The second sandwich I ordered from Mendocino Farms during our trip to California might have been even better than the first.
There was no way I wasn’t going to recreate it at home, and I finally got around to doing just that.
The flavors and textures of this sandwich simply work. Rich & creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and crisp apple slices all piled high onto soft but hearty fruit & nut bread.
Total swoon.
It’s when I’m eating a sandwich like this one that I ponder the incredible vastness of possible sandwich ingredient combinations. Who wants a simple ham & cheese or a pb&j when you could instead sink your teeth into a sandwich comprised of layers of flavor and texture?
While on the topic of sandwiches… I’m psyched that Jeff Mauro, self-dubbed “The Sandwich King”, won The Next Food Network Star. I’m completely on board with Jeff’s claim that you can make any sandwich into a meal and any meal into a sandwich; I bet his show will provide my with a ton of sandwich-making inspiration.
So embrace National Sandwich Month, and challenge yourself to think outside of the sandwich-making box!
What are the ingredients you would put into your perfect sandwich?
| Name: | Goat Cheese, Brie, and Caramelized Onion Sandwich with Apples |
|---|---|
| Cuisine: | Fusion |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 45 minutes |
| Servings: | 2 |
| Yield: | 2 sandwiches |
Ingredients
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole-grain, or ciabatta work wonderfully)
- 4 ounces of goat cheese
- 4 ounces of brie cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for grilling (optional)
Instructions
1. Caramelizing the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown. This process can take around 20-25 minutes.
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
2. Assembling the Sandwich
Lay out the 4 slices of bread.
Spread goat cheese generously on two of the slices.
On the other two slices, layer the brie cheese slices.
Divide the caramelized onions evenly between the two slices with brie.
3. Adding Apple Slices
Place the thinly sliced apple on top of the caramelized onions.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to enhance the flavors.
4. Bringing it All Together
Carefully sandwich the brie and onion slices together with the goat cheese slices to form two sandwiches.
If you prefer a grilled sandwich with a crispy exterior, spread a thin layer of butter on the outer sides of the bread slices.
Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat and grill the sandwiches until they turn golden brown on both sides and the cheese becomes gooey and irresistible.
5. Serving
Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty.
The Goat Cheese, Brie, and Caramelized Onion Sandwich with Apples is a culinary masterpiece that combines sweet and savory flavors with contrasting textures. It’s a sandwich that makes any mealtime feel special, whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with loved ones. So, the next time you’re craving a gourmet sandwich experience, whip up this delightful creation and savor every bite. Bon appétit!
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 550-600 kcal
- Protein: 18-20 g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5-6 g
- Sugars: 18-20 g
- Fat: 35-40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18-20 g
- Cholesterol: 80-90 mg
- Sodium: 500-600 mg
- Vitamin C: 8-10% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 25-30% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 10-12% of daily recommended intake
