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Hot Honey Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Apple

An elevated comfort food classic featuring melted cheddar and gouda, crispy thick-cut bacon, tart green apple slices, and a spicy-sweet drizzle of hot honey on toasted sourdough.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 780
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sandwich Components
  • 4 thick slices Sourdough bread Or artisanal bread of choice
  • 2 tbsp Butter or Mayonnaise For toasting the outside of the bread
  • 1 cup Sharp white cheddar cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gouda or Gruyère cheese Freshly grated
  • 4 slices Thick-cut bacon Cooked until crispy
  • 1/2 Granny Smith apple Cored and very thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp Hot honey Divided use (inside and drizzled on top)
  • 1 pinch Flaky sea salt Like Maldon, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron pan
  • Spatula
  • Cheese Grater
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and set aside. Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and grate both cheeses, mixing them together.
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
  3. Place two slices of bread, butter/mayo side down, on a cutting board. Layer a generous amount of the grated cheese blend onto both slices.
  4. Top the cheese with the crispy bacon strips and an even layer of thinly sliced green apples.
  5. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of hot honey evenly over the apples on each sandwich.
  6. Add the remaining grated cheese over the apples and honey, then top with the remaining bread slices, butter/mayo side facing up.
  7. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown.
  8. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Cook uncovered for another 4 to 5 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is completely melted.
  9. Remove from the skillet and immediately drizzle the top crust with a little extra hot honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
  10. Let the sandwiches rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing diagonally and serving hot.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese from a block for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent a gooey texture.