The moment I took my first bite of the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese, I felt an explosion of flavors that took comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine the sweet crunch of Fuji apples mingling with the savory crispness of bacon, all enveloped in gooey, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This delightful creation is not just a sandwich; it’s an experience that transforms any meal into something special.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes—making it an easy choice for a satisfying lunch or a fabulous dinner that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Whether you’re a meat-lover or a vegetarian, with just a few simple swaps, you can customize it to hit just the right notes for your taste buds. Let’s dive in and discover how to make this irresistible grilled cheese that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Why is Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese a Must-Try?
Unforgettable Flavor Combination: The sweet Fuji apples combined with crispy bacon create a unique contrast that takes your taste buds on a delightful journey.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable Delight: Vegan? No problem! Swap out bacon for sautéed mushrooms and enjoy a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Comfort Food Reinvented: A classic grilled cheese transformed into something extraordinary, making it a hit for both kids and adults.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare components in advance, making lunch or dinner stress-free and enjoyable.
Experience the magic of this gourmet twist on a traditional favorite!
Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Ingredients
Get ready to create a grilled cheese masterpiece!
For the Sauce
- Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess; substitute with regular mustard if desired.
- Mayo – Provides creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier replacement.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning – Enhances flavor; this is an optional treat for extra zest.
- Honey – Adds sweetness; use maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Fresh Sage – Offers herbal notes; can be replaced with thyme or basil for a different twist.
For the Sandwich
- Bacon (6-8 slices) – Provides a savory, crunchy texture; turkey bacon works for a lower-fat version.
- Fuji Apple (1, sliced thinly) – Contributes sweetness and a crunchy bite; any sweet apple variety like Honeycrisp or Gala is great too.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded) – Offers a rich flavor; using aged cheddar deepens the taste.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup, shredded) – Creates that gooey texture; substitute with provolone for a different flair.
- Salted Butter (4 tablespoons) – Adds richness and aids browning; olive oil can be used as a lighter alternative.
With these carefully chosen ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making an unforgettable Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese!
How to Make Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bacon will become perfectly crispy while you work on the sandwich.
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Cook Bacon: Place the strips of bacon on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until it’s crispy and golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma!
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Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, mayo, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, honey, and chopped fresh sage until smooth. This will create a tangy, creamy sauce that enhances the sandwich!
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Assemble Sandwich: On slices of sourdough bread, spread the tasty sauce generously. Layer on the sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, crispy bacon, and thin apple slices to create a tasty combination.
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Bake Sandwich: Transfer your sandwich to an oven-safe skillet. Add a tablespoon of butter on top and a little in the pan, then bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is blissfully melted.
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Finish on Stovetop: For a golden-brown finish, sear the sandwich over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This step ensures a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the melty interior.
Optional: Serve with a side of pickles to enhance the savory flavors.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
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Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese from blocks for a better melt instead of pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
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Oven Benefit: Baking the sandwich helps melt the cheese thoroughly, preventing the bread from burning while the insides heat up—a common mistake!
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Add Extra Flavors: Boost the taste by mixing in some caramelized onions or trying a cheese blend like Gruyère alongside the cheddar for your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese.
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Watch the Bacon: Make sure your bacon is crispy before assembling the sandwich; soggy bacon can lead to a less satisfying texture.
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Balance Sweetness: If using sweeter apple varieties like Honeycrisp, adjust the honey in the sauce accordingly to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese sandwiches are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sauce and cook the bacon up to 24 hours in advance; just refrigerate them separately to maintain their flavors and textures. To keep the bacon crispy, place it between paper towels in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your grilled cheese, simply layer the sauce, cheese, and apple slices onto the bread, and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese has melted. Then, finish it off with a quick sear on the stovetop for that golden-brown crunch. This approach allows you to savor this delicious recipe on busy weeknights without sacrificing taste!
What to Serve with Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese?
Pairing this delightful sandwich with the right sides can elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. Picture yourself enjoying a cozy dinner, where every bite is enhanced by thoughtful accompaniments.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the grilled cheese, balancing flavors perfectly.
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Crispy Potato Chips: The crunch of potato chips adds a satisfying texture to the meal, perfect for providing that irresistible crunch alongside gooey goodness.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Try sweet potato fries for a touch of sweetness that complements the apple and bacon in the sandwich. Their caramelized edges are the perfect pairing!
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Tomato Soup: A classic combo, creamy tomato soup adds warmth and comfort. The acidity beautifully cuts through the richness of the cheeses and bacon.
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Pickles: Serve sour pickles on the side to cut through the sandwich’s richness, refreshing the palate with every bite.
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Apple Cider: A glass of apple cider enhances the apple notes in your grilled cheese and brings a seasonally perfect drink to the table.
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Carrot and Celery Sticks: For a light, crunchy side, carrot and celery sticks dipped in ranch dressing provide a refreshing and health-conscious option.
Each of these pairings brings something unique to the table, ensuring your meal is as memorable as the delicious Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese itself!
Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sides
Elevate your meal by pairing this delightful sandwich with some perfect accompaniments that enhance the entire experience.
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Crunchy Pickles: Serve dill or bread-and-butter pickles on the side for a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness and brightens your meal.
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Tomato Soup: Classic comfort food! Pair your grilled cheese with a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy, satisfying combo.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, baked sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness and nutrition that compliments the rich flavors of the grilled cheese.
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Apple Slices: Enjoy some fresh apple slices on the side to echo the sweet fruit in the sandwich, enhancing that apple flavor while keeping it light.
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Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw creates a delightful crunch and coolness that balances the warmth and richness of the grilled cheese.
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Roasted Veggies: Stir-fried or roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide a colorful and healthy contrast to your sandwich.
These pairing ideas will ensure your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese becomes the highlight of any meal!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in a skillet to maintain that perfect crispy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through and crispy.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the sauce and bacon in advance, storing them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese assembly a breeze.
Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe FAQs
What type of apples are best for the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! For this recipe, sweet apple varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are perfect due to their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. If you’re after a zingy contrast, consider tart apples like Granny Smith.
How should I store leftovers of the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to restore that delicious crispy texture.
Can I freeze Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese?
Of course! To freeze, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet until crispy and heated through.
Why is my grilled cheese not melting properly?
That’s a great question! To ensure a good melt, make sure to use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, which often has anti-caking agents. Additionally, baking the sandwich helps melt the cheese thoroughly without burning the bread—it’s a game changer!
Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese, simply omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and texture. You can still enjoy that gooey goodness of melted cheese with the sweet apples!
How long will the sauce last in the fridge?
Great question! The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes it convenient for meal prepping or whipping up quick sandwiches without the hassle of making the sauce from scratch each time.
Savory Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure crispy bacon.
- Place bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Mix together Dijon mustard, mayo, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, honey, and chopped fresh sage in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread the sauce on slices of sourdough bread, and layer with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, and apple slices.
- Transfer the sandwich to an oven-safe skillet, add butter on top and in the pan, and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts.
- Sear the sandwich over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side for a golden-brown finish.