French Onion Cheeseball

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped Bland Farms® Vidalia® Onions
• 16 ounce cream cheese, softened
• 1 can french fried onions
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Vidalia Brands® French Onion Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided

Preparation:

1. Heat oil over medium heat in a sauté pan. 
2. Add onions; sauté 10 minutes, stirring often. 
3. Add balsamic vinegar, thyme, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. 
4. Cook 20 minutes more, stirring often until the onions are golden and caramelized (reduce the heat if necessary). 
5. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
6. In a large bowl combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Vidalia Brands® French Onion Seasoning, remaining salt, remaining pepper and Gruyère cheese. Mix until well combined.
7. Add cooked onions; mix until well combined. 
8. Shape mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. 
9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to overnight.
10. Just before serving, unwrap the ball and roll it in the French fried onions. 
11. Top with chopped fresh thyme, and serve with crackers or toasted baguette.