Description
This Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, and fresh fruit slices packed between toasted bagels. Perfectly grilled to a golden crisp, it makes a quick, delicious meal ideal for lunch or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Bagels
- 2 bagels (preferably whole wheat, sourdough, or your choice)
Fruit
- 1/2 pear, thinly sliced
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
Oils & Sweeteners
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized. Set aside.
- Prepare the bagels: Slice the bagels in half and toast them lightly to prevent sogginess during grilling.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a small amount of butter on the outside of each bagel half. On the inside, layer the caramelized onions, thinly sliced pear, thinly sliced apple, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Drizzle honey over the pear or apple slices if desired for sweetness.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the bagel halves buttered side down in the skillet. Press gently with a spatula and cook for 3-5 minutes until the bagel is golden and the cheese begins to melt. Flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bagels are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet, slice the sandwich in half, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- To enhance caramelization, be patient and cook onions slowly over medium heat.
- Use whole wheat or sourdough bagels for added flavor and nutrition.
- Honey is optional and adds a lovely sweet contrast to the savory cheddar and onions.
- Thinly slicing the fruit ensures even layering and balance of flavors.
- Serve with a side salad or your favorite soup for a complete meal.
