Pear Apple Grilled Cheese
Pear Apple Grilled Cheese is a delightful snack that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of pears and apples with creamy, melted cheese. This easy-to-make grilled sandwich combines the crisp texture of fresh fruit with the gooey softness of cheese and a golden crunchy bread exterior. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy evening treat, this versatile recipe can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich (serves 1-2)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fruits
- Fresh ripe but firm pears, thinly sliced (about 1 medium pear)
- Fresh apple slices (tart or sweet variety, about 1 medium apple)
Cheese
- Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese slices (about 4 oz)
Bread & Fat
- Sturdy bread like sourdough or multigrain (2 slices)
- Butter, softened (2 tablespoons, for spreading)
Optional Extras
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
- Drizzle of honey (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves (optional)
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Fig jam or apple butter (optional)
- Prepare the fruit: Wash and thinly slice the fresh pears and apples, ensuring the slices are even so they layer well within the sandwich without overwhelming the cheese.
- Assemble the sandwich: Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the cheese slices first, followed by pear and apple slices. Add another layer of cheese on top to help hold the filling together. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the sandwich: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich butter-side down on the skillet. Grill for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side until it is equally browned and the cheese is completely melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy: Remove the sandwich from the skillet. Cut it in half to reveal the gooey, fruity interior and serve immediately for the best blend of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears and apples to prevent sogginess.
- Cook on medium-low heat to allow cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Press gently with a spatula during grilling for even crispiness.
- Choose cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère that melt well and complement fruit.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute off the heat before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, pear, apple, snack, fruit sandwich, vegetarian, easy recipe, melty cheese