Pear and Apple Grilled Cheese
A quick and elegant grilled cheese sandwich combining sweet pear and apple with nutty cheese and caramelized onions for a delightful sweet-savory experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 slices slices of bread Sturdy bread like sourdough or country loaf is recommended.
- 0.5 cup of cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar recommended) Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and texture.
- 1 pear, thinly sliced Bosc or Bartlett pears work best.
- 1 apple, thinly sliced Choose a crisp, tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- 0.5 onion, thinly sliced Caramelized onion adds umami and depth.
- 1 tablespoon of butter Unsalted butter is best for controlling seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Caramelize the onions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onion, spread it out, and let it sit for a minute to start softening.
- Stir every few minutes and allow the onion to slowly turn golden and sweet, which should take about 10–15 minutes.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper toward the end.
Build the sandwich
- Lay one slice of bread flat and pile a generous layer of cheese on it.
- Add the caramelized onions over the cheese.
- Arrange thin apple and pear slices in an even layer.
- Top with another thin layer of cheese and close the sandwich.
Grill the sandwich
- Heat a clean skillet over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and press gently with a spatula. Cook until the first side is golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Slice and serve warm
- Transfer the grilled sandwich to a cutting board and let it rest for 1 minute.
- Slice in half diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, slice fruit uniformly, avoid high heat, and consider adding nuts for texture. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days.