Name: Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 heaping handfuls arugula; 2 eggs, cooked sunny-side up; 2 everything bagels, toasted (gluten-free if needed); 4 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice); ½ ripe apple, thinly sliced (e.g., Envy or Honeycrisp); ½ ripe Bosc pear, cored and thinly sliced; 4 tablespoons fig preserves

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this sandwich for its bold balance of flavors—sweet fruit, sharp cheese, savory onions, and creamy egg on a chewy, toasted bagel. It’s elegant enough for brunch but easy enough to whip up on a lazy afternoon. Every bite offers creamy, crispy, gooey textures that make it utterly satisfying.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 heaping handfuls arugula
2 eggs, cooked sunny-side up
2 everything bagels, toasted (gluten-free if needed)
4 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
½ ripe apple, thinly sliced (e.g., Envy or Honeycrisp)
½ ripe Bosc pear, cored and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons fig preserves

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until caramelized and golden, about 15–20 minutes. Set aside.
In the same skillet, cook eggs sunny-side up to your preference. Set aside.
Toast bagels and spread fig preserves on the cut sides of each half.
On the bottom halves, layer cheese, caramelized onions, apple and pear slices, and arugula.
Top each with a sunny-side-up egg, then cover with the remaining bagel halves.
Optional: Press sandwiches briefly in a pan or sandwich press to melt the cheese slightly.
Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

Makes 2 sandwiches. Prep time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 25 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes.

Variations

Swap cheddar for Gruyère, fontina, or brie for a creamier twist.
Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard for extra tang.
Use baby spinach instead of arugula for a milder green.
Try peach preserves or caramelized fig jam for variation in sweetness.
Add thinly sliced turkey or prosciutto for extra protein.

Storage/Reheating

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. If you must store, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a skillet or sandwich press to revive the texture and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving, which may make the bagel rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich vegan?

Yes, use vegan cheese, skip the egg, and replace fig preserves with a plant-based spread.

What’s the best cheese for this sandwich?

Cheddar adds sharpness, but Gruyère or fontina provide creamier melts with a rich profile.

Can I use different fruits?

Absolutely—try thinly sliced peaches, plums, or nectarines.

What if I don’t have fig preserves?

Use apple butter, honey, or even a light smear of jam for sweetness.

Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

What type of bagel works best?

Everything bagels add extra flavor, but plain, whole wheat, or sesame also work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free bagels and verify your fig preserves and other ingredients.

Do I need to press the sandwich?

No, but a light press helps meld the flavors and soften the cheese.

Can I substitute the arugula?

Yes, baby spinach or mixed greens are great alternatives.

Is this sandwich good for meal prep?

It’s best served fresh, but parts like the onions and fruit can be prepped ahead.

Conclusion

The Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich is a flavor-packed fusion of sweet, savory, and creamy elements—perfect for when you want a gourmet sandwich with minimal effort. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or anytime comfort food cravings strike, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.

Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich

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Pear Apple Cheddar Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese Bagel Sandwich is a sweet and savory delight featuring crisp apples, juicy pears, melted cheddar, rich caramelized onions, and a sunny-side-up egg on a toasted everything bagel.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Category: Lunch / Brunch
Method: Sautéing, Toasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until caramelized and golden, about 15–20 minutes. Set aside.
In the same skillet, cook eggs sunny-side up to preference. Set aside.
Toast bagels and spread fig preserves on cut sides.
On bottom halves, layer cheese, caramelized onions, apple and pear slices, and arugula.
Top each with a sunny-side-up egg and cover with remaining bagel halves.
Optionally press sandwiches briefly in pan or sandwich press to melt cheese slightly.
Serve warm immediately.