Caramelized Onion, Apple & Gruyère Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion, Apple & Gruyère Grilled Cheese sandwich is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and melted goodness. The combination of tender caramelized onions, crisp apple slices, and nutty Gruyère cheese makes for a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough or rustic bread
• 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 small apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are golden and caramelized.
2. Step 2: Stir in the fresh thyme, then remove the onions from the heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: Butter one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4. Step 4: On each slice, layer the grated Gruyère, apple slices, and caramelized onions evenly.
5. Step 5: Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
6. Step 6: Grill the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
7. Step 7: Let the sandwiches rest for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting in half. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Swap Gruyère with Emmental or Swiss cheese for a similar melt and flavor profile.
• Add a smear of Dijon mustard inside the sandwich for a little extra tang and spice.
• This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh autumn salad.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the bread and melt the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any crisp, sweet apple like Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith, depending on your taste preference. Just slice them thinly for even layering.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Butter the outside of the bread slices before grilling to create a crispy crust. Cooking over medium heat allows the cheese to melt slowly without soaking the bread.

Caramelized Onion, Apple & Gruyère Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

This Caramelized Onion, Apple & Gruyère Grilled Cheese sandwich combines sweet, savory, and melty flavors for a comforting and gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese. Caramelized onions and thinly sliced fresh apples are layered with nutty Gruyère cheese between slices of rustic sourdough bread, then grilled to crispy, golden perfection. It’s an ideal sandwich for cozy lunches or a satisfying snack, pairing beautifully with a warm bowl of tomato soup or an autumn salad.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Bread and Butter

• 4 slices sourdough or rustic bread
• 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)

Caramelized Onions and Apples

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 small apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced

Cheese and Seasoning

• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Emmental)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and become sweet and caramelized. Stir in the thyme leaves at the end, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bread: Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly. Place two slices, buttered side down, onto a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of the bread in the pan, evenly layer half of the grated Gruyère cheese, followed by the thin apple slices and the caramelized onions. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper to taste. Top with the remaining cheese, then place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side up.
4. Grill the Sandwich: Cook over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crispy and browned.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the melted cheese to set slightly and makes slicing easier. Cut each sandwich in half and serve warm, ideally with tomato soup or a fresh autumn salad.

Notes

• You can substitute Emmental or Swiss cheese for Gruyère for a similar nutty flavor.
• Try adding a spread of Dijon mustard on the bread before assembling for a hint of spicy tang.
• This sandwich pairs exceptionally well with a bowl of tomato soup or a crisp autumn salad.

Keywords: grilled cheese, caramelized onion, apple, gruyère, sourdough sandwich, comfort food, vegetarian, French cuisine