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French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese…with crispy prosciutto and gouda cheese too. Giving the classic french onion grilled cheese an autumn twist and it is SO GOOD. Apple cider caramelized onions, layered between two slices of sourdough bread with crispy prosciutto, thinly sliced apples, creamy fontina, and sharp gouda cheese. This sandwich is pan-fried until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp. It’s savory, sweet, a touch salty and the most perfect fall grilled cheese for just about any day of the week.
If there was ever a sandwich that screams fall, this is it.
I mean? Apples and gouda? Caramelized onions and crispy prosciutto? Fresh thyme and sage? It’s all of the best fall ingredients in a cheesy sandwich. I always hesitate to share sandwich recipes, solely because I have a very hard time photographing them. I don’t know what the deal is, but I really struggle to make sandwiches look delicious.
So when I set out to make this, I was a little nervous. And my first attempt at photos ended in remaking it a grand total of six times. Yes, six grilled cheese sandwiches in ONE day, it was a lot. By the end of the day, I was ready to give up on the recipe entirely. Even though this grilled cheese was delicious, I simply could not attempt to photograph it one more time.
But then, I got up the next morning and I knew I should give this one last try. And finally, I landed on some photos I felt looked “good enough” to share with you all. I can’t say these are my favorite set of photos, but this sandwich is way too good not share.
Sometimes all you need is a little sleep and a fresh set of eyes. Suddenly you have a whole new take on things.
Thankfully all of my family is here for my brother’s wedding this weekend, so all the extra sandwiches were welcome.
And you can rest well tonight knowing that this grilled cheese recipe has been very well tested. You are welcome.
Oddly, the inspiration behind this recipe came from two places. The first place would be my brain. I’ve been wanting to make a french onion grilled cheese for ages now. But I felt that waiting until fall to share such a hearty recipe would be best. The second source? My brother Red. As mentioned, all of my siblings are in town and Red was over at the studio the other day looking for lunch. Of course, I can never say the word no to him (even though I was in the middle of photographing). So I made him a grilled cheese sandwich. His request was simple, “can you put crispy prosciutto and red peppers in it”?.
Um, prosciutto in the grilled cheese? And crispy too? Well, yes, I can do that, and dang, that sounds gooood. I mean, right?
I made him his grilled cheese, then I made this grilled cheese, adding crispy prosciutto and apples to my original idea. Delicious. I knew I had to share…assuming I could get the photos to look just right.
Let me get right to the details so you can go make this for lunch or dinner. Or maybe even a midnight snack while working late, or better yet, binging on your favorite Netflix show. This is that sandwich you can make at any time of day. It’s great with a side salad for dinner and best enjoyed hot, right off the stove.
As you might guess this recipe is pretty easy, though it’s a bit more time-intensive than your average grilled cheese. You do need to caramelize the onions, but it is so worth the effort.
So, let’s start with the onions. These are not your typical caramelized onion. Instead of caramelizing the onions in the traditional manner, with sugar, I like to use apple cider. The sweetness from the cider helps the onions take on a really deep golden color while also adding a nice spiced cider flavor. It’s kind of sweet, kind of savory, and kind of really good.
Hear me out. I know it may sound odd, but something about the savory onions and the sweet cider, together with fresh thyme and sage really works.
While the onions are caramelizing, crisp up some thinly sliced prosciutto and start prepping the remaining ingredients. You will need honeycrisp apples (or your favorite variety), melty fontina cheese, and sharp and nutty gouda cheese. Of course, you can use any combo of cheese you love, but I find the sweetness and nuttiness of the gouda cheese pairs so well with the apples and onions.
Once the onions are done and the prosciutto is crisp, layer everything together between two slices of sourdough bread. Then simply pan fry with just a pat of butter and fresh sage leaves.
Five minutes later you’ll have the best adult grilled cheese. This french onion and apple grilled cheese is a touch sweet, salty, savory, nice and cheesy, and beyond words good. If you’re in need of a really good lunch or a simple dinner, make this. It’s a great way to use autumn apples in a savory way. Trust me, there’s nothing not to love about this grilled cheese.
PS. if you’re looking for an onion free option, try this equally delicious 3 Cheese Everything Spice Grilled Cheese.
If you make this french onion and apple grilled cheese be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese.
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: 833 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 slices prosciutto (optional)
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded gouda or white cheddar cheese
- 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook 3 minutes, until softened. Add half the apple cider, season with salt and pepper and continue cooking another 5 minutes, until the cider has mostly evaporated. Add the remaining cider and cook another 5 minutes or until the onions are golden and caramelized. Add the thyme, sage, and crushed red pepper, cook another minute. Remove from the heat.2. In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the prosciutto until crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet.3. Brush the outside of each slice of bread with olive oil. On the inside of half of the slices of bread, evenly layer the cheeses, onion, apples, and prosciutto. Add the top piece of bread, olive oil side facing up.4. Place the sandwiches, 1-2 at a time, in the skillet and cook until golden on each side, about 3-5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, add 1/2 tablespoon butter and 2 sage leaves. Repeat with the remaining 2 sandwiches. Serve immediately, topping with the crispy sage. EAT and ENJOY.
