Smoked Gouda Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Smoky Gouda and crisp apple slices melted between buttery, golden sourdough for a comforting vegetarian twist.

# What You'll 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, cored and thinly sliced

→ Optional Additions

05 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. If using Dijon mustard, spread it on the unbuttered side of two slices.
03 - Arrange half the Gouda slices on two bread slices. Distribute apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with remaining Gouda. Season with black pepper if desired.
04 - Close sandwiches with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The way sweet apples balance smoky cheese feels like a fancy bistro lunch but comes together in twenty minutes flat
  • That first bite when warm cheese meets cold apple creates a contrast nobody expects but everyone craves
02 -
  • Medium low heat is nonnegotiable because high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly
  • Thin apple slices are the secret since thick ones create a slippery layer that makes the whole sandwich fall apart
03 -
  • Grating half the Gouda and slicing the rest gives you the best of both worlds, with slices for structure and grated cheese for faster melting
  • A splatter screen over your skillet prevents butter from making a mess on your stove while still letting steam escape
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