Pear Apple Grilled Cheese Onions (Printable View)

Sweet fruit meets savory onions in this gourmet twist on classic grilled cheese with cheddar on sourdough.

# What You Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country bread
02 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Fruits

04 - 1 medium ripe pear, cored and thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium crisp apple, cored and thinly sliced

→ Caramelized Onions

06 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
09 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Enhancements

10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for spreading)
11 - Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and cook 1–2 minutes more. Set aside.
02 - Butter one side of each bread slice. Place 4 slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface.
03 - Layer each buttered bread slice with 1 slice of cheddar, a few slices of pear and apple, a spoonful of caramelized onions, and another slice of cheddar. If desired, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the inside of the top bread slice. Top with remaining bread, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 4–5 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula for even browning.
05 - Slice sandwiches in half, sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sweet and savory combination feels like something you would order at a fancy bistro but comes together in under an hour
  • Caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that transforms this from ordinary grilled cheese into something memorable
  • Each sandwich balances creamy, crisp, sweet, and salty in every single bite
02 -
  • Low and slow heat prevents the bread from burning before the cheese has a chance to melt completely
  • Letting the onions caramelize properly is what elevates this from a good sandwich to an unforgettable one
  • Pressing gently with your spatula helps the bread make contact with the pan for even browning
03 -
  • Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice the fruit paper thin for the best texture
  • If the onions start sticking too much, add a splash of water and deglaze the pan

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