I usually LOVE your recipes and most that i try become a family favorite, but this was just too sour
Sour onions, sour apples and sourdough bread ?.
The idea is great but the taste was not something enjoyable. Im going to try with a different bread and beef broth Or apple cider instead of apple
Cider vinegar For the onions. Thank you for the continual inspiration ♥️.
Hi Holley! I am really sorry this did not turn out well for you. If there is anything I can help with, please let me know! Otherwise, I hope you love some other recipes of mine! xTieghan
Perfect for leftovers from Rosh Hashanah and your “prosciutto apple and sage butter chicken with cider pan sauce!” The sage and apple cider onions def elevate the sandwich. I used leftover challah and paired with a homemade tomato cauliflower soup. Btw all of your food pics including sandwiches look delectable! Thanks for inspiring me to cook and bake more!
Yes!! I am so happy this recipe turned out so well for you, Thy! Thank you! xTieghan
Holy s**t woman!! These were AMAZING!!! My husband just called it possibly the best grilled cheese he’s ever had (and we’ve eaten our fair share ?). I made your pomegranate palomas the last two nights to really catapult us into the fall season and your recipes have not disappointed! Making a few more from your list this week. Thanks for the great recipe!!
Haha YES!! I am so happy you loved this recipe, Jamie! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
I added fig jam on the inside of bread and opted out of the prosciutto.
Fig Fontina, Apple, caramelized onion and cheddar cheese! Yum!
Sounds amazing! Thank you for trying this one, Susan!! xTieghan
This was amazing! It reminded me of something you’d eat on a fall day in New England! It screams all things fall! This will be a go -to weekend lunch for us!!
Yes it so does! I am so glad you like this recipe, Lynn! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this last week Everyone loved it
Thank you so much Marie! xTieghan
Best grill cheese!
Thank you Josalyn! xTieghan
These are on my definite list. Your list of ingredients call for Apple cider yet several comments refer to Apple cider vinegar. Since there is a big taste difference, which do you recommend?
Hey Pam,
You will want to use apple cider (the one you drink) in this recipe. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
These sammies are amazing. I even burnt one side and it didn’t matter. I’ve been thinking about what other recipes need the apple cider caramelized onion treatment—burgers, pizza, everything? Yum!
Hey Mur,
I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Yes caramelized onions are soooo good and perfect on burgers and pizza! xTieghan
I used what I had on hand since we just received some handpicked apples from the family farm up in Washington and WOW this is HANDS DOWN the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever made and tasted. My lifelong dream is to open a boutique motel and while my boyfriend was eating his grilled cheese he said, “Baby, you’ve gotta save this recipe for your hotel.” 10 of our 5 stars!
Yes!! I love that! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, Emily! Where do you want your motel to be? xTieghan
I came here to get a caramelized onion recipe. So thank you! It’s always super tasty. I have had this for a while but I have forgotten to write you a comment until now! I like to do caramelized onions, apples, bacon, and brie. I also love to do caramelized onion, pear, bacon, fig jam, and Gruyere. It’s my favorite sandwich. Happy Mother’s Day as well.
-Megs Portland, OR
Thank you so much Megs! Happy Mother’s Day to you as well! xTieghan
The herby onions are the star of this sandwich! The Apple gave it the tiniest bit of sweetness and a nice crunch. We used American cheese (which I only ever use for grilled cheese) because it melts perfectly every time and adds the perfect amount of saltiness (didn’t add the prosciutto.) Loved using olive oil on the bread and then finishing it with sage butter! Definitely an adult version of grilled cheese. (Even used alcoholic cider in the onions!) We served it with a butter lettuce salad with your Creamy Honey Mustard Vinaigrette – it was the perfect pairing. Will definitely make again.
Hi Debbie! I am really glad this sandwich turned out so well for you! Thank you for trying it! I hope you are staying healthy and safe! xTieghan
This was very good! I think this may be the 3rd recipe of yours I’ve tried and yet another success. I loved the onions! I didn’t change anything except that I had to substitute provolone for the fontina cheese as I couldn’t find fontina anywhere and Aldi was closed today. I also sliced the apples a little thicker after reading some of the other reviews. The crunch on the browned sourdough is so good. The prosciutto is a great addition! My boyfriend had two and it will go in my list of “go to” recipes. Thank you!
Amazing!! I am really glad you both enjoyed this recipe, Ami! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
I see some comments saying they used vinegar. Is the apple cider literally apple cider or is it apple cider vinegar or will either work? Thanks!
Hi Amber, it is apple cider, NOT apple cider vinegar. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you!! xTieghan
I am one of those who ate grilled cheese with tomato soup; still love it but rarely make it. I had to try this grilled cheese with apples and prosciutto: it was delicious. ThANK YOU.
Thank you! xTieghan