Pear & Gruyere Panini

All this week, I have been thinking about pears. Craving, even. Which is odd, since I can’t say I’ve really given pears a second glance in the past. My loyalties lie with berries or juicy mandarin oranges. But still, I cannot get pears out of my head. On the upside, last week it was starburst. Pink starburst, to be precise. So I am happier to graduate on to a healthier obsession.

To fuel my fire, I have had this Pear Tarte Tatin with Red-Wine Caramel bookmarked for some time now. But oh dear, caramel-making and I just don’t get along. Which is unfortunate because I like caramel even more than I like pink starburst. Just reading that title I can taste the warm, sweet pears. Sigh. But practicing my caramel skills is not a job for a weeknight, so that tart will have to wait. Luckily for this dreary Monday, warm pear perfection can be achieved in many simple ways. I originally made one panini for myself, but quickly went back to make another. Some cravings are just not satisfied so easily.

Pear & Gruyere Panini
makes 2 panini

4 slices Ciabatta (about 3/4" thick)
honey, to taste
1 pear, cut into thin slices (I used Bartlett)
8 thin slices Gruyere
1/4 t fresh thyme leaves
1 T olive oil

Generously drizzle each slice of Ciabatta with honey. Top with pear slices, dividing evenly among the four slices. Top two of the slices with an even amount of Gruyere, and thyme, followed by the 2 slices of bread with pears, fruit facing down.

In a large skillet, heat 1 T olive oil, over medium-high heat. Transfer panini to the skillet and place a heavy pan on top, pressing panini down*. Cook 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip panini, adding 1 T olive oil if needed, and cook 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.

*this step can also be done in a panini press

Comments

[El]

In a million years I would never have come up with this. You create the best recipes. I love this idea. I'm going to give it a try this week. Thanks!

[alana (at) the food]

that looks AMAZING!
so crunchy, sweet and savoury at the same time!!!

[Coco]

I just made some fresh almond flour bread and I have some goat gruyere in the fridge....I know what Im having for dinner :) Thank you Erin!

[jacqueline]

Dearest sweet Erin, this looks so refreshing and yummie. I love pears too and have never tried using them in cooking...this will be interesting to try! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!

[tiina { sparkling ink }]

I bookmarked a recipe a long time ago for apple gruyere quesadillas. Your panini recipe sounds even better! I love the idea of making these with cold left-over turkey in the upcoming holiday season. Once again, beautiful pics and a delicious recipe!

[LimeCake]

i love grilled pear and brie, but i'm going to try gruyere next. this looks delicious!

[Tanya]

Such a unique twist on a classic

[lisaiscooking]

I've been craving apples in the same way, and those pears are beauties. They look delicious in the panini too. Pears are just so great with cheese!

[Simply Life]

Oh this looks so good!

[Chocolate Freckles]

This recipe just got a star!!!! I am mouthwatering!!!!!!

[Tracy]

Soooo DELICIOUS! I often make a pear, blue cheese and chutney panini... so good... Apple makes a good substitute as well. :o) I love your addition of thyme here--really lovely, Erin. Happy Days ((HUGS))

[kide]

so delicious,i can not help myself want to eat them.
ffxiv gil

[David]

The best thing with pears is that they taste so good together with cheese! And gruyere is one of my favorites.Oh how I wish I had that panini in front of me right now.

[Crazy Sweet Life]

Darn it! I just ate my last pear this afternoon! This would be so yummy right now. I've been on a serious pear kick the past couple of weeks and find pears go so well with a variety of cheeses (especially goat).

[Dana]

My husband got a panini pan (the Le Cruset kind, not the electric kind) a couple of years ago as a gift and although he loves panini, we got out of the habit of making them. I think I was uninspired in my flavor choices. This is brilliant and something we can both enjoy.

[Alison @ à la Alison]

This looks amazing! I will definitely be whipping out my panini press this week :) Thanks

[Amanda@ Easy Peasy Organic]

Yum! I've been making grilled cheeses with apples lately ... so this is another to try! Gruyere ... does it get any better?

[retro sweets]

I made paninis last Sunday but since I love pears, I will try and make one of these tomorrow too! Ah, just great....

[Mary]

I've been on a serious pear kick the past couple of weeks and find pears go so well with a variety of cheeses.
club penguin cheats

[make sex and love]

In a large skillet, heat 1 T olive oil, over medium-high heat. Transfer panini to the skillet and place a heavy pan on top, pressing panini down*. Cook 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Flip panini, adding 1 T olive oil if needed, and cook 3-5 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.

[single parent dating]

Generously drizzle each slice of Ciabatta with honey. Top with pear slices, dividing evenly among the four slices. Top two of the slices with an even amount of Gruyere, and thyme, followed by the 2 slices of bread with pears, fruit facing down.

[Katherine Heigl]

Generously drizzle each slice of Ciabatta with honey. Top with pear slices, dividing evenly among the four slices. Top two of the slices with an even amount of Gruyere, and thyme, followed by the 2 slices of bread with pears, fruit facing down.