Caramelized Onion Apple Cheddar

Featured in: Rustic Cozy Dinners

This sandwich balances the rich sweetness of slowly caramelized onions with the crisp freshness of thin apple slices and sharp cheddar’s bold flavor. Golden, buttery bread encases these layers, grilled until the cheese melts to a creamy texture and the bread crisps to perfection. Ideal as an easy, satisfying meal that marries savory and sweet notes with simple kitchen techniques. Variations can include different cheeses or a touch of mustard for added complexity.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:57:00 GMT
Golden, melted Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese, ready for a delicious bite. Save
Golden, melted Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese, ready for a delicious bite. | pecangroove.com

A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese featuring sweet caramelized onions crisp apple slices and sharp cheddar all melted between golden buttery bread

I first served this to my family on a chilly weekend and it quickly became a favorite comfort food everyone looked forward to

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion: thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: for caramelizing
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil: for caramelizing onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar: optional for extra sweetness
  • 4 slices sourdough or country bread: for sandwiches
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: softened for spreading
  • 1 medium crisp apple: such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp thinly sliced
  • 120 g sharp cheddar cheese: sliced or shredded
  • Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

Prepare the caramelized onions:
In a skillet over medium-low heat melt 1 tablespoon butter with olive oil Add sliced onion and salt Cook stirring often for 15 18 minutes until onions are deeply golden and soft If desired add sugar halfway through for extra sweetness Set aside
Assemble the sandwiches:
Lay out the bread slices Spread butter on one side of each slice On the unbuttered side layer half the cheddar followed by a layer of caramelized onions apple slices a pinch of black pepper and the remaining cheddar Top with the second slice of bread buttered side facing out
Cook the grilled cheese:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 4 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted Reduce heat if bread browns too quickly
Remove from heat:
Let cool for 1 2 minutes then slice and serve warm
Save
| pecangroove.com

This sandwich always brings smiles to our family gatherings especially on cool rainy days

Required Tools

Skillet or nonstick pan spatula knife cutting board are all you need to make this delicious grilled cheese

Allergen Information

Contains dairy butter cheese and wheat bread May contain gluten Always check labels for potential allergens

Nutritional Information

Per serving calories 470 total fat 26g carbohydrates 43g protein 18g

A warm, comforting Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese with crispy, golden bread and oozing cheese. Save
A warm, comforting Caramelized Onion, Apple & Cheddar Grilled Cheese with crispy, golden bread and oozing cheese. | pecangroove.com

Enjoy this gourmet grilled cheese fresh off the skillet for the best gooey experience

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do you caramelize onions properly?

Cook thinly sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat with butter and oil, stirring often, until deeply golden and soft, about 15–18 minutes.

What apples work best for this sandwich?

Crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet onions and sharp cheddar.

Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?

Yes, alternatives such as Gruyère or fontina offer a different flavor and melt well in this sandwich.

How should the sandwich be cooked for best results?

Grill in a nonstick skillet over medium heat, pressing gently, for 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese melts thoroughly.

Are there any tips for added flavor?

Adding a thin layer of Dijon mustard or a handful of baby arugula provides a peppery kick and extra depth to the sandwich.

Caramelized Onion Apple Cheddar

Gourmet sandwich layered with caramelized onions, crisp apple slices, and sharp cheddar cheese on buttery bread.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
By Pecan Groove Holly Emerson

Recipe Group Rustic Cozy Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition American

Portions 2 Number of Servings

Diet Concerns Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Caramelized Onions

01 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 1 teaspoon olive oil
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Sandwich

01 4 slices sourdough or country bread
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading)
03 1 medium crisp apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
04 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
05 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter with olive oil. Add thinly sliced onion and salt. Stir frequently and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until onions turn golden brown and soft. Optionally add sugar halfway through cooking for added sweetness. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 02

Assemble the sandwiches: Lay the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side, layer half the cheddar cheese, followed by caramelized onions, apple slices, a pinch of black pepper, then the remaining cheddar. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 03

Cook the sandwiches: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

Step 04

Serve: Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

Tools Needed

  • Skillet or nonstick pan
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Details

Always check each item for allergens and reach out to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese) and wheat (bread). May contain gluten depending on bread.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Nutrition info is a guide; don't substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 470
  • Fat content: 26 g
  • Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein Amount: 18 g