PEAR AND BLUE CHEESE BAGEL SANDWICH
I’ve never been a big fan of blue cheese. The smell is very strong, the color is not particularly attractive and the taste always tasted like too much for me. This is a cheese I decided to like because, honestly, I did not hate it, I found the flavor interesting. I slowly started to try it in different foods and different amounts. I always say that to start eating new kinds of foods you need to go slowly. It’s like trying sushi for the first time. You start by having the fried options and slowly grow into fresher options until you enjoy having the raw fish on its own.
Well, the same thing happens with blue cheese. For me at least. I started by eating it on pizzas or pasta and slowly grew into salads and on its own on a cracker.
Now, to the sandwich because I feel like I have been talking about everything else. This sandwich was actually to just show an example of what to make with bagels. As soon as I finished making it I realized it was way too good to not talk about it.
THE BAGEL
I want to start off by talking about the bagel. With this bread in mind, I came up with this sandwich. You can make this sandwich in any type of bread you like, of course. But, the bagel has a specific texture and flavor that I thought would make this even better. Obviously, this is my personal opinion. Try it and tell me what kind of bread you would use!
In this case, to add even more flavor to this pear and blue cheese sandwich, I decided on everything bagels. What are everything bagels? They are regular bagels, that have onion, garlic, black and white sesame seeds, poppy seeds and salt on top. A pretty tasty combination.
WHEN TO ENJOY THIS BLUE CHEESE SANDWICH?
This is the great thing about these type of sandwiches. You can enjoy them at any time of the day. Breakfast, lunch, as a snack or for dinner with some fries or a side salad. The combination of ingredients is perfect for any time of day. Plus, I personally don’t respect the type of food for a specific time. I love pancakes for dinner or a squash souffle as a snack.
TIPS FOR A PERFECT BLUE CHEESE AND PEAR SANDWICH:
Timing: I recommend making the sandwich and eating it right away. The combination of temperatures, between the melted cheese and the freshness of the cold pear slices makes it even better. So, as soon as you make the sandwich, eat or serve it.
The ingredients: Steps like the caramelized onions, you can make ahead of time and keep in the fridge. The rest of the ingredients, like bacon, are better freshly cooked. It keeps them crispy and fresh.
EQUIPMENT:
Pan: I like making bacon in a skillet or pan. If you do have the microwave option you can use that as well.
Knife: You will be using knives to slice the pear, cut the bacon, the bagel and the rest of the ingredients.
Saucepan: To make the caramelized onions in.
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon: Whatever you like to use the most. You will be using it to make the caramelized onions.
Toaster: Before anything else, you need to toast the bagels. This gives an extra in flavor and texture.
Microwave: The first step in this sandwich (after toasting the bread) is melting some cheese. Use the bottom half and melt it over that in the microwave.
Chopping board: To cut and prep all the ingredients.
PEAR AND BLUE CHEESE BAGEL SANDWICH
Ingredients
- 4 Everything bagels
- 1 Pear
- 1 Small purple onion
- 5 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 Cup balsamic vinegar
- 8 Bacon strips
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Blue cheese (the amount you like)
- Arugula
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Start with the onions. Cut the onion in half and then slice thin
- Place saucepan on medium heat, add olive oil and throw the onion slices in.
- Cook them until they start to become a bit transparent. Add sugar.
- Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add balsamic vinegar and lower heat. Let it simmer until the liquid is almost completely gone. Turn the heat off.
- Cook bacon strips like you normally would.
- Slice bagels in half and toast.
- Add a slice of mozarella cheese to the bottom half and heat in the microwave.
- Add two strips of bacon on top of the melted cheese.
- Slice the pear into thin slices. Add a few on top of bacon, covering completely.
- Add blue cheese, as much as you like on top.
- Add caramelized onions and arugula.
- Cover with the top half of the bagel and you are done!
