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.
Most pears in the store are hard and green. I’ve mentioned before that I ripen my pears for several days in a paper bag. I save prescription & other small bags which can hold one or two pears to ripen slowly.
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
Ingredients
- 2 thick slices of whole grain, multi-grain, or French bread
- 2 tbsp softened butter or margarine
- 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 a 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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