Caramelized Onion Flat Bread
Caramelized Onion Flat Bread
I prepared Caramelized Onion Flat Bread appetizer as a recent guest chef on Springfield, Illinois’, WCIX during their showing of the old Vincent Price movie House on Haunted Hill.
The hosts of the show and I prepared a couple of fall appetizers that were easy to prepare and most of the prepping can be done ahead of time. This Caramelized Onion Flat Bread can be served at any holiday party, and I’d have to say that this one has become a favorite. I
Beautiful, delicious, easy to prepare and certainly fit for not only the very sophisticated star of the film, Mr. Vincent Price, and his guests, but for any special guests at your party. And did I mention this appetizer can be prepped ahead? So it just got even better.
The Many Sides of Vincent Price
Vincent Price, the star of that evening’s highlighted film, was a leading actor in the movie industry during the Film Noir era (I’m remembering Laura with the beautiful and talented Gene Tierney) and he starred in several horror movies during the 1950s and 1960s, Most Millennials, however, will remember him as the sinister voice on Michael Jackson’s Thriller. As it turns out, though, there was a whole lot more than just a movie actor and a sinister voice to Mr. Price. He, along with his wives, was a legendary gourmet cook and art collector.
He and his wife, Mary, even published an amazing cookbook A Treasury of Great Recipes highlighting their love for food and the arts. He was a real class act and a true foodie before it was a popular thing to be!
NOTES
A few notes regarding the recipes. Regarding the Caramelized Onion Flat bread. The Manchego cheese ($$$$) really did add a lot of flavor, but given the princely price, I used just shy of 1 cup (I only bought about 10 oz) and chose to use a mixture of Parmesan (for sharp flavor) and Mozzarella (for the melt factor) and it all seemed to work. I used 2 Tbsp of balsamic, but will probably go with a little less next time. Also, I used a package of store bought Naan flatbread as the base that I picked up at Aldi, which would have been delicious without a topping.
Keep in mind that these appetizers would also work for any fall or winter holiday appetizer table, not just Halloween.
NOTES
Make Ahead: The onions and sausage steps can be prepared one day ahead. Place in separate containers and chill. Bring to room temperature when read to use.
Make ahead: This mixture can easily be made in advanced and refrigerated.
Caramelized Onion Flat Bread
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 large red onions 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds, halved, thinly sliced
- ½ cup dry red wine I use Merlot or Cabernet but any inexpensive wine will work
- 1-2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ pound sweet or hot Italian sausages about 4 links, casings removed
- 2 premade flat breads I used premade Naan bread
- 1 cup packed coarsely shredded Manchego cheese, divided
- 1 cup cheese of choice I like feta or mozzarella
Instructions
- HEAT oil in medium to large pot over medium-high heat. ADD onions and SAUTE until onions are soft and golden brown. STIR often, 10-15 minutes. REDUCE heat to low and ADD wine, vinegar, and sugar. STIR to combine. SIMMER, stirring often, until almost all the liquid evaporates, 3-5 minutes. SEASON with salt and pepper to taste. TRANSFER to a bowl and COOL.
- HEAT a medium skillet over medium heat. ADD sausage and SAUTE, breaking apart the sausage as it cooks. COOK until brown with no pink showing, about 5 to 6 minutes. TRANSFER to bowl. Let COOL.
- WARM premade flat breads in a 400-degree oven for about 3-5 minutes until warm and slightly crisp. PLACE on a baking sheet. SPRINKLE ¾ cup cheese over each flatbread. TOP with onions, then sausage, and then the remaining ½ cup cheese over the sausage. PLACE flat breads back in the oven until crusts are crisp and cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning. CUT into rectangles and SERVE.
- Make Ahead: The onions and sausage steps can be prepared one day ahead. Place in separate containers and chill. Bring to room temperature when read to use.
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