As I’ve mentioned before, this time of year is the perfect time for sweet pears. Today I’m making a great mix of sweet and savory in an easy to make grilled cheese and pear sandwich. I’m not talking about plain white sliced bread and a slice of “American” cheese food. Think complex flavors and textures. There are 3 things to consider when trying to elevate a simple grilled cheese sandwich: 1. choice of bread and cheese 2. ripeness of pear and 3. any additions and condiments to make it your own. You can use a hearty whole grain bread, multi-grain bread, French bread, or whatever grabs your fancy at the bakery. Slightly stale works best. You also have so many choices for cheese. Try brie, blue cheese, goat’s cheese, feta, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar. Each cheese has its own unique flavor. You can do small thin slices or grate and sprinkle cheese on the bread.
You know most pears in the store are hard and green. I’ve mentioned in another post, that I ripen my pears for several days in a paper bag. Below is an old prescription bag filled with several pears. When adding pear slices to a sandwich, use firm but ripe pears. If you only have green and hard pears, I would suggest you slice a pear and sauté the slices in a tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. When the slices start to soften, remove from pan and let cool. Now add them to sandwiches.
The third consideration is any additions and condiments you wish to add to the sandwich. If you use my recipe as written, you have an easy, tasty vegetarian meal or snack. If you need more substance, you could add a slice of prosciutto or ham. Have leftover turkey after Thanksgiving? Add a slice of turkey to the mix. Try adding fresh herbs or arugula for a little more bite. Some folks who eat this for breakfast, add a little jam or honey on the inside of one slice of bread. Others like Martha Stewart apply mustard to the inside of both pieces of bread. You see what I mean about personalizing your sandwich? You could use different breads, cheeses, and condiments and have this basic sandwich in dozens of different ways.
Grilled Cheese & Pear Sandwich
Use organic when available, serves 1
Grilled Cheese & Pear Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 thick slices of bread
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- Several slices of cheese or 1/2 cup grated hard cheese
- Sliced pear 1/4" thick
- 1 pinch Cracked black pepper
- Optional fresh herbs like thyme
- Optional 1 tablespoon jam or honey
- Optional mustard
- Optional fresh arugula or baby spinach
Instructions
- Butter one side of each slice of bread
- Heat a skillet over medium heat
- Place bread slices into hot skillet butter-side down
- Arrange cheese slices or crumbles on top of each piece of bread
- Sprinkle cracked black pepper over the top & fresh herb if using
- If adding arugula or baby spinach sprinkle on top of cheese
- Arrange pear slices in a single layer over cheese on one slice of bread
- Flip the slice of bread without pears onto slice of bread with pear slices
- Cook sandwich until cheese & pear are heated through & cheese melts
- It's about 2 to 3 minutes per side
- Remove to plate and cut in half
- Optional sprinkle with fresh herbs
Enjoy!
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…I would have never thought of the pear!
I never thought of adding pear. That sounds like a wonderful step up to my favorite sandwich!
Oh my yes – the pear really adds a pop to grilled cheese!
Yummmmm. One of our sons sometimes gifts us a Harry and david fruit package …their pears are so good. This will definitely be on the menu with one of those or one from Publix!
Ps: your food photos are wonderful!
I would have never have thought of putting pear and cheese together. I need to try this. x
I love a REAL grilled cheese sandwich, esp on homemade breads of all kinds (tho I think sourdough is the best). Adding pear (another fav) sounds great!
Wow, that is a combination I would never have thought of. Looks good.
This looks yummy! I love pears in my salad and on my sandwiches. I’d probably pair a nice thick French bread with some smoked gouda with my pears and maybe even sprinkle in a few craisins. Thanks for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned.
Sounds like a perfect combination!
I have experimented with different things on my grilled cheese before, but never thought to add pear! I will definitely have to try that 🙂 Nobody in our house likes American cheese so we try so many different cheeses too.
It’s great with almost any kind of cheese. Thanks for dropping by!
the combinations of flavors in this grilled cheese sound like it would be so good. Pinning for later because this is something I definitely will try. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us at #OMHGWW
I think you’ll like it Alice! Happy Sunday!
I would love to make these. Grill Cheese Sandwiches are my favorite!
Do give it a try Sandra; adding pear just elevates a great grilled cheese.
I have to admit that I have never had a cheese and pear sandwich, but it sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to try it!