Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This Irresistible Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese combines sweet, savory, and crispy flavors for a truly satisfying sandwich. Perfect for a cozy lunch or a comforting dinner, it offers a delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (substitute with regular mustard if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons mayo (Greek yogurt can replace for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon Everything But The Bagel seasoning (optional but enhances the taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (use maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
• 3 leaves fresh sage, chopped (thyme or basil can be a great substitute)
• 6-8 slices bacon (turkey bacon can be used for a lower-fat option)
• 1 Fuji apple, sliced thinly (any sweet variety will work beautifully)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (using aged cheddar deepens the taste)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (can substitute with provolone)
• 4 tablespoons salted butter (olive oil can be a lighter alternative)
• Sourdough bread slices (quantity as needed for 2 sandwiches)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until they reach a nice crispness. Remove and set aside to drain.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, mayo, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, honey, and chopped sage. Stir until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Spread the prepared sauce generously on slices of sourdough bread. Layer the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, crispy bacon, and thin apple slices evenly over the bread.
4. Step 4: Place the sandwich in an oven-safe skillet. Add butter both on top of the sandwich and in the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: For a perfectly crisp crust, transfer the skillet to the stovetop. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• Use aged cheddar for a richer flavor and a sharper cheese bite.
• Try substituting turkey bacon for a healthier option without sacrificing smokiness.
• Add a handful of arugula or spinach inside the sandwich for a fresh, peppery contrast.
• If preferred, swap honey for pure maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Use a panini press instead of the oven for quicker preparation and a pressed sandwich texture.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread in place of sourdough. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the bacon and prepare the sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and cook the sandwich fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

This Irresistible Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese combines the crispy, smoky flavor of baked bacon with sweet thinly sliced apples and a melty blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Finished with a savory honey mustard and sage sauce, and cooked to golden perfection in an oven-safe skillet, this sandwich is an elevated twist on the classic grilled cheese, perfect for a cozy lunch or comforting dinner.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Substitute with regular mustard if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Mayo (Greek yogurt can replace for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon Everything But The Bagel seasoning (Optional but enhances the taste)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (Use maple syrup for a vegan alternative)
• 3 leaves Fresh Sage, chopped (Thyme or basil can be a great substitute)

Main Ingredients

• 6–8 slices Bacon (Turkey bacon can be used for a lower-fat option)
• 1 Fuji Apple, sliced thinly (Any sweet variety will work beautifully)
• 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded (Using aged cheddar deepens the taste)
• 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (Can substitute with provolone)
• 4 tablespoons Salted Butter (Olive oil can be a lighter alternative)
• 4 slices Sourdough Bread

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the bacon.
2. Bake Bacon: Place your bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy but not overly browned. Remove and drain excess fat on paper towels.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, mayo, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, honey, and chopped fresh sage. Stir well until you have a smooth, well-blended sauce.
4. Assemble Sandwich: Lay out slices of sourdough bread. Generously spread the prepared honey mustard sage sauce on one side of each slice. Layer shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, crispy bacon slices, and thin slices of Fuji apple evenly onto two slices of bread. Top with the remaining bread slices, sauce side down.
5. Butter and Bake in Skillet: Heat an oven-safe skillet on the counter. Butter the top of each sandwich and also spread butter in the pan. Place sandwiches in the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bread to warm through.
6. Finish on Stovetop: After baking, move skillet to the stovetop and cook over medium-high heat. Grill each side of the sandwich for 2-3 minutes until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted inside.
7. Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, slice if desired, and serve warm for a deliciously comforting meal.

Notes

• You can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the sauce vegan-friendly.
• For a different herbal note, try thyme or basil instead of sage.
• Choose aged cheddar for a sharper, more complex cheese flavor.
• Butter ensures a crispy crust; olive oil can be used as a lighter alternative but may change texture slightly.

Keywords: Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese, Bacon Cheddar Sandwich, Cheddar Apple Sandwich, Comfort Food, Savory Apple Sandwich