Trader Joes Caramelized Onion Cheddar & Apple Grilled Cheese

This delicious caramelized onion cheddar grilled cheese is perfect for the fall and winter months!

As the weather cools, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm, flavorful sandwich, and this grilled cheese is exactly what the season calls for. Made with Trader Joes caramelized onion cheddar cheese (seriously, if you haven’t tried it yet, now is the time!), this sandwich is an explosion of autumnal flavors. Imagine layers of rich caramelized onion cheddar, tangy pickled red onions, and crisp slices of Honeycrisp apples – each bite a perfect blend of sweet and savory.

But what truly takes this grilled cheese to the next level is the addition of Stonewall Kitchen’s spicy chili bacon jam. This jam isn’t just an extra layer; it’s a secret weapon. With a balanced kick of heat, a hint of sweetness, and that irresistible bacon flavor, it complements the cheddar and apple beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth combination that’s unlike any other. If you’re looking for a grilled cheese that’s more than just comfort food, this is it – warm, melty, and absolutely next-level. If you make this, let me know in the comments what you think!

Be sure to check out my other ideas here for tasty sandwiches.

• Sandwiches

Apple Grilled Cheese

prep 5 minutes mins

cook 5 minutes mins

total 10 minutes mins

This Grilled Cheese with Apples is the epitome of the best gooey and cheesy Fall sandwich. With sharp cheddar and caramelized onions, it comes together in about 5 minutes, but tastes gourmet and elevated with every bite. Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for any gathering.

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Ingredients

• ▢ Bread of choice (this is a sourdough loaf)
• ▢ Sharp cheddar or Trader joes caramelized onion cheddar sliced
• ▢ @stonewallkitchen spicy chili bacon jam optional
• ▢ 1/2 Honey crisp apple
• ▢ Pickled red onions or shallots
• ▢ Butter or oil of choice

Pickled onions or shallots

• ▢ Equal parts whatever and apple cider or white vinegar
• ▢ Mustard seeds
• ▢ 2 Cloves of garlic
• ▢ 1 tbsp Sugar
• ▢ Enough sliced onions to fill your jar

Instructions 

• For the pickled onions: Add water and vinegar to a medium sized pan and add sugar, mustard seeds and garlic. Bring to boil and let the sugar dissolve.
• Meanwhile slice onions into bite sized pieces and add to a jar.
• Pour vinegar mixture overtop until you fill up the jar. Let cool and then add to the fridge. Let sit overnight.
• When you're ready to eat: shred cheese and add to bread along with bacon jam.
• Add pickled onions and apples slices to the top and distribute evenly.
• Coat pan in butter and add sandwich on medium heat. Add a little more butter before flipping, about 4 min per side or until cheese gets melty and bread starts to crisp. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Note: You could also use store-bought pickled shallots 

Storage: 

Store the leftover apple grilled cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Reheat on a griddle on the stovetop or in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and melty in texture.

It’s really best to enjoy this sandwich fresh off the griddle, and since it’s quick and easy to assemble in 5 minutes, there’s no stress!