Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Combining sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, it’s perfect for a comforting lunch or easy dinner. The blend of sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and fresh sage elevates this sandwich to something truly special.

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″ 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, add 1 tsp kosher salt. Continue cooking and stirring every few minutes for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are golden brown. Add 1 tbsp water if the skillet becomes too dry.
2. Step 2: Mix the chopped sage with 4 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp kosher salt to make sage butter.
3. Step 3: Assemble the sandwich by placing one piece of bread (unbuttered side down). Layer brie cheese first, then cheddar cheese, followed by thinly sliced apples arranged in a single slightly overlapping layer. Add about 1/4 cup of the caramelized onions on top, then another layer of cheddar cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread. Spread 1 tbsp of the sage butter on the top slice of bread.
4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Place the sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered side down. Spread the remaining butter evenly on the exposed top side of the bread. Cook for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat and a perfectly crispy crust.
• Substitute Granny Smith apples if you prefer a tarter flavor.
• For extra richness, add a drizzle of honey before closing the sandwich.
• If you want a quicker onion caramelization, add a pinch of baking soda to speed up the process, but monitor carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness and melt the cheese, or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, while sourdough adds great flavor and texture, other hearty breads like whole wheat or rye will also work well for this sandwich.

How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?

The onions should turn a deep golden brown color and have a sweet, rich aroma. They should be soft and slightly sticky, without any burnt bits. Patience is key—slow cooking brings out the best flavor.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich featuring sweet caramelized onions, crisp honeycrisp apples, sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and fragrant fresh sage butter. Pan-fried to golden perfection, this sandwich balances savory, sweet, and creamy flavors for a comforting and elegant meal.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• 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

Produce

• 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 2 large yellow onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick

Cheese

• 8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 oz brie cheese, sliced into 1/2 inch slivers

Seasoning

• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tbsp water (optional, for caramelizing)

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Heat 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 over the onions. Continue cooking and stirring every few minutes for another 30-40 minutes until the onions turn golden and caramelized. If the skillet looks dry during cooking, add 1 tbsp of water to prevent burning.
2. Prepare Sage Butter: In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh sage with 4 tbsp of unsalted butter and 1 tsp kosher salt. Mix well to create a flavorful herb butter spread.
3. Assemble Sandwich: Place one slice of bread on a clean surface without buttering it. Layer with slices of brie cheese, followed by grated cheddar cheese. Add a single layer of the thinly sliced honeycrisp apples, slightly overlapping. Spread approximately 1/4 cup of caramelized onions over the apples, then add more grated cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness. Top with the second slice of bread. Spread 1 tbsp of the prepared sage butter evenly on the top slice of bread.
4. Cook Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place the sandwich in the skillet with the buttered side down. Spread the remaining butter on the exposed top slice of bread. Cook each side for about 6 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted inside. Remove from heat, slice if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Use honeycrisp apples for their sweet yet crisp texture that complements the sharp cheeses.
• Caramelizing onions takes patience but adds deep sweetness; do not rush this step by increasing heat.
• Adjust salt according to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of the cheese.
• For a crispier crust, make sure your skillet is well-heated before placing the sandwich.
• Serve with a light salad or soup to balance the richness of the sandwich.

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