Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich. Combining sweet fruit, savory onions, and sharp cheddar cheese makes each bite a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress.

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: 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 the onions are golden brown and softened. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches on two slices of sourdough bread. Start with half of the cheddar cheese, then layer caramelized onions, followed by apple slices, pear slices, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with the remaining bread slices.
4. Step 4: Place one sandwich in the skillet and grill for about 4–5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip carefully and grill the other side for another 4–5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
5. Step 5: Repeat the grilling process with the second sandwich.
6. Step 6: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor.
• Try substituting sourdough with rye bread for a different taste.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for extra aroma.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crisp and cheese melty, or warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this sandwich?

Yes, cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even fontina work well and melt nicely, offering different flavor profiles.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Butter the bread well and grill over medium heat to create a golden, crispy exterior that keeps the sandwich from becoming soggy. Avoid overloading with too many wet ingredients.

Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 100 reviews

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Sweet, tender slices of pear and apple paired with sharp cheddar cheese and rich caramelized onions create a perfect balance of flavors, all sandwiched between crispy, buttery sourdough bread. Ideal for a cozy lunch or a satisfying snack, this recipe combines savory and sweet elements with a luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and 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

Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize 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 the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and soft. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vinegar has reduced and the onions are richly flavored. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Skillet: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: On two slices of sourdough bread, evenly layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by an even layer of the caramelized onions, then the apple slices, followed by the pear slices. Top these fillings with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover with the other two slices of bread to form two complete sandwiches.
4. Grill the Sandwiches – Side One: Place one sandwich in the skillet and grill it for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
5. Grill the Sandwiches – Side Two: Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the cheese inside to melt thoroughly.
6. Repeat and Serve: Repeat the grilling process with the second sandwich. Once both sandwiches are grilled to perfection, remove them from the skillet, let them cool for a minute, then slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm pears and apples to avoid mushy texture in the sandwich.
• Caramelizing onions slowly enhances their sweetness and complements the fruit flavors beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, especially if your cheese is pre-salted.
• Serve the sandwiches warm for the best melty cheese experience.
• You can substitute cheddar with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Keywords: grilled cheese, pear, apple, caramelized onions, sourdough, cheddar, sandwich, autumn recipe, easy lunch