Cranberry Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwich (vegan)

It’s Monday! Not only another fabulous Meatless Monday link up with my co-host Deborah but Thanksgiving is only a few days away! Today I have a delicious Cranberry Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwich (vegan) sandwich made with leftover cranberries, or should I say planned overs?

While I’m not a big fan of most traditional Thanksgiving eats, aka turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. I just love spending time with family and that’s what it’s all about for me. Than comes all the delicious sides. yes pie/desserts, and cranberries! Ok so if you’re a regular readier you know all about my obsession with cranberries this year. Not sure if it was ignited with CranFest or what the deal is but really craving them more than ever and pumpkin umm yeah that is usually something I’m obsessed with this time of year but this year is almost non existent. I’ve always loved cranberries and I always make lots of extras because I look forward to Overnight Egg Nog Oats and Chia with Cranberries, Cranberry Superfood Oatmeal, cranberries and yogurt (with or without muesli or granola), and using up all the extra leftover cranberries. Haha funny thing is I make cranberries for an army, 2 kinds, every year knowing I will be bringing at least half of them back home with me and that’s after sending a jar home with my aunt.

Added to the list is a sandwich that I got that failed at CranFest, the idea was great and I gave in a little having dairy since I was on my feet for over 6 hours walking around and the food options were very very limited, still holding the bacon. Instead of going with something like French fries I went with the sandwich and it didn’t have ripe pears and just failed with only cranberry bread on the grilled cheese and no cranberry sauce. Forget the cranberry bread you really need cranberry sauce, cheese, ripe pears, and caramelized onions! Not at all what I had imagined and my tummy wasn’t happy after either. I was determined to make a delicious version of what the sandwich should be when I got home. Funny thing was after I talked to the guy at the food truck he turned around and said see I told you to his co worker and the next day when we walked by they had made changes to the sandwich taking in my suggestions.

So I whipped up this dairy free vegan version with lots of cranberries and it was simply amazing! It’s perfect for when I’m craving my Cranberry Pear Pizza too but don’t have the time or want something quick that will still satisfy that craving. It’s so good! So come Friday I’m having cranberries with muesli or something for breakfast and this will be lunch! Maybe even my Cranberry Pear Pizza for dinner this weekend since it was just decided that S wants pizza for her birthday dinner up north with friends and family this weekend and her birthday party next weekend. Don’t worry I remember what I said in my post Friday, I will not post any pizza posts until after the first of the year! Doesn’t mean I can play with flavors but no matter how good I’ll hold off.

Back to this sandwich, simply delicious and a grilled cheese always hits the spot, especially on chilly winter days and when they’re packed with flavor like this one! I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends and remember grab those extra cranberries when your mom or grandma tries to send them home with you and whip up this delicious Cranberry Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwich, trust me you won’t regret it!

Cranberry Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Makes 1 serving
2 slices bread (Silver Hills Bakery Big 16 Sprouted Bread)
2-3 TBSP cream cheese or for non dairy free/vegan you can use brie (Kite Hill dairy free, vegan Cream Cheese)
3-4 sweet or yellow onion slices, thinly sliced
extra virgin olive oil spray or 1-2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1/3-1/2 pear, thinly sliced
1/3c cranberry sauce, pretty much any leftover cranberry sauce (used a simple cranberry sauce that I had made a double batch of for my Cranberry Pear Pizza)
1-2 TBSP coconut bacon, optional (Organic Matters Coconut Bacon)
butter, vegan butter spread, or evoo for grilling optional

In a skillet spray or drizzle extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once pan is hot add onions and sauté, when done remove from heat. You can either toast your bread in a toasted and then assemble sandwich or spread outsides of the bread slices with butter/butter alternative or EVOO and grill after assembling. For toasting, toast bread and than spread cream cheese on one side and top with sautéed onions and pear slices. On the other slice of bread spread your cranberry sauce and add optional coconut bacon if using. Put sandwich together. If not toasting grill sandwich, flipping after a couple minutes when each side is golden brown. Enjoy!
Cranberry Pear Grilled Cheese, #Thanksgiving leftovers turned into a delicious #vegan sandwich! @KiteHillCheese @MeatlessMonday Share on X

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Sharing the Meatless Monday love I’m also linking up with with Running on Happy and The Fit Foodie Mama for Meatless Monday!