Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- Prepare the skillet: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat, preparing it for the sandwiches.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat cooking: Repeat the grilling process for the second sandwich in the same manner.
- 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
