Name: Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices sourdough bread; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (room temperature); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced; 2 large yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick; 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated; 2 oz brie cheese, sliced into ½” slivers

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Introduction

This Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and melty flavors. Featuring tender caramelized onions, crisp apple slices, and a mix of sharp cheddar and creamy brie, it’s a comforting twist on a classic favorite.

The image shows four grilled cheese sandwich halves placed on a wooden cutting board. Each sandwich has two golden-brown toasted bread slices with a crispy texture and melted cheese oozing out between the layers. The sandwiches are arranged with some facing each other, revealing the gooey, creamy yellow cheese inside. Next to the board is a simple silver butter knife, and two clear glasses filled with a dark amber liquid stand above the sandwiches. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a light beige cloth casually draped nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices sourdough bread
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, room temperature
1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
2 large yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick
8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
2 oz brie cheese, sliced into ½ inch slivers
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the onions by heating 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir every few minutes. After 10 minutes, add 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Continue cooking and stirring every few minutes for a total of 40–50 minutes until the onions are golden and soft. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the skillet looks dry.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the chopped sage with 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to make sage butter.
Step 3: To assemble the sandwiches, lay a slice of bread down (unbuttered side). Layer brie cheese, then grated cheddar, followed by a single layer of apple slices slightly overlapping, about ¼ cup of caramelized onions, and additional cheddar cheese. Top with another bread slice.
Step 4: Spread 1 tablespoon of the sage butter on the top piece of bread.
Step 5: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the sandwiches in the skillet buttered side down. Spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the exposed bread sides. Cook each side for about 6 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Remove from heat, serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful grilled cheese sandwich.

Tips & Variations

For extra sweetness, try adding a drizzle of honey over the apple slices before assembling.
Swap the Honeycrisp apple for Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter bite.
Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar to balance flavor intensity.
If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage can be used—just reduce the amount to half.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the bread and butter contain no animal-derived ingredients if needed.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows two grilled cheese sandwiches on a white marbled surface placed on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Each sandwich is cut into a half oval shape with golden brown toasted bread that has visible herbs and spices spread on top. The melted cheese is slightly oozing out between the thick slices of bread, with a bubbly and crispy crust on the edges. A knife with a wooden handle rests diagonally at the bottom of the board, and a gray cloth is partially visible on the left side. The overall look is warm and crispy, highlighting the toasted texture of the bread and gooey cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this sandwich?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and brie with cheeses like gouda, fontina, or mozzarella depending on your taste preference. Just make sure they melt well.

How do I know when my onions are properly caramelized?

Properly caramelized onions should be soft, deep golden brown, and sweet in flavor. It typically takes around 40–50 minutes of low to medium heat cooking, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.