Broiled Pear & Swiss Cheese Sandwich

Sweet pears and nutty Swiss cheese are one of those pairings that just works, and this open-faced sandwich puts them front and center.

Toasted bread gets topped with a slice of Swiss, layered with fresh pear slices, and dusted with cinnamon sugar before a quick trip under the broiler.

Ten minutes later the cheese is melted and bubbly, the pears are warm and tender, and the cinnamon sugar has gone slightly caramelized on top.

It’s the kind of thing that works equally well as a quick lunch, a light supper, or a sophisticated snack when company drops by.

Kitchen Tips

• Use ripe but firm pears like Bartlett or Bosc. They hold their shape under the broiler and won’t turn to mush.
• Slice the pears thin so they soften evenly in the short broiling time.
• Try whole grain or walnut bread for extra nuttiness that plays well with the Swiss cheese.

Variations

• Add a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the toast before the cheese for a sharper, more grown-up bite.
• Swap Swiss for Gruyère or Brie if you want something even more indulgent.
• Drizzle with honey instead of the cinnamon sugar for a different kind of sweetness.