Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
