Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• ¾ cup ¼ inch-thick sliced shallots
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ½ inch-thick slices country-style white bread
• 8 ounces Gruyère, sliced 1/8-inch thick
• 2 cups arugula
• ½ apple (such as Pink Lady or Fuji), cut into 1/4-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Heat 2 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over high heat. When butter begins to foam, add shallots and thyme; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula, until shallots begin to soften and caramelize, 4–5 minutes; remove from heat and set aside.
2. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Working in 2 batches, add 1 Tbsp. butter and swirl in pan to melt butter and coat bottom of pan. Add 2 slices of bread to pan and cook until golden brown and crisp on the bottom, 2–3 minutes. Transfer bread, toasted side down, to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining butter and bread slices. Divide cheese evenly among bread slices; top cheese with reserved shallots.
3. Place baking sheet in oven and bake until cheese is melted, 7–8 minutes.
4. Combine arugula, apple slices, lemon juice, and oil in a large bowl; toss to coat and evenly distribute. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper.
5. Press 2 pieces of bread together, melted cheese sides in; halve sandwich on a diagonal and place on a plate. Repeat with remaining bread slices. Divide salad between plates.

Source: bon appétit