Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Smoky Gouda meets crisp apple slices in this elevated grilled cheese. Golden bread, melted cheese, and fresh fruit create the perfect comfort sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread or country-style bread
02 - 4 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Fruit

04 - 1 small crisp apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and thinly sliced

→ Optional Additions

05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice and place them buttered side down on a clean surface.
02 - Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two bread slices if using.
03 - Layer half of the Gouda slices on two bread slices, arrange apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with remaining Gouda and season with black pepper if desired.
04 - Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The smoky cheese pairs perfectly with sweet crisp apples creating that magical sweet and savory balance
  • It comes together in twenty minutes but tastes like something from a fancy café
  • The combination of warm melted cheese and fresh apple texture is pure comfort food heaven
02 -
  • Medium low heat is non negotiable because high heat will burn your bread before the cheese melts properly
  • Thin apple slices are crucial since thick ones will not soften enough in the short cooking time
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for even one minute after cooking prevents all that glorious cheese from oozing out when you cut them
03 -
  • Weighing down your sandwich with a heavy pan or press helps the cheese melt evenly and creates that gorgeous cohesive layer
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the finished sandwich as it slices through the crispy bread without squishing everything inside
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