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Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich on a wooden board, sliced in half and perfectly toasted with melted cheese oozing out.

Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x

Description

This Caramelized Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the ultimate cozy comfort food—sweet, savory, cheesy, and crispy with a touch of herbaceous sage butter. It’s a fall-inspired twist on the classic grilled cheese that’s sure to impress!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Sandwich:

  • 4 slices sourdough bread

  • 1 Honeycrisp apple (or Gala/Fuji), thinly sliced

  • 2 large yellow onions, sliced into ½-inch half moons

  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

  • 4 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for onions)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for onions)

  • 1 tsp kosher salt (for onions)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)

For the Sage Butter:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

  • 1 three-finger pinch kosher salt


Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions:
    In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced onions and stir to coat. After 10 minutes, add 1 tsp kosher salt. Continue cooking for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized. Add a splash of water as needed to prevent drying. Set aside.

  2. Make the sage butter:
    In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened butter with chopped fresh sage and a pinch of kosher salt. Set aside.

  3. Prep the sandwich ingredients:

    • Grate the cheddar cheese.

    • Remove rind from brie and slice into ½-inch pieces.

    • Thinly slice apple into ¼-inch slices.

  4. Assemble each sandwich:

    • Lay one slice of sourdough (unbuttered) on a surface.

    • Add a layer of brie, ¼ of the cheddar, a few apple slices, ¼ cup caramelized onions, and another ¼ of the cheddar.

    • Top with another slice of bread and spread sage butter on top.

    • Repeat for second sandwich.

  5. Grill the sandwiches:
    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches buttered-side down. Spread remaining sage butter on the top side. Grill for ~6 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Serve warm.

Notes

You can caramelize the onions in advance and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Don’t skip the sage butter—it’s the secret to that amazing aroma and golden crust.
Brie can be substituted with mozzarella for a milder version.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Comfort Food
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg