Sweet, melty, gourmet comfort food
This Pear & Apple Grilled Cheese with Caramelised Onion is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed sandwich that feels fancy but takes only a few simple steps. Sweet caramelised onions pair beautifully with thinly sliced fruit, creating a perfect balance of savory, buttery, and slightly sweet—ideal for quick lunches, relaxed dinners, or an easy weekend indulgence. This recipe uses everyday ingredients and comes together fast, making it a great go-to for busy people who still want something warm and delicious. The crisped bread, gooey cheese, and tender fruit make every bite feel special ✨.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
📝 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 4 slices sourdough or thick-cut bread
- 1 cup shredded gouda, gruyère, or white cheddar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Spatula
👩🏻🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelise the onions:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion, salt, and pepper. Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden and soft. Add brown sugar and cook 1 more minute 💛. - Prep the fruit:
While the onions cook, slice the pear and apple into thin, even slices so they soften evenly. - Assemble the sandwiches:
Lay out the bread. Add a layer of cheese, then pear and apple slices, spoon on caramelised onions, and top with more cheese. Finish with the second bread slice. - Grill:
Heat olive oil in a clean skillet over medium-low. Cook the sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted 😍. - Serve:
Slice in half and enjoy immediately while warm and melty!
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Caramelised onions keep well—store them up to 4 days in the fridge for faster sandwiches later.
- Cheese swaps: Havarti, brie, or fontina melt beautifully here.
- Fruit options: Add a few thin slices of fresh fig or swap apple/pear for stone fruit in summer.
- Make it crispier: Brush the outer sides of the bread with a little butter for extra crunch 🔥.