Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The sweetness of fresh fruit combined with savory caramelized onions and sharp cheddar creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an easy yet impressive meal to enjoy any time.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium pear, thinly sliced
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Start by caramelizing the onions. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they are golden brown and softened. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: While the butter is melting, layer the grilled cheese. On two slices of sourdough bread, layer half of the cheddar cheese, followed by an even distribution of caramelized onions, then the apple slices, followed by the pear slices. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover with the other two slices of bread.
4. Step 4: Once the skillet is ready, place one sandwich in the skillet. Grill on one side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Repeat the grilling process for the second sandwich.
6. Step 6: Once both sandwiches are done, remove from the skillet, let them cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for an herbal note.
• For a crispier crust, press the sandwich gently with a spatula while grilling.
• Substitute sourdough with whole grain or rye bread for a different texture.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or fontina work well, but sharp cheddar gives the best flavor balance with the fruit and onions.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the onions thoroughly to reduce excess moisture and use slightly thicker slices of fruit. Grilling the sandwich over medium heat helps the bread become crisp without soaking up too much liquid.

Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 242 reviews

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a deliciously sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food. Featuring crispy, buttery sourdough bread filled with sweet caramelized onions, sharp cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced fresh pear and apple, it creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for a cozy lunch or a satisfying snack, this grilled cheese brings together fresh fruit and rich cheese in a warm, melty sandwich that’s easy to make on the stovetop.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread & Butter

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Filling

• 1 medium pear, thinly sliced
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking them while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until they soften and turn golden brown. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for 2-3 more minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare Skillet & Layer Sandwiches: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, build the sandwiches by layering half of the shredded cheddar cheese on two slices of sourdough bread, evenly distributing the caramelized onions on top, then layering the apple slices followed by the pear slices. Add the remaining cheddar cheese over the fruit and cover with the other two bread slices.
3. Grill Sandwiches: Place one sandwich in the skillet and grill for 4-5 minutes on one side until the bread is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts completely.
4. Repeat Grilling: Repeat the grilling process with the second sandwich, cooking it until golden brown and the cheese is melted thoroughly.
5. Serve: Remove both sandwiches from the skillet, allow them to cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor balance with the sweet fruit and onions.
• Make sure to slice the pear and apple thinly to ensure even heating and melting inside the sandwich.
• Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste preference.
• You can substitute sourdough bread with any hearty bread like multigrain or rye if desired.
• For a vegan alternative, use vegan butter and cheese substitutes.

Keywords: pear grilled cheese, apple grilled cheese, caramelized onions sandwich, autumn sandwich, sourdough grilled cheese, sweet and savory sandwich