Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich
The Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich is a unique and delicious sandwich that masterfully blends sweet, savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors. Featuring crisp pears and apples, sharp melted cheddar, and slow-cooked caramelized onions all grilled inside a toasted bagel, this sandwich offers a satisfying texture and flavor experience perfect for lunch, brunch, or a cozy snack.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bagel is used)
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 fresh sturdy bagels (plain, everything, or sesame)
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 1 apple (tart or sweet), thinly sliced
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced or grated
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for caramelized onions)
- 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions and toasting bagel)
Optional Ingredients
- Grainy mustard (for spreading inside bagel)
- Honey (for drizzling inside sandwich)
- Prepare the Caramelized Onions: Thinly slice the onion and slowly cook it in a pan with about 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions become golden brown and sweetly fragrant.
- Slice the Fruit and Cheese: While onions caramelize, wash and thinly slice the pear and apple. Thinly slice or grate the sharp cheddar cheese to ensure smooth melting later.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice each bagel horizontally and spread butter evenly on the outer sides. On the inside, layer the caramelized onions first, followed by a generous amount of cheddar cheese, then the pear and apple slices. For extra flavor, spread a thin layer of grainy mustard or drizzle a light amount of honey if desired.
- Grill to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled sandwich on a skillet over medium heat. Press gently and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the bagel is toasted crispy and the cheddar cheese has melted thoroughly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the sandwich from heat, let it cool slightly to allow flavors to settle, then slice and enjoy.
Notes
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop rich sweetness without burning.
- Slice pear, apple, and cheese thinly to ensure even melting and easy bites.
- Grill over low to medium heat to prevent burning and allow cheese to melt.
- Butter the outside of the bagel generously for a crispy, golden finish.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best balance of intense flavor and meltability.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, bagel sandwich, caramelized onions, pear, apple, cheddar cheese, sweet and savory sandwich, easy lunch recipe, brunch sandwich