Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
When you think of comfort food, grilled cheese is often at the top of the list. But this Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich elevates the classic to a whole new level with the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of rich, gooey cheddar and brie cheese, sweet honeycrisp apples, and golden caramelized onions on sourdough bread creates a sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and irresistibly melty on the inside. The addition of sage butter brings a fragrant, earthy note that makes each bite even more delicious.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner when you want something satisfying but still a bit gourmet!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, at room temperature
- 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 oz brie cheese, sliced into ½-inch slivers
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Caramelize the Onions
Begin by caramelizing the onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir every few minutes. After 10 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 30-40 minutes until the onions turn golden and soft. If the skillet becomes dry, add 1 tablespoon of water to prevent burning. - Prepare the Sage Butter
While the onions are caramelizing, make the sage butter. In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh sage with 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the sage throughout the butter. - Assemble the Sandwiches
Once the onions are caramelized, it’s time to build your sandwich. Lay a slice of sourdough bread down, unbuttered side facing up. Start by layering the brie slices on the bread, followed by a generous sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese. Next, add a single layer of thinly sliced apples, slightly overlapping them for full coverage. Top the apples with about ¼ cup of caramelized onions. Finish with more cheddar cheese and place the second slice of bread on top. Spread 1 tablespoon of sage butter on the outside of the top slice of bread. - Grill the Sandwiches
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet. While the first side is grilling, spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the top slice of bread. Cook for about 6 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning the bread before the cheese has fully melted. - Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwiches are perfectly grilled, remove them from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve warm. The gooey cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and crisp apple slices make for a flavor-packed bite every time!
Cooking Tips:
- To speed up the caramelizing process, you can add a pinch of sugar to the onions when you add the salt.
- For extra crunch, you can swap out honeycrisp apples for Granny Smith apples, which will add a tartness to balance the richness of the cheese.
- If you prefer a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar in place of mild cheddar.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Calories: 750 kcal per serving
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
This Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a beautiful mix of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re making it for a casual weekend lunch or a comforting dinner, this sandwich is sure to be a hit. The combination of gooey cheese, sweet apples, and caramelized onions sandwiched between crispy sourdough bread is nothing short of irresistible!
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Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 1x
Description
The Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, combining gooey cheddar and creamy brie with the richness of caramelized onions and the crisp sweetness of honeycrisp apples. The sage butter adds a fragrant, earthy note, while the sourdough bread provides a deliciously crunchy exterior. This gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something special.
Ingredients
4 slices sourdough bread
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, room temp
1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
2 large yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick
8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
2 oz brie cheese, sliced into ½” slivers
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir every few minutes. After 10 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 30-40 minutes until the onions turn golden. If the skillet looks dry, add 1 tablespoon of water.
Prepare the sage butter: In a small bowl, combine the chopped sage with 4 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well.
Assemble the sandwiches: Lay a slice of sourdough bread (non-buttered side down). Top with slices of brie, then grated cheddar, followed by a single layer of thinly sliced apples, slightly overlapping. Add ¼ cup of caramelized onions, and finish with more cheddar cheese. Place another slice of bread on top. Spread 1 tablespoon of sage butter on the outside of the top piece of bread.
Grill the sandwiches: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet. Spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the top slice of bread. Cook for about 6 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm and enjoy the delicious combination of savory caramelized onions, sweet apples, and gooey melted cheese!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 750