Go Back

Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelized Onions

A gourmet grilled cheese featuring sweet caramelized onions, thin slices of pear and apple, and melted Gruyère and cheddar on sturdy artisan bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Gourmet
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Onions
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 slices artisan bread Sourdough or Country White
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened, for spreading
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 medium pear firm variety, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 medium apple crisp variety, thinly sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Cheese Grater
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. To make onions: Heat 2 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt.
  2. Cook onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes until deep golden brown and jammy. Stir in fresh thyme in the last minute. Remove from pan.
  3. While onions cook, thinly slice the pear and apple, and grate the cheeses.
  4. Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, butter-side down, on a work surface.
  5. Layer half the cheese, followed by fruit slices, caramelized onions, and the remaining cheese. Top with remaining bread, butter-side up.
  6. Wipe out the skillet and return to medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet.
  7. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip carefully.
  8. Cover the pan loosely with a lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and cheese is fully melted.
  9. Let rest for 1 minute before slicing in half. Serve immediately garnished with fresh thyme.

Notes

Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.