Description
This Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon sandwich combines the sweet and spicy flavors of roasted apples drizzled with hot honey, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy candied bacon grilled to golden perfection. The herb butter spread on brioche or sourdough bread adds a flavorful, aromatic touch, making this grilled cheese sandwich a deliciously elevated comfort food perfect for brunch or a hearty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple and Seasoning
- 1 medium Gala apple, sliced 1/8 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Bread and Cheese
- 4 slices brioche bread or sourdough bread
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Bacon and Honey
- 4 strips candied bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup hot honey
Herb Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the apples, which will bring out their natural sweetness and soften them for the sandwich.
- Prepare Apples: Slice the Gala apple thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. Toss the slices in a bowl with olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and dried thyme until each slice is evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Roast Apples: