This is a classic combo and sooooo delicious when done right. This recipe makes about two sandwiches.
Crusty buns, good quality loaf, or panini (not regular sandwich bread)
Onion, Yellow (sliced)
Pear, ripened
Brie (other cheese also works well, as long as it doesn’t overpower the pear flavor, like provolone)
Butter
Get those onions started caramelizing. This process, done right, takes up most of the preparation time for these sandwiches. Add sliced onions to a large pot (shiny metal works best) along with a tablespoon or so of butter. Watch as the butter melts, stir to evenly coat all the onions and the bottom of the pot, then cover and turn to low heat. The onions will gradually glaze the bottom of the pot and begin to brown. Stir, but only infrequently. If the onions look like they’re frying the heat is too high. Turn it down to the minimum heat setting. This process could take as long as one hour, but with one onion, probably only 20 minutes.
Give your bread/buns a preliminary toast in a toaster oven or under the broiler. Then add slices of brie. Slice up the pear into thin slices. Do this right before you’re ready to prepare the sandwiches, otherwise the pear will oxidize and turn brown. Lay down pear slices in an even layer over the brie. Toast until brie is completely melted.
Take the sandwiches out of the oven and add your carmelized onions over the top. Top with another slice of toasted bread and they’re ready for delicious consumption!
