Pear Apple Grilled Cheese (Print Version)
Sweet fruit meets savory cheese in this gourmet sandwich with caramelized onions on buttery 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
→ Onions
06 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
09 - Pinch of salt
→ Optional
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 work surface.
03 - Layer each 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.
04 - Top with remaining bread, buttered side up.
05 - 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.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half, sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired, and serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sweet fruit cuts through rich cheese in ways you never expected
- It feels fancy but comes together in under an hour
- Caramelized onions are the umami bridge you didnt know you needed
02 -
- Medium-low heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
- Pat your fruit slices dry if they are especially juicy to prevent soggy bread
- The onions can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for several days
03 -
- Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most even heat distribution
- Weigh down the sandwiches with another heavy pan while cooking for extra crispy bread