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Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich

Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich

The Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich is a unique and delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese. Combining the sweet juiciness of pear and crisp apple slices with sharp, creamy cheddar and rich caramelized onions, all toasted between a sturdy bagel, it creates a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with contrasting textures. This sandwich is easy to prepare using simple ingredients and is ideal for any meal of the day, offering a comforting yet sophisticated taste experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Bagel & Bread

  • 2 sturdy bagels (everything or plain)

Cheese

  • 46 slices sharp or aged cheddar cheese

Fruits

  • 1 fresh ripe pear, thinly sliced
  • 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for caramelizing)

Other

  • Butter, for toasting sandwich (about 2 tbsp)
  • Optional seasonings: pinch of black pepper, fresh thyme sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions: Thinly slice the onions and cook them slowly over low heat in butter or olive oil for 20-30 minutes until soft, golden, and sweetly caramelized.
  2. Slice the Fruits and Cheese: Thinly slice the pear and apple so they layer evenly without overwhelming the sandwich. Slice or grate the sharp cheddar cheese for easy melting.
  3. Assemble the Sandwich: Cut bagels in half. Layer the bottom half first with slices of cheddar cheese, then evenly distribute pear and apple slices, followed by a generous portion of caramelized onions. Top with additional cheese slices and close with the bagel top.
  4. Toast the Sandwich: Lightly butter the outside surfaces of the bagel halves. Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich on each side until the exterior is golden and crispy and the cheese inside is melted to a gooey consistency.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the sandwich from the heat and let it rest for a minute to set. Slice and serve immediately for optimum flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Onion Patience: Slow cooking the onions enhances their sweetness, crucial for the sandwich’s flavor.
  • Thin Slicing: Ensure fruit and cheese are sliced thinly to promote even melting and balanced bites.
  • Even Toasting: Use medium heat to prevent burning the bagel while fully melting cheese.
  • Secure Assembly: Press sandwich gently with a spatula during grilling for better structure and melting.
  • Choose the Right Bagel: Use sturdy bagels with substantial crust to withstand moisture from fruit and onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled cheese, bagel sandwich, caramelized onions, pear and apple sandwich, cheddar sandwich, sweet and savory sandwich