Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices Sourdough bread (thick-cut)
- 4 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small crisp apple (e.g., Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1/2 small firm pear (e.g., Bosc), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for onions)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for grilling)
Instructions
- Step 1: To caramelize the onions, melt the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30–40 minutes until deeply golden brown and soft. Stir in the brown sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the bread by lightly spreading the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, layer half of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Step 3: Distribute the caramelized onions evenly over the cheese layer. Top the onions with the thin slices of apple and pear, ensuring the fruit is spread out flat. Finish by layering the remaining Gruyère cheese on top of the fruit.
- Step 4: Top the sandwich with the remaining two slices of bread, butter-side facing outward.
- Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Step 6: Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet, let rest for one minute, then slice in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Caramelized onions can be made up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge, saving you significant assembly time.
- To reheat leftover grilled cheese, place it in a dry non-stick pan over very low heat, cover it lightly, and cook until the interior is warm and the crust is crisp again.
- When slicing the fruit, aim for paper-thin pieces (about 1/8 inch); this ensures the pear and apple soften fully in the center before the bread browns too much.
- Enhance the sweet-savory profile by serving the sandwich alongside a small bowl of balsamic glaze or a peppery arugula salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American