Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Smoky Gouda and crisp apple slices melted between buttery, golden-brown sourdough bread for an elevated comfort sandwich.

# What you need:

→ Bread & Dairy

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

→ Fruit

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

→ Optional Additions

05 - 1 tsp 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.
02 - Place the bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
03 - If using, spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two slices.
04 - Layer half of the Gouda slices on two bread slices.
05 - Arrange the apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining Gouda. Season with black pepper if desired.
06 - Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
07 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
08 - 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.
09 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The smoky Gouda and sweet apple create this incredible flavor dance you never want to end
  • It comes together in 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy bistro
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
  • Patience during those 4 minutes per side makes all the difference between okay and incredible
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the most even browning
  • Pressing gently with your spatula helps the cheese melt evenly
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