Pin It A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring sweet caramelized onions, crisp apple slices, and sharp cheddar, all melted between golden, buttery bread.
I first served this grilled cheese to my family on a chilly afternoon and it quickly became a favorite comfort food for us all.
Ingredients
- For the Caramelized Onions: 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- For the Sandwich: 4 slices sourdough or country bread, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened for spreading, 1 medium crisp apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp thinly sliced, 120 g 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese sliced or shredded, Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the caramelized onions:
- In a skillet over medium-low heat melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil Add sliced onion and salt Cook stirring often for 15&ndash18 minutes until onions are deeply golden and soft If desired add sugar halfway through for extra sweetness Set aside
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Lay out the bread slices Spread butter on one side of each slice On the unbuttered side layer half the cheddar followed by a layer of caramelized onions apple slices a pinch of black pepper and the remaining cheddar Top with the second slice of bread buttered side facing out
- Cook the grilled cheese:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 34 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted Reduce heat if bread browns too quickly
- Remove from heat:
- Let cool for 12 minutes then slice and serve warm
Pin It My family enjoys this sandwich most when we gather on weekends and share it with a warm bowl of tomato soup.
Additional Tips
Try adding a handful of baby arugula for a peppery bite or substituting Gruyère or fontina for cheddar to change the flavor profile.
Required Tools
Skillet or nonstick pan, spatula, knife, cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy butter cheese Wheat bread May contain Gluten bread Double-check bread and cheese labels for potential allergens
Pin It This grilled cheese is perfect for a quick satisfying meal that feels gourmet yet simple to make.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you properly caramelize onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat with butter and olive oil, stirring often. This process takes about 15–18 minutes until they turn deep golden and sweet.
- → What type of apple works best in this sandwich?
Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp balance well with the savory cheese and onions, adding texture and flavor contrast.
- → Can I substitute the sharp cheddar cheese?
Yes, Gruyère or fontina make excellent alternatives, offering a different yet complementary melt and flavor profile.
- → How should the sandwich be cooked for best results?
Cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, pressing gently for even toasting. Flip after 3–4 minutes until both sides are golden and cheese is melted.
- → Any tips for enhancing the flavor?
Adding baby arugula for a peppery bite or spreading Dijon mustard on the bread before assembling can add exciting layers of taste.