Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. The sweet fruit pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar and savory caramelized onions, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an easy yet elegant sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a cozy 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, 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 cheddar and gruyere cheese for a richer flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions for a herby touch.
• Swap sourdough for rye or whole wheat bread for a different texture and taste.
• For a vegan version, use vegan butter and cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese sandwiches wrapped in foil or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness and ensure the cheese melts evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit in this grilled cheese?

Yes, pears and apples work well together, but you can also try sliced figs, peaches, or even thinly sliced dates for a different sweet note.

How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

Grill the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully while the bread becomes golden and crispy without burning.

Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

A deliciously unique twist on classic grilled cheese featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of caramelized onions, thinly sliced pears and apples, all melted with sharp cheddar cheese between crispy sourdough bread slices. Perfect as a comforting lunch or light dinner.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• 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 soft. Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to infuse flavor. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Skillet: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat, creating a buttery base to grill the sandwiches.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out two slices of sourdough bread. On each, evenly layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by half of the caramelized onions. Next, add a layer of apple slices, then pear slices, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Complete the sandwich by placing the other slices of bread on top.
4. Grill the Sandwiches: Place one sandwich onto the hot skillet. Cook on one side for 4-5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly and the bread to crisp evenly.
5. Repeat and Serve: Grill the second sandwich in the same manner. Once done, remove both sandwiches from the skillet, let them rest for a minute to cool slightly, then slice in half and serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute sharp cheddar with gouda or gruyere for a different flavor profile.
• Make sure the pear and apple slices are thin enough to cook through slightly during grilling but not so thin that they become mushy.
• Adding a pinch of black pepper enhances the sweetness of the fruits and the savoriness of the cheese.
• If you want a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives.

Keywords: grilled cheese, caramelized onions, pear, apple, sourdough sandwich, fall sandwich, comfort food, cheddar cheese