Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Gourmet twist on classic grilled cheese with smoky Gouda and crisp apple slices on buttery, golden bread.

# 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

# Method:

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 - 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-coated bread slices.
04 - Arrange apple slices evenly over the cheese and top with remaining Gouda. Season with black pepper if desired.
05 - Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
07 - Place 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.
08 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky cheese and sweet apple create a flavor combination that feels both familiar and surprising.
  • It comes together in about twenty minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you want something special without the fuss.
  • Every bite has texture, from the buttery crunch of the bread to the tender apple slices tucked inside.
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is essential, I learned this after burning the outside while leaving the cheese barely warm inside.
  • Slice the apples thin, around an eighth of an inch, or they won't soften enough and can make the sandwich hard to bite through.
  • Press lightly with the spatula while grilling, it helps the cheese melt into the apples and creates better contact with the pan.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the most consistent golden crust.
  • If your cheese isn't melting fast enough, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap the heat.
  • Try adding a few leaves of fresh arugula right before serving for a peppery bite that brightens the whole sandwich.
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