Heat a saucepan or skillet over a low-medium heat. Add the butter, then stir in the pickled onions. Add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt and stir to combine.
Cook the onions on a low heat for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and caramelised. Add the water in splashes every time the onions catch on the pan. You can use more or less water as needed.
Once the onions are cooked, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine vinegar (this is optional). Either way, decant the onions into a bowl.
Place the mushrooms and thyme into the same saucepan or skillet. If there is no residual fat from cooking the onions, add a small amount of butter or oil. Season thoroughly and cook until softened or however you prefer your mushrooms. When you’re happy, decant the mushrooms into a bowl.
Give the pan a wash and return it to a low heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
Spread the Dijon mustard on one side of each piece of bread and the mayonnaise on the other side.
Place the bread into the pan, mayonnaise side down. This will help create a golden brown crust on your bread. Allow the bread to warm for about 2 minutes, ensuring the heat is low.
Spread the grated cheese evenly over both pieces of bread. Add a small splash of water to the pan, then quickly pop a lid on. Allow the steam to help melt the cheese for about 1-2 minutes.
Spread the caramelised onion evenly over both pieces of bread. Place the mushrooms evenly on one piece of bread. Flip the side without the mushrooms onto the side with mushrooms. Use your spatula to press down and secure the pieces of bread together.
Flip the grilled cheese to ensure the bottom piece of bread isn’t getting too much heat.
If you suspect the cheese isn’t fully melted, you can leave the grilled cheese in the pan with the lid on (but the heat off) for a few minutes. Worst comes to worst, 20 seconds in the microwave will finish the melting.
Drizzle some (optional) truffle oil over the grilled cheese and sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Serve warm for the best melty cheese experience.