Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to a classic comfort food. Combining crisp fruit, rich cheddar, and deeply flavored onions makes each bite exciting and satisfying. It’s an ideal sandwich for a cozy lunch or an easy dinner.

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, assemble 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 them from the skillet. Let them cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm pears and apples to prevent the sandwich from becoming too soggy.
• Swap sharp cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for an herby twist.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, while sourdough provides great texture and flavor, you can use whole wheat, rye, or any sturdy bread that holds up well to grilling.

How do I know when the cheese is perfectly melted?

The cheese is melted when the sandwich is golden brown on both sides and you can see the cheese bubbling at the edges. Pressing gently with a spatula helps speed up melting evenly.

Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, crisp pear and apple slices, and sharp cheddar cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, all sandwiched between crispy sourdough bread. Ideal for a comforting lunch or a cozy snack.

• 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

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium pear, thinly sliced
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced

For the Caramelized Onions

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 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, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown and softened. Add the balsamic vinegar and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes to develop flavor. 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, preparing it for the sandwiches.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: On two slices of sourdough bread, layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then evenly distribute the caramelized onions, followed by the thinly sliced apple and pear. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover each with the remaining two slices of bread.
4. Grill the sandwiches: Place one sandwich in the skillet and cook on one side for 4-5 minutes until the bread turns golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich with a spatula and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
5. Repeat cooking: Repeat the grilling process for the second sandwich in the same manner.
6. Serve: Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool slightly for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm pears and apples to avoid sogginess in the sandwich.
• Adjust the balsamic vinegar quantity based on your taste preference for sweetness and acidity.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle a little black pepper on the fruit layers before sandwiching.
• Butter the bread slices evenly for a crisp and golden exterior.
• Cook the sandwiches on medium heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.

Keywords: grilled cheese, caramelized onions, pear, apple, sourdough bread, sharp cheddar, easy lunch, savory sandwich, fall recipe