Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Gourmet twist featuring smoky Gouda and crisp apples on buttery sourdough, grilled to golden perfection.

# 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 (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), 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. Place bread slices buttered side down on a clean cutting board.
02 - If using mustard, spread it evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
03 - Arrange half of the smoked Gouda slices on the mustard-covered bread. Place apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with remaining Gouda. Season with black pepper if desired.
04 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is thoroughly melted.
06 - Remove from heat, let cool for 1–2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky Gouda creates this incredible depth that plain cheddar can never match, and the apples add this bright crunch that cuts through all that richness perfectly
  • It comes together in about 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy bistro, plus the combo of sweet and savory hits every single craving at once
02 -
  • Low and slow is absolutely crucial here because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts, and nothing is sadder than cutting into a grilled cheese only to find cold cheese inside
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for just a couple minutes after cooking keeps the cheese from oozing out when you slice them, which I learned after making a mess one too many times
03 -
  • Grate some of the Gouda and mix it with the sliced cheese for faster melting and better coverage
  • Use a panini press if you have one because it creates those gorgeous restaurant style grill marks
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