Ingredients
Scale
For the Sandwich:
- 1 everything bagel, sliced: The everything bagel adds an extra layer of flavor with its seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon butter: This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust on the bagel.
- 1/2 pear, thinly sliced: Choose a ripe but firm pear for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced: A sweet-tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for its rich, tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Handful of fresh spinach leaves: Adds a touch of freshness and a slight crunch to the sandwich.
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Yellow or sweet onions are best for caramelizing.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Combines with olive oil to help the onions cook evenly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Aids in the slow cooking process, preventing the onions from burning.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the onions as they caramelize.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth to the onions, balancing their sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the onions and bring out their natural flavors.
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil helps the onions cook evenly and develop a rich, golden color.
- Cook the onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn golden, about 10 minutes. Patience is key here—don’t rush the process, as low and slow cooking allows the onions to caramelize properly.
- Add sugar and vinegar: Once the onions have softened, add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. The sugar helps the onions caramelize faster, while the vinegar adds a tangy contrast to their sweetness.
- Season the onions: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside. These caramelized onions will be the star of your sandwich, adding a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Prepare the bagel: Spread 1 tablespoon butter on the cut sides of the bagel halves. Buttering the bagel ensures that it will crisp up nicely when grilled.
- Layer the ingredients: In the same skillet used for the onions, place the bottom half of the bagel, buttered side down. Begin layering with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Next, add the pear slices, apple slices, caramelized onions, and spinach leaves. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Finally, place the other half of the bagel on top, buttered side up. This layering ensures that every bite will be packed with flavor.
Grill the Sandwich:
- Heat the skillet: Heat the skillet over medium heat. This ensures that the bagel will toast evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
- Grill the sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. The key is to grill the sandwich slowly, allowing the cheese to melt without burning the bagel.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from heat: Once the sandwich is golden and the cheese is melted, remove it from the skillet.
- Cool and slice: Let the sandwich cool for a minute before slicing it in half. This makes it easier to handle and ensures that the filling stays intact.