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Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors with perfectly caramelized onions, crisp honeycrisp apple slices, and a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy brie cheeses. Enhanced with fresh sage butter and grilled to golden perfection on sourdough bread, it’s an indulgent twist on the classic grilled cheese, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Bread & Butter

  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Cheeses

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

Produce & Herbs

  • 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

Seasoning

  • 2 tsp kosher salt (divided)

Instructions

  1. 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 about 10 minutes, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of kosher salt over the onions. Continue cooking and stirring every few minutes for an additional 30-40 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. If the skillet looks dry at any point, add 1 tablespoon of water to prevent burning.
  2. Prepare Sage Butter: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter with the chopped fresh sage and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to create fragrant sage butter.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: Lay a slice of sourdough bread on a clean surface without butter. Layer with slices of brie cheese, then sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top. Arrange a single overlapping layer of thin apple slices over the cheese, add about 1/4 cup of caramelized onions, and then sprinkle additional cheddar cheese. Top with the second slice of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of the sage butter evenly on the top slice of bread.
  4. Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sandwiches in the skillet with the buttered side down. Evenly spread the remaining sage butter on the exposed top sides of the bread. Cook each side for approximately 6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Serve the sandwiches warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use a sturdy bread like sourdough to hold the fillings well without becoming soggy.
  • Caramelizing onions is a slow process but essential for deep flavor; resist the urge to increase heat.
  • Honeycrisp apples add a crisp, sweet contrast that balances the savory cheese and onions.
  • Feel free to substitute brie with another creamy cheese if preferred.
  • Cook the sandwich on medium heat to ensure cheese melts thoroughly without burning the bread.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American