This Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese takes the classic comfort food to the next level. The crispy bacon and sharp cheddar melt harmoniously with the sweet, crisp apple slices, offering a balanced bite in every mouthful. The Dijon mustard adds a touch of tanginess that brings the flavors together, while the buttery toasted sourdough creates the perfect crunchy exterior.
This sandwich is a delightful mix of savory and sweet, making it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. The layers of melted cheese and crispy bacon combined with fresh apple slices create an irresistible flavor profile that’s perfect for both casual meals and more sophisticated gatherings. It’s an easy-to-make treat that promises to deliver comfort in every bite.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 slices of sourdough bread
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2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
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2 slices of cooked bacon
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1/2 apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith)
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
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Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
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Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of one slice.
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Layer one slice of cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and apple slices on the mustard side.
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Top with the other slice of cheddar cheese, then place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side facing outward.
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Place the sandwich on the griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 13 minutes Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 1 sandwich
The Perfect Bread Choice for Grilled Cheese
When it comes to choosing the right bread for your grilled cheese, sourdough is often considered the ideal choice. The tangy flavor of sourdough contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese and bacon, providing a slightly crispy exterior with a soft and airy interior. Its slight acidity also helps to cut through the richness of the other ingredients, adding a balance that is both satisfying and refreshing. The chewy texture of sourdough ensures that the sandwich holds up well to grilling, creating a crisp and crunchy texture while holding the ingredients together perfectly.
While sourdough is a top contender, other bread options, such as ciabatta or whole-grain bread, can work well, depending on your preferences. The choice of bread is essential in creating the perfect grilled cheese, as it sets the foundation for the flavor and texture of the sandwich.
A Balanced Flavor Profile
The real charm of the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese lies in its balanced flavor profile. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese provides the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the thinly sliced fuji apples. The apple’s crispness and natural sweetness complement the rich and smoky flavor of the bacon, resulting in a delightful combination that dances on your taste buds.
To add a touch of gourmet flavor, fresh sage and thyme leaves are used to sprinkle atop the ingredients before grilling. These herbs add depth and freshness, balancing out the richness of the cheese and bacon. The Dijon mustard sauce, made with mayonnaise or kewpie, Dijon mustard, honey, and the “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning, introduces an extra layer of flavor with its tangy and subtly sweet profile. This mustard sauce not only enhances the overall taste but also adds a creamy texture that binds the sandwich together.
The Technique: Grilling and Baking
While the traditional grilled cheese is made solely on the stovetop, this version takes a slightly different approach to achieve that perfect cheese pull and crispy bread. After assembling the sandwich with all the ingredients, it’s placed on a Calphalon Premier Nonstick pan for the initial bake in the oven. The sandwich is baked for 8-10 minutes at 400°F, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to crisp up evenly. This oven-baking method helps achieve the ideal balance of melted cheese and a crisp exterior without burning the bread.
After baking, the sandwich is finished off on the stovetop with a combination of butter and olive oil, ensuring that the outer crust gets golden and extra crispy while still maintaining a deliciously soft, melty interior. This technique is a game-changer for anyone who loves a perfectly melty grilled cheese with a beautiful cheese pull.
Choosing the Right Cheese
A great grilled cheese relies on the quality and variety of cheeses used. For this recipe, a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is the ideal combination. Sharp cheddar delivers a bold, tangy flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the apples, while mozzarella provides a great melt, ensuring that your sandwich has that irresistible gooey cheese pull.
In this recipe, block cheese is preferred over pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starch that can hinder the melting process, resulting in a drier, less gooey texture. By using a block of cheddar and freshly shredding it yourself, you ensure a creamier and more satisfying melt.
Bacon: The Smoky Element
Bacon is, of course, the key to bringing smoky and savory flavors to this sandwich. Cherrywood smoked bacon works beautifully here, providing that perfect amount of smokiness without overwhelming the other ingredients. The crispy texture of the bacon contrasts with the softness of the melted cheese and apples, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
While bacon is often associated with breakfast, it can be used to elevate savory dishes like grilled cheese. The combination of crispy bacon and melting cheese creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.
The Mustard Sauce: An Unexpected Twist
What sets this Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese apart from traditional versions is the homemade Dijon mustard sauce. A mix of Dijon mustard, mayonnaise (or kewpie), honey, fresh sage, and “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning gives the sandwich an unexpected twist. The mustard sauce provides tangy notes and a touch of sweetness, while the addition of fresh herbs gives the sandwich an aromatic lift. It’s a simple but essential element that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the sandwich’s other components.
A Sandwich for Every Occasion
While this sandwich might sound indulgent, it’s surprisingly versatile and works well for various occasions. It’s an excellent lunch option for a quick yet satisfying meal, and it’s also great for a casual dinner. You could serve it alongside a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal or pair it with a simple salad for a more balanced meal.
The Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese is also a fantastic option for casual gatherings. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and the sandwich can be easily adapted to different tastes by swapping out ingredients like the type of cheese or bread.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese is a perfect fusion of sweet and savory, offering a satisfying balance of flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re craving a comforting, indulgent meal or want to try something new, this sandwich offers a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese. With its combination of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, smoky bacon, and sweet apples, it’s a sandwich that satisfies both your taste buds and your cravings for comfort food. The addition of Dijon mustard and fresh herbs elevates this sandwich to a gourmet level, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, or even a special treat for yourself.