Once I Started Adding This to Grilled Cheese, I've Never Made It Another Way (It's Perfect for Fall)

"While you can stick to classic cheese slices (you know the ones), I normally like to play around with my ingredients and add some flair to the humble sandwich. Sometimes it's Brie and pear; other times I'll go with a truffle cheddar. This fall I've found my latest obsession that completely takes my grilled cheese sandwiches to the next level: caramelized figs."

"Figs are in season right now (they peak August through October), so it's the perfect time to head on over to your favorite grocery store or farmers market and pick up a pint of this delicious fruit. Figs and cheese are a beloved pairing ( fig jam is a staple on many charcuterie boards), so adding some of the fresh fruit to a grilled cheese only seemed right."

"To start, I sliced two figs in half (although I probably could've added another one), then pan-seared them cut-side down for a few minutes until the fruit was golden in color and its natural sugars had caramelized. Then I flipped them over and allowed the figs to cook a bit more on the other side until the fruit was soft and pliable."

"Then I took a slice of sourdough bread and topped it with a few slices of my current favorite cheese ( Tillamook's Maker's Reserve 2015 White Cheddar - no skimping here!) and the cooked figs. A bit more about the cheese: This special reserve variety has been aged for 10 years, which results in a super-creamy, buttery-soft, extra-sharp cheese that hits the back corners of your mouth. It melds beautifully with the sweet, slightly tart notes of the figs."

Caramelized fresh figs add sweet-tart complexity to grilled cheese sandwiches. Fresh figs peak in August through October, making fall an ideal time to buy them at grocery stores or farmers markets. Slice figs in half and pan-sear cut-side down until the fruit is golden and its natural sugars caramelize, then flip and cook until soft and pliable. Top a slice of sourdough with aged white cheddar and the cooked figs. A 10-year-aged white cheddar delivers super-creamy, buttery-soft, extra-sharp flavor that melds with the figs' sweetness and slight tartness, elevating the classic grilled cheese.

Read at Apartment Therapy