Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese
This Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese is a sweet and savory combo that’s loaded with flavor. Fresh apple slices, smoky bacon, two kinds of cheese, and a touch of honey make the most delicious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
You’ll also love this pizza grilled cheese, pesto chicken sandwich, and turkey, apple and brie panini!
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, then I’ve got the best grilled cheese recipe for you.
It just screams classic comfort food to me. A warm and gooey sandwich, paired with a hot cup of soup is just about the coziest meal.
Like this prosciutto, raspberry and brie grilled cheese and caprese grilled cheese, this apple bacon version is packed with hearty ingredients and doesn’t lack in flavor.
The crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and honey. And it’s all smothered in between slices of toasted sourdough, which is a match made in foodie heaven. This is a unique spin on a traditional grilled cheese and is perfect for bacon lovers (and apple lovers, too).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Minimal ingredients: with just seven simple ingredients, this grilled cheese can be prepped and ready to go in no time.
- Easy: this sandwich is so easy to make…the bacon is cooked in the oven and then the sandwich is cooked in a skillet.
- Perfect for lunch or dinner: you can whip up this dish for a tasty lunch or dinner. And bonus, it’s kid-friendly and picky husband-approved, too!
- Decadently delicious: the sweet apples, honey and bacon strips are the most tastiest combo when enveloped between lots of cheese and sourdough slices.
Ingredients in Apple Cheddar Bacon Sandwich:
- Bacon: any kind of bacon works this recipe. If you want to make this super easy, you could even use the microwaveable kind.
- Bread: any slices of bread work well, though I prefer sourdough slices for the taste and texture.
- Honey: a drizzle gives this sandwich an extra touch of sweetness.
- Apple
- Cheeses: shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella.
- Butter: to coat the outsides of bread for the hot skillet.
How to Make Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese:
- Cook the bacon: use the stove for an easy method to cook the strips of bacon.
- Assemble the sandwiches: top slices of bread with honey, bacon, apples, and cheese slices. Add the tops of bread onto each slice to form and sandwich and then butter the tops.
- Cook: Place each sandwich, buttered side down, on a hot skillet, and then spread the remaining butter on the top slices of bread. Cook on each side until the cheese is melted and sandwiches are golden brown.
How to Store:
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best eaten right away, as the longer they sit, the soggier they get. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What Kind of Cheese Works Best?
I personally love the combination of sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheeses for this recipe, as it pairs well with the sweet and smoky ingredients. I also find that shredded cheese melts better than slices of cheese, though if that’s all you have on-hand, that will certainly work.
If you’re on the hunt for another cheese, brie or Havarti cheese would make a delicious option.
What Kind of Bread is Best for Grilled Cheese?
Any kind of thicker bread works, such as buttery sourdough bread, Texas toast, or French bread, so that it doesn’t get soggy and fall apart when the ingredients are added.
What Kind of Apples Should You Use?
I find that fuji, granny smith, or Honey crisp apples work well in this simple grilled cheese recipe because of the sweeter flavor.
Variations:
There are so many different ways to customize this easy lunch or dinner recipe. Here are a few of my favorite additions/variations:
- Swap the bacon: instead of regular bacon, try turkey bacon, prosciutto, or ham.
- Add more cheese: in addition to or in place of the cheddar and mozzarella, creamy brie, Swiss, pepper jack, or gouda cheese would taste delicious.
- Add some greens: fresh arugula, baby spinach, or kale would give this a healthier component.
- Sprinkle in some onions: caramelized onions would give this simple sandwich a unique spin.
- Try another condiment: Dijon mustard, fig jam, maple syrup, or mayonnaise would add a tasty element to this recipe.
- Use a different slice of bread: instead of sourdough, try Texas toast or challah.
Looking for More Easy Sandwich Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
- Prosciutto Egg Panini
- Grilled Ham and Swiss Sandwich
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini
- Spinach, Bacon and Feta Breakfast Sandwich
- Turkey Panini with Bacon and Guacamole
- Tomato, Avocado and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced, (such as Fuji or Granny Smith)
- ⅓ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, (softened to room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Line a large baking pan with parchment paper.
- Place bacon in a single layer on prepared pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon reaches your desired crispness. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Place slices of bread on a flat surface. Drizzle each slice with honey, and top two slices of bread with bacon, apples, and shredded cheeses. Place one piece of bread on top of the other piece of bread with apples to form a sandwich. Repeat with the other slice to form a second sandwich. Spread softened butter on the tops of each sandwich.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and then add both sandwiches, buttered side down, to the skillet. Butter the tops of each sandwich. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until cheese is melty and sandwiches turn golden brown. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftover sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- See my tips and tricks for making this Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese above the recipe box.
