Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Gourmet grilled cheese with smoked Gouda, crisp apple slices, and buttery sourdough bread. A comforting lunch ready in 20 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 4 oz smoked Gouda cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Fruit

04 - 1 small crisp apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced

→ Optional Additions

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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the smoked Gouda melts into the apple slices creates this incredible sweet and savory moment that feels fancy but takes twenty minutes max
  • Its that perfect sandwich where comfort food meets something slightly unexpected, making even a regular Tuesday feel like a small occasion
02 -
  • Medium low heat is your friend here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly
  • Patience during those four minutes per side makes the difference between okay grilled cheese and the kind worth writing home about
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it holds heat evenly and creates those gorgeous dark golden spots
  • Weighing down the sandwich with another pan or spatula while cooking helps everything melt together into one cohesive unit
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