Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich
The Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich is a gourmet twist on classic comfort food. This sandwich perfectly balances sweet, savory, and creamy flavors by combining juicy pears and crisp apples with sharp cheddar cheese and rich caramelized onions, all pressed between a toasted, crispy bagel. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive meal or snack that delights with every bite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 2 sturdy fresh bagels
- 1 pear, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 4 oz sharp or aged cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for caramelizing)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for caramelizing and grilling)
Optional Seasonings and Additions
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish and flavor
- Black pepper, freshly cracked
- Handful of arugula or spinach (optional for freshness)
- Walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional for crunch)
- Prepare the caramelized onions: Slice the onion thinly. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they soften and turn golden brown and sweet, about 20-30 minutes.
- Slice the fruit and cheese: Thinly slice the pear and apple to ensure they blend well without overpowering the sandwich. Similarly, slice the cheddar cheese thinly for even melting.
- Assemble the sandwich: Slice the bagels horizontally. On one half, layer a generous portion of caramelized onions, followed by pear slices, apple slices, and cheddar cheese. Add optional seasonings or greens if desired. Top with the other half of the bagel.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Spread butter or olive oil on the outside of the bagel halves. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bagel is crispy and golden and the cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to toast evenly.
Notes
- Take time to slowly caramelize the onions to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Ensure all ingredients are thinly sliced for consistent bites and good melting.
- Use sharp or aged cheddar for the best balance with sweet fruits and savory onions.
- Don’t overfill the sandwich to avoid it falling apart or becoming soggy.
- Grill over medium heat to get a crispy exterior and melty interior without burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, bagel sandwich, caramelized onions, pear, apple, cheddar, comfort food, quick sandwich, savory sweet sandwich