This delectable bagel sandwich combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, pear, apple, and a sunny-side-up egg, all nestled between a toasted everything bagel. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy for any time of day, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

• 2 handfuls arugula

• 2 eggs, sunny-side up

• 2 everything bagels (gluten-free option available)

• 4 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)

• 1/2 ripe apple, sliced (I used an Envy apple)

• 1/2 ripe bosc pear, cored and sliced

• 4 tablespoons fig preserves

Directions

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they begin to sweat and turn translucent, about 8 minutes. Add a pinch of sea salt, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue to cook until the onions are golden-brown and caramelized, about 45 minutes more.

2. Toast the bagels: Preheat your oven to high broil. Slice the bagels in half and place them on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for about 1 minute until golden-brown. Remove from the oven, add a slice of cheddar on all four bagel halves, and place back in the oven for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.

3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread 1 tablespoon of fig preserves over each cheesy bagel slice. Layer the bottom slices with arugula, sliced apple, pear, caramelized onions, and top with the sunny-side-up egg. Place the bagel tops on top, slice in half, and serve.

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 433 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 63 g

• Protein: 17 g

• Fat: 13 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 21 g

The Richness of Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions are the backbone of this sandwich, adding a rich, sweet-savory depth to every bite. Slowly cooking onions in olive oil until they’re golden and tender helps to unlock their natural sugars, resulting in a deeply flavorful and slightly sweet component that contrasts perfectly with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the brightness of fresh fruit. The slow caramelization process allows the onions to become soft and silky, while their sugars brown and create a rich, mellow flavor that elevates the entire sandwich.

What makes caramelized onions such a key element in this sandwich is their ability to add complexity without overwhelming the other ingredients. They provide a perfect balance to the sharper and tangier flavors of the pear and apple, while also complementing the richness of the cheese and egg. Whether you choose to use them as a topping or fold them into the sandwich layers, caramelized onions are essential in creating that irresistible savory-sweet dynamic.

The Sweetness of Pear and Apple: A Refreshing Contrast

The addition of fresh pear and apple slices brings a refreshing sweetness to the sandwich, providing a contrast to the other rich, savory ingredients. Pears, with their crisp texture and juicy sweetness, complement the caramelized onions beautifully, adding a layer of freshness that brightens the overall dish. Apples, particularly a variety like Envy apples, are slightly tart and provide an excellent balance to the mellow sweetness of the pear.

Together, the pear and apple slices offer a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, melty cheese and the rich, flavorful caramelized onions. Their natural sweetness plays off the other ingredients, adding complexity without being overly sugary. This combination of fruits not only adds depth but also makes the sandwich feel lighter, despite its rich ingredients.

The Creaminess of the Sunny-Side-Up Egg

The sunny-side-up egg adds an essential creaminess to the bagel sandwich. As you break into the egg, the yolk flows, creating a luscious, velvety texture that enhances the overall flavor profile of the sandwich. The egg’s rich yolk ties together the savory and sweet elements, creating a binding layer that makes the sandwich indulgent yet not too heavy.

The egg also provides a protein boost, making this sandwich a more satisfying meal. The slightly runny yolk adds a luxurious touch to the bagel, enriching the flavors of the cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh fruit. The soft texture of the egg pairs perfectly with the crunch of the toasted bagel and the crispness of the apple and pear slices, creating a delightful contrast that makes each bite a joy to experience.

The Toasted Everything Bagel: A Flavorful Base

A classic everything bagel is the perfect vehicle for this flavor-packed sandwich. The toasted bagel provides a sturdy base that holds up to the hearty ingredients while adding a satisfying crunch with each bite. The seasoning on the bagel—garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds—adds an additional layer of flavor that ties all the ingredients together. The slight saltiness of the bagel contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and the richness of the egg and cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Toasting the bagel until it’s golden-brown ensures that the exterior is crisp, while the inside remains soft enough to absorb the melted cheddar cheese. The combination of the crispy, flavorful exterior and the soft interior makes the bagel the perfect carrier for all of the savory and sweet ingredients stacked inside. It’s the ideal choice for this sandwich, offering both texture and flavor that complements the fillings.

Cheddar Cheese: A Sharp and Creamy Element

Cheddar cheese is the obvious choice to complement the caramelized onions, fruit, and egg in this sandwich. Its sharp flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet and creamy elements, while its meltiness adds richness and depth. As the cheese melts over the toasted bagel under the broiler, it creates a gooey, delicious layer that envelops the entire sandwich. The smooth, creamy texture of the melted cheese pairs perfectly with the runny egg yolk, adding a savory element that ties the sandwich together.

Cheddar’s boldness is balanced by the sweetness of the pear and apple slices, and its sharpness cuts through the richness of the caramelized onions and egg, providing a delightful contrast in every bite. Whether you opt for a sharp or mild cheddar, this cheese offers a comforting, familiar flavor that makes the sandwich both satisfying and indulgent.

The Fig Preserves: Sweetness with a Touch of Depth

The spread of fig preserves is the final touch that elevates this bagel sandwich. Fig preserves offer a natural sweetness that balances the savory and sweet components, while adding an extra layer of complexity. The fig’s rich, earthy flavor provides depth to the sandwich, bringing together all the ingredients with a touch of natural sweetness.

Using fig preserves instead of traditional jam or jelly gives the sandwich a more sophisticated flavor. The fig preserves have a slight richness that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. The sweetness from the preserves enhances the pear and apple slices, while the figs themselves contribute a subtle, deep flavor that makes this sandwich feel gourmet.

A Versatile Meal for Any Time of Day

One of the best aspects of this bagel sandwich is its versatility. While it’s a great option for breakfast or brunch, it can easily be enjoyed at lunch or even dinner. The combination of protein from the egg and cheese, healthy fats from the olive oil, and the sweetness from the pear, apple, and fig preserves makes it a balanced meal that can be enjoyed any time of day.

For a heartier version, you could even add bacon or turkey slices to the sandwich for an extra protein boost, or use a different type of cheese for variety. The beauty of this sandwich lies in its ability to be customized based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences, making it an adaptable and satisfying option for any occasion.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

To serve this bagel sandwich, pair it with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you’re serving it at brunch, a refreshing fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed juice would complement the sweetness of the sandwich. For a more indulgent touch, serve the sandwich with a side of crispy home fries or sweet potato fries, which add a savory crunch that balances the creamy and sweet elements of the sandwich.

For a lighter version, try replacing the cheddar cheese with a lighter cheese such as mozzarella or goat cheese, or reduce the amount of fig preserves to taste. You can also swap the sunny-side-up egg for a scrambled or poached egg for a different texture.

Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Flavors

This Caramelized Onion, Pear, Apple, and Sunny-Side-Up Egg Bagel Sandwich is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors that will satisfy your cravings at any time of day. From the richness of the caramelized onions to the freshness of the pear and apple, and the creamy, runny egg, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this sandwich offers a gourmet experience with minimal effort. The toasted bagel, melted cheddar cheese, and fig preserves bring everything together, making this dish a standout meal that will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.