Pear Apple Grilled Cheese Caramelized Onions (Printable)

Sweet pear and apple slices meet sharp cheddar and balsamic caramelized onions between buttery sourdough for an elevated comfort food experience.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 Make:

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 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 before placing it 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.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The sweet fruit cuts through rich sharp cheddar in ways you never expected possible
  • Caramelized onions add a savory depth that makes every bite feel sophisticated
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy bistro
02 -
  • Low and slow heat prevents burning the bread before the cheese has time to melt completely
  • Thinly sliced fruit is crucial because thick pieces will not soften enough during cooking
  • Patting sliced fruit dry with paper towels prevents your bread from becoming soggy
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and consistent browning
  • Let the finished sandwiches rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before slicing to keep them crisp

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