightly, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Flavor Elevation: For a savory herb contrast that cuts through the richness, add a pinch of fresh thyme to the onions during the last 5 minutes of caramelization.
  • Substitution Tips: If utilizing the Cache Valley Creamery® Provolone Slices substitution, consider adding a pinch of cracked black pepper or a dash of balsamic glaze to the onions to complement the milder, slightly tangy profile of the provolone.
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Author Bio

Jenn Martello

Jenn Martello

Jenn Martello is a Corporate Chef with a proven track record of driving product innovation for leading food brands and restaurants. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Pasadena, she expertly combines her culinary foundation with polished presentation skills to support national trade show activations and new product launches. Formerly a sought-after private chef in Salt Lake City and Park City, Jenn also served as a culinary representative for the Utah Department of Agriculture. Her notable roles include Corporate Chef at Mahalo, where her digital cooking tutorials significantly expanded the brand’s online reach. As a familiar and recognized culinary voice throughout the region, Jenn is frequently featured on “Good Things Utah.”
When not in the kitchen, Jenn embraces the outdoor Utah lifestyle—road biking, mountain biking, paddle boarding, and skiing—sometimes even cooking in the great outdoors. She is also a proud mother to two amazing kids: a daughter who shares her baking passion and a son with an adventurous palate. Connect with Jenn: Instagram @chefjennmartello | TikTok @chefjennmartello

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