French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese.
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!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese.
With crispy prosciutto and gouda cheese too. Giving the classic french onion grilled cheese an autumn twist.
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
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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.
Our Favorite Recipes
Triple Layer Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies.
I have never actually had apples and onions together – this would be the first time as I try this recipe 🙂
Wow well I hope you love this recipe, Sheenam! xTieghan
You never have to worry about your pictures looking bad. Your pictures are amazing. I’m all the way in West Virginia and I would fly to meet you for a lesson in photography!!! Just sayin!
haha wow that is so sweet! Maybe I will look into doing something like that! xTieghan
I am not much for cooked onions at all. I do like raw onions on a burger though. HA! I t6hink this would be good with jalenpenos also. My mother used to eat a grilled cheese with pineapple on it.
Ooo yes love that idea! I hope you try this with some raw onions, Charlotte! xTieghan
I like how you make the onions using the vinegar and the olive oil when grilling the bread. Definitely a keeper to try on a cool fall day. Btw your photo was inspiring.
Thank you so much Colleen! xTieghan
I would never have thought to put all these ingredients together to make a sandwich but now that you’ve done it, it makes complete sense! I must try this at home soon xx
Haha love that! I hope this one turns out amazing for you Bry! xTieghan
I was literally just thinking yesterday that I’d love to see another take on a sandwich from you. This one looks amazing!
Thank you Lauren! So glad you love this one! xTieghan
Trust me, your photos are always amazing as we want to eat the photos themselves. Also, we have followed you long enough to know your recipes are always A+ 100 % Keep up the excellent work!
Thank you so much Bridget! xTieghan
Well I know what I’m making for dinner tonight! I personally think these pictures look great, I’ve been following your food blog since 2013 and it’s been amazing to see your photography skills progress over the year. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us this fall!
Thank you Sabrina! xTieghan
Made these for dinner – so good! My husband said to bookmark this recipe for when we have Christmas with the in-laws. Thanks for sharing, Tieghan!!!
Oh wow! So amazing! Thank you Sara! xTieghan
Cela a l’air fameux ! et facile à réaliser…
Oui! J’espère que vous aimez cette recette! Je vous remercie! xTieghan
Made this for dinner tonight. Really yummy. I cut down the cider vinegar to 1/3 cup and it was just right for me. Will slice my apple thicker next time so the crunch and sweetness would come out more. The apple kind of lost in the cheese and french onion. Great recipe.
Amazing!! I am so happy to hear that! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this for dinner tonight. Really yummy. I cut down the cider vinegar to 1/3 cup and it was just right for me. Will slice my apple thicker next time so the crunch and sweetness would come out more. The apple kind of lost in the cheese and french onion. Great recipe.
Thank you for inspiring me to cook! I’ve never really enjoyed cooking until I started trying your recipes. Your instructions are so easy for me to follow. So I don’t get stressed when I’m putting them together. All the recipes I’ve tried have been so delicious! So I keep wanting to cook more so I can eat them. This is definitely one of my favorites. Grilled cheese has always been my comfort food. This one is so unique and delicious!
That is so sweet to hear! Thank you so much Samantha! xTieghan
Oh my goodness, I made these the other night to go with a tomato sage soup, and they’re no joke. I could eat the caramelized onions with a spoon, they’re THAT good!! I think next time, I’ll try adding a little apple butter to the bread before the cheeses, because the sweetness of the apple slices with the saltiness of everything else was SO wonderful that I’d like a little more of it. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I am so glad you loved this recipe Leilani! Thank you so much for trying it! xTieghan
This was delicious, those onions, wow I could eat the whole bowl!!
Thank you so much Maria! xTieghan
I’m brand new to your recipes 🙂
Step 1 notes melt butter but then refers to heating (oil) until it shimmers. – ?
Hi Cynthia, I am sorry, what is your question? Can you please clarify what it is you are confused about? You want to melt the oil and butter together until the butter is melted and the oil warmed. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Do you have a book to purchase?
Hi Tina! I do have a book that is out right now on Amazon! I will leave the link below. My second book is coming out soon! xTieghan
https://www.amazon.com/Half-Baked-Harvest-Cookbook-Mountains/dp/0553496395/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5sHxnNbV5AIVhP5kCh0V7QmfEAAYASAAEgIS3fD_BwE&hvadid=233966978322&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1014486&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13322098626392248767&hvtargid=kwd-385836945283&hydadcr=24627_9648891&keywords=half-baked+harvest+cookbook&qid=1568648284&sr=8-1
https://www.amazon.com/Half-Baked-Harvest-Super-Simple/dp/0525577076/ref=sr_1_2?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5sHxnNbV5AIVhP5kCh0V7QmfEAAYASAAEgIS3fD_BwE&hvadid=233966978322&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1014486&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=13322098626392248767&hvtargid=kwd-385836945283&hydadcr=24627_9648891&keywords=half-baked+harvest+cookbook&qid=1568648299&sr=8-2
Tried this on Saturday!!! So good! Had to use Provolone instead of Fontina.
Thank you so much Ines! xTieghan
Absolutely loved this!
Thank you Leah! xTieghan
I may never be able to make regular grilled cheese again, made these last night, they were spectacular! The combination of all the flavors were amazing!
That is so amazing to hear! So glad you loved this Leanne! xTieghan
Totally worth the extra time! Delicious!
Thank you Tieghan
Thank you Gloria! I am so glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Oh my, this is epic! Love all of the flavors going on here in this epic grilled cheese sandwich! My eyebrows went up when I read sauteing the onions with apple cider! Awesome! This is a totally gourmet, but comforting grilled cheese sandwich. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Kristen! So glad you love this recipe! xTieghan
This recipe is perfect for fall! My husband absolute loved the addition of the prosciutto, a nice salty touch to the sweet caramelized onions.
Thank you Macy! I am so glad you both loved this! xTieghan
Hey I was just wondering and I know it wouldn’t be ask good but could you sub the fresh hearts for dry ones? That’s just what I have on hand and if so what would be the subs?
Hey Kate! Dried herbs will be great! I would use 1 teaspoon of dried sage and thyme. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ???
Is there a sub for the fresh herbs? I don’t have any on hand?
Hey Kate! Dried herbs will be great! I would use 1 teaspoon of dried sage and thyme. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ???
I made this two nights in a row with tomatoe soup, so good for a fall night!! Favorite grilled cheese ever!!
I love that!! Thank you so much Nicole! xTieghan
Wow!! I loved this grilled cheese, all the flavors went perfectly together especially the tangy caramelized onions. Thank you!!
Thank you Svonne! xTieghan
Just saw this grill cheese sandwich recipe. It has all my favorite fall flavours and herbs! I do wonder though, are you using apple cider vinegar or apple cider juice for the onions? I thought it was juice, but then several people mentioned ACV. Sorry to be commenting so late. I just discovered you and your recipes are amazing!
Hey Marina! I use apple cider juice, not vinegar. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe and any others you try! Thank you! xTieghan ??
This was the most delicious grilled cheese I have ever had. Enjoyed every single bite.
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you so much Shelly! xTieghan
Super yummy grilled cheese we made on the eve of Christmas Eve! It is so worth the effort. I used my husband’s home brewed hard cider to carmelize onions. The crispy sage pushes this sandwich over the top. My husband says we should make this for Christmas dinner!! Thank you for this new family favorite.
Thank you so much for trying this Cara! I am so glad this turned out so well for 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Best grill cheese!
Thank you Josalyn! xTieghan
Made this last week Everyone loved it
Thank you so much Marie! 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
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
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
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
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
So delicious!
Thank you Mallory! xTieghan
I made this and OMG!! I ran out of sour dough bread THIS MORNING and couldn’t find any fontina sooo… I used gouda and harvarti with Daves Killer Bread and my oh my I’m in heaven and eating this for the rest of my life and the day before I die lol
I don’t know how you invent this stuff but I want to be your best friend and pick your brain forever because I have never heard of this combo before and I’m not exaggerating – my favorite, simple recipe thus far!!
