Caramelized Onion, Gruyere, and Bacon Spread

What could be bad about caramelized onions, bacon and gruyere cheese....nothing, nothing at all!  ‘Tis the season to eat cheesy, bacon goodness smeared on crusty bread. 

Caramelized Onion, Gruyere, and Bacon Spread

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 1/2 cups chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded and divided

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup sour cream

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.  Add onions and salt to the pan and sauté 5 min, stirring frequently.  Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until the onions are a deep golden brown.  Cool slightly.

Reserve 2 tablespoons cheese.  Combine cheese, caramelized onions, 1 tablespoon chives, and the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl.  Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.  Transfer the mixture to a 1 quart glass or ceramic baking dish (I used and 8-inch cast-iron skillet) coated lightly with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with reserved 2 tablespoons cheese.  Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.  Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon chives.

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light (I made it not so light) :)