Caramelized Onion & Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