I am so happy this turned out so well for you Val!! Thank you so much for trying it!! xTieghan
We made our first apple and onion grilled cheese recently and I wish I had seen this recipe first! Can’t wait to try this version next.
Thank you Sal! I hope you love this one! xTieghan
Made this tonight! Added everything seasoning to the bread and left out the prosciutto (we don’t eat meat). It was SO GOOD!!
Thank you so much Ashley! xTieghan
Made this recipe for a Girls Night Dinner and it was a hit! I love the combination of all of these flavors, especially the crushed red peppers in the onions (I added a couple pinches). So good! Thanks for the recipe!
Love to hear that! Thank you so much for trying this recipe, Ruby! xTieghan
The best twist on a grilled cheese for any time of the year! I added some extra apple slices and it did not disappoint. Def use sourdough for this, it’s the best!
Thank you so much Erica! I am really glad this turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Made these tonight to accompany broccoli cheddar soup. SO GOOD! I used smoked maple bacon instead of prosciutto because it’s what I had on hand, and fried the sandwiches in some of the bacon grease left in my pan. The onions caramelized in apple cider added amazing flavour!
Thank you so much Kelsey! xTieghan
Aaaahmazing! And I don’t even like grilled cheese!
Wow yes!! So glad you enjoyed this one! xTieghan
This is the first HBH recipe I make and it was delicious! Instructions are easy to follow, and pictures help greatly as well. Made these grilled cheeses with your garlic Parmesan sweet potato fries recipe, so good 🙂
Thank you Cynthia! I am really glad you enjoyed this recipe! xTieghan
made this grilled cheese on an onion sourdough! The carmelized onions are to DIE for. Thanks for the recipe!
Wow love that! Thank you for trying this one, Allison! xTieghan
This is legitimately the best SANDWICH (not just grilled cheese) that I have ever eaten. And the onions on their own are amazing. For everyone who is not paying attention closely to the recipe – the onions are being sauteed in APPLE CIDER – not ac vinegar.
I paired it with this savory pumpkin soup, and I highly recommend the combination of this soup with this grilled cheese! It tastes like the kind of food you’d pay $25 for at fancy bistro.
https://www.thekitchn.com/easy-pumpkin-soup-261960
bonus – I reheated the leftover sandwich in the toaster oven the next day, and it wasn’t even soggy.
WOW YES! I am so happy you loved this one! Thank you! xTieghan
This is amazing, I have made it three times now. My husband loves it. I make butternut squash soup to go with it. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Thank you Roxann! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
So tasty!!!
Thank you Natalia! xTieghan
I have made this recipe twice now and both times it was amazing!!! We served the amazing sandwiches with creamy tomato basil soup and it made the perfect dinner for this cold fall night.
Thank you so much Lisa!! xTieghan
What can I substitute for apple cider ? Don’t have any at the moment !!
Hey Vicki,
you can use chicken broth in place of the apple cider. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Made this in the air fryer, about 3-4 minutes each side at about 400. Was really crispy (which I prefer), but maybe reduce a little if that’s not your thing. It was delicious and will definitely be making again!
Hey Lizette,
I am so thrilled that you have enjoyed this recipe! Thanks so much for making it:) xTieghan
We make this without the prosciutto since we don’t eat meat and it still satisfies!
Hey Nancy,
I am so so glad that you liked the recipe, thanks a lot for making it! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Love love love this recipe. I’ve made this more times than I can count.
Hey Maddy,
I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a try! xTieghan
This might be a silly question but can you tell me exactly how much cheese per sandwich? I’ll only be making one sandwich at a time. Also, any tips for how to flip these without some ingredients falling out?
Hey Kimberly,
Just add as much cheese as you would like, I use a very large spatula for flipping. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan