Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The tender caramelized onions, crisp apples, and creamy cheeses make for an irresistible comfort food twist you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, 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

1. Step 1: Caramelize the onions by heating 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 cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 30-40 minutes until the onions turn golden. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the skillet begins to look dry.
2. Step 2: Mix the chopped sage with 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to make the sage butter.
3. Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches by placing a non-buttered slice of bread down first. Layer brie cheese, then grated cheddar cheese, followed by thinly sliced apples arranged in a slightly overlapping single layer. Add ¼ cup of caramelized onions on top, then sprinkle additional cheddar cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of the sage butter on the top piece of bread.
4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered side down. Spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the exposed top slice of bread. Cook each side for about 6 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tarter contrast, or try Fuji apples for extra sweetness.
• Swap cheddar for gouda or fontina for a different cheese profile.
• Add a drizzle of honey inside for a touch of extra sweetness.
• If you prefer a crunchier sandwich, toast the bread lightly before assembling.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat until the cheese melts, or use a toaster oven for a crispy finish. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat gently before assembling your sandwich.

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough is ideal because of its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which pairs well with the sweet onions and apples. However, any crusty bread like a rustic country loaf will also work nicely.

Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 122 reviews

This Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, featuring golden caramelized onions, crisp honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar, and creamy brie cheese all layered between rustic sourdough bread. Enhanced with fresh sage butter, this gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese delivers a comforting yet sophisticated sandwich experience perfect for any meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread & Butter

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese

• 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 oz brie cheese, sliced into ½ inch slivers

Produce & Herbs

• 2 large yellow onions, sliced ½ inch thick
• 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, during cooking onions)

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir every few minutes. After about 10 minutes, sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt over the onions. Continue cooking and stirring intermittently for another 30-40 minutes until the onions turn a rich golden brown. Add 1 tablespoon water if the skillet starts to become dry during cooking to prevent burning.
2. Prepare Sage Butter: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with the freshly chopped sage and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Assemble Sandwich: Place one slice of sourdough bread on a work surface, unbuttered side up. Layer brie cheese first, followed by grated cheddar cheese, then a single overlapping layer of the thinly sliced honeycrisp apple. Spread about ¼ cup of the caramelized onions evenly over the apples, then add more cheddar cheese on top. Finish with the second slice of bread placed on top.
4. Add Sage Butter to Top Slice: Spread 1 tablespoon of the prepared sage butter evenly onto the top slice of bread to ensure a flavorful crust when grilled.
5. Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet with the buttered side down. Spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the exposed top slice of bread. Cook the sandwich for about 6 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheeses are melted. Press down lightly with a spatula for even grilling.
6. Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve warm to enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors.

Notes

• Cooking time for caramelizing onions can vary depending on stove and pan; low and slow is key to develop sweetness.
• If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, adjust the ratio between brie and cheddar.
• The honeycrisp apple adds sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples can be substituted.
• Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
• For a crispier sandwich, use a cast iron skillet or press down gently while grilling.

Keywords: caramelized onion, apple, grilled cheese, sourdough sandwich, sage butter, cheddar cheese, brie, comfort food