Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Gourmet grilled cheese with smoky Gouda, crisp apples, and buttery sourdough. A comforting twist on the classic.

# 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. Place the bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface.
02 - If using Dijon mustard, spread it on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
03 - Layer half of the Gouda slices on the two mustard-spread bread slices. Arrange apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with remaining Gouda. Season with black pepper if desired.
04 - Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing 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 the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sweet and savory balance creates something way more interesting than ordinary grilled cheese
  • It comes together in twenty minutes but feels like something from a bistro menu
02 -
  • Medium low heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
  • Slicing apples paper thin is the difference between an elegant sandwich and a messy one
03 -
  • Grate some of the Gouda and mix it with the sliced pieces for maximum melt factor
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most even browning
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