Name: Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese With Caramelized Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The sweet fruit pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar and savory caramelized onions, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare, it makes an excellent lunch or a cozy dinner option.

Two open-faced sandwiches rest on a textured white marbled surface, each made with a slice of crusty brown bread as the base layer. On top, there is a layer of shredded light yellow cheese, followed by a generous pile of dark brown caramelized onions with a shiny, soft texture. Small green herb leaves are scattered over the onions, adding a touch of color. To the side, half a red apple sliced vertically reveals its pale interior, while a few thin apple slices lie nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Caramelize the onions by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until 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.
Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. While it melts, assemble the sandwiches by layering half the cheddar cheese on two slices of sourdough bread. Add the caramelized onions, then evenly distribute the apple and pear slices. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and cover with the other two slices of bread.
Step 3: Place one sandwich in the skillet and grill for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown. Carefully flip and grill the other side for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly.
Step 4: Repeat the grilling process with the second sandwich. Once done, remove both sandwiches from the skillet, let them cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the caramelized onions while cooking.
Swap sharp cheddar for Gruyère or fontina for a different cheese profile.
Try using multigrain or rye bread for a heartier texture.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the bread and butter are free of animal products or substitute with plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp again. Avoid using a microwave to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a stacked grilled cheese sandwich cut in half, showing three layers of toasted golden-brown bread with a slightly crisp texture. Between each bread layer is a thick, creamy melted cheese layer oozing slightly and topped with caramelized onions that have a glossy, dark amber color and soft texture. Small green herb sprigs are placed on top and around the sandwich, adding a fresh touch. The sandwich is set on a dark wooden board with a rich grain pattern. The background is softly blurred to highlight the sandwich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the caramelized onions in advance?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This can save time when assembling the sandwiches.

What type of pears and apples work best in this recipe?

Choose firm varieties that hold their shape when cooked, such as Bartlett or Bosc pears and Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These will add a nice texture and balance of sweetness to the sandwich.