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