Caramelized Onion & Cheese Squares Recipe

Try this recipe for Caramelized Onion & Cheese Squares that were the 5th course during our Magic of Monterey Class at Deux earlier this month. They're a terrific addition to the holiday buffet table or to serve as an hors d'ouevre before dinner or a cocktail party. At our Magic of Monterey Class, we paired these with Scheid Family Ranch 32 Cabernet Sauvignon - It delivers blackberries, plums and currants with traces of mocha and violet. On the palate, it is deep, lush and fruity with balanced acidity and perfectly integrated tannins.

YIELD: 3 dozen squares, 6-8 servings   

Ingredients

• 2 cups/255 g unbleached all-purpose/plain flour
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup/180 ml whole milk
• 1/4 cup/60 ml olive oil
• unsalted butter, melted

Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large red onions {about 2 lb/910 g), thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp sugar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup/70 g crumbled blue cheese
• ½ cup/70 g crumbled fresh goat cheese

Instructions

1. To make the crust.
1. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. 
2. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
3. In a measuring cup whisk together the milk, olive oil, and melted butter.
4. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the well, stirring until just blended and the mixture comes together into a rough mass.
5. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and roll out into a 10-by-13in/25-by-33cm rectangle.
6. Turnout the dough onto a baking sheet/tray.
7. Pierce the dough all over with a fork.
2. For the topping: 
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil.
2. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the thyme, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Reduce the heat to low, and cook stirring frequently until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 20 minutes.
3. Spread the onion mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle with cheeses, cut into squares with a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling, about 20 minutes.
5. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool a bit on the pan.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.