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This gluten-free vegan pear grilled cheese is the ultimate sweet-savory comfort food. Featuring crunchy seed-crusted bread, gooey vegan cheese, caramelized onions, and golden pear slices, all enhanced with fresh thyme and a hint of pear-chili jam for a sweet-spicy kick. Perfect for a cozy lunch, gourmet brunch, or an elegant twist on a classic grilled cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine caramelized onion sandwich, European, gluten-free grilled cheese, gourmet vegan sandwiches, pear chili jam recipe, pear grilled cheese, plant-based lunch, seed crust bread recipe, sweet and savory sandwich, vegan comfort food
Servings 2
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Seed-Crusted Bread

  • 4 slices gluten-free bread
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds

For the Filling

  • 1 large ripe pear thinly sliced
  • ½ cup caramelized onions made by sautéing onions in olive oil until golden and sweet
  • 4 slices vegan cheese melty style, such as mozzarella or smoked gouda alternative
  • 2 tsp pear-chili jam optional but recommended
  • Fresh thyme leaves a few sprigs

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Seed-Crusted Bread

  • Brush one side of each gluten-free bread slice with olive oil.
  • Press the oiled side into a mix of sesame seeds and poppy seeds for an aromatic crust.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions & Pears

  • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  • Add caramelized onions if pre-made or cook sliced onions in a splash of oil for 10–12 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
  • In the last 3 minutes, add pear slices to the pan and cook until lightly caramelized. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

  • Spread a thin layer of pear-chili jam on the unseeded side of two bread slices.
  • Layer with vegan cheese slices, caramelized onions, caramelized pear slices, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
  • Top with the remaining bread slices, seed-crust side facing out.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwich

  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
  • Grill sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.
  • Slice in half and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make it Extra Crunchy: Toast the bread slices slightly before assembling for added crunch.
  • Cheese Options: Use a vegan smoked gouda for a deeper flavor or mozzarella-style for a milder taste.
  • Jam Substitute: Fig jam or apricot-chili jam also works beautifully.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with a simple green salad or a cup of vegan tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal.
Keyword vegan grilled cheese