Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This caramelized onion and apple grilled cheese sandwich offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With melted cheddar and creamy brie, combined with fragrant sage butter, it’s an irresistible twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (room temperature)
• 1 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 oz brie cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch slivers
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Caramelize the onions by heating 2 tbsp of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir every few minutes. After 10 minutes, sprinkle 1 tsp kosher salt. Continue cooking and stirring every few minutes for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions turn golden. Add 1 tbsp water if the skillet gets dry to prevent burning.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the chopped sage with 4 tbsp of softened unsalted butter and 1 tsp kosher salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: To assemble each sandwich, place a slice of bread without butter on your work surface. Layer with brie cheese first, followed by grated cheddar, then a single layer of slightly overlapping apple slices. Add 1/4 cup of the caramelized onions on top, then sprinkle more cheddar cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread, then spread 1 tbsp of the sage butter on the top slice.
4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet. Spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the exposed top slices of bread. Cook each side for about 6 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoky depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the caramelized onions while cooking.
• Swap Honeycrisp apple for Granny Smith for a tarter bite that cuts through the richness.
• Use a combination of gouda and mozzarella cheese if brie isn’t available.
• Serve with a simple green salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy, or use a toaster oven for best texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming 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 prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This helps save time when assembling the sandwiches later.

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough is ideal because its sturdy texture holds up well to the layers of cheese and moisture from the apples and onions. You can also use a rustic country bread or a hearty rye for variation.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

This Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich blends the sweet and savory flavors of slow-cooked onions, crisp Honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar, and creamy brie. Enhanced with fresh sage butter and grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich offers a gourmet twist on a beloved classic that’s perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Butter

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided

Filling

• 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 oz brie cheese, sliced into 1/2 inch slivers

Instructions

1. 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 kosher salt. Continue cooking and stirring every few minutes for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Add 1 tablespoon of water if the skillet looks dry to prevent burning.
2. Prepare Sage Butter: Combine the chopped fresh sage with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful sage butter.
3. Assemble the Sandwich: Place a slice of sourdough bread on a clean surface without butter. Layer on the brie cheese first, followed by grated cheddar cheese. Next, arrange the thin apple slices in a single slightly overlapping layer. Add about 1/4 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. Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down. Spread the remaining sage butter evenly on the exposed top slices of bread. Cook the sandwiches for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp apples for their sweet, crisp texture which contrasts well with the savory cheese and onions.
• Be patient when caramelizing onions; slow cooking develops deeper flavor.
• If the skillet gets too dry while caramelizing onions, adding a little water prevents burning.
• Using a mix of cheddar and brie adds richness and melty texture to the sandwich.
• Cook on medium heat to ensure cheese melts without burning the bread.

Keywords: Caramelized onion grilled cheese, apple grilled cheese sandwich, gourmet grilled cheese, savory sweet sandwich, sourdough sandwich