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Honeycrisp and Gouda Grilled Cheese #AppleWeek

This post is sponsored by Rainier Fruit. As always, all opinions are my own. 

Thinly sliced honeycrisp apples add a sweet twist to classic grilled cheese. They are paired here with gouda, but cheddar would be delicious, too. 

Thinly sliced honeycrisp apples add a sweet twist to classic grilled cheese. They are paired here with gouda, but cheddar would be delicious, too. #AppleWeek

I love honeycrisp apples. I love eating them raw, dipped in peanut butter, in applesauce, in pie, in sangria. But with all of the sweet options there are for preparing honeycrisp apples, the savory options can get overlooked.

Apples are often included on cheese boards because they pair so well with semi-hard cheeses. They also are delicious in one of my favorite fall meals: grilled cheese sandwiches. What is it about grilled cheese that makes it such a comforting food?

Thinly sliced honeycrisp apples add a sweet twist to classic grilled cheese. They are paired here with gouda, but cheddar would be delicious, too. #AppleWeek

I used whole wheat bread in this sandwich because that's what we keep in the house, but most varieties of sandwich bread will do. Make sure they're not sliced too thick, or else the heat won't get through to melt the cheese.

A package of pre-sliced Gouda (or cheddar) cheese will work best for melting. Aging and smoking both harden the cheese, which makes it take longer to melt, by which time your bread may burn.

Thinly sliced honeycrisp apples add a sweet twist to classic grilled cheese. They are paired here with gouda, but cheddar would be delicious, too. #AppleWeek

I received a box full of organic honeycrisp apples from Rainier Fruit. I sliced them thinly, about a quarter of an inch thick, with my new Chicago Cutlery knife and layered them with the slices of cheese, so that the cheese would melt around the slices and hold them in the sandwich.

Finally, cook your grilled cheese low and slow. I know it's hard to be patient when there's gooey, melty cheese involved, but if you try to rush the process, you'll end up with warm bread and cold, unmelted cheese.

This is delicious for lunch, or serve with a small salad or cup of soup for a comforting dinner on a chilly evening.

Thinly sliced honeycrisp apples add a sweet twist to classic grilled cheese. They are paired here with gouda, but cheddar would be delicious, too. #AppleWeek

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Thinly sliced honeycrisp apples add a sweet twist to classic grilled cheese. They are paired here with gouda, but cheddar would be delicious, too. #AppleWeek

Honeycrisp Gouda Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 slices whole wheat bread
  • 16 slices gouda cheese
  • 1 honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
  • Salted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Spray with nonstick spray. 
  2. Spread butter on each slice of bread. 
  3. Place on slice of bread (or two, if your skillet is large enough) buttered-side down in the skillet. 
  4. Alternate layering 4 slices of cheese and 3 slices of apple onto each piece of bread. Top with another slice of bread, placed buttered-side up. 
  5. When the bottom piece of bread is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich over and cook until the bottom is golden brown. 
  6. Repeat with remaining bread, cheese and apples. Serve warm. 

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Carlee

Friday 29th of September 2017

I think I know what I'm having for lunch! This looks delicious!

Wendy Klik

Thursday 28th of September 2017

Love including apples on my grilled cheese. I have never used Gouda for a grilled cheese sandwich. It is now on my list.

NancyF

Thursday 28th of September 2017

Strudel, pie, muffins, pancakes (my dad made the best!), and my favorite to date.....home made cinnamon rolls with grated apple and caramel bits in the filling! Oh, I forgot....apple salad, scones, apple butter, and list goes on & on! Finally, your grilled cheese (I used havarti on marbled rye) with apple slices was delicious at lunch today!!

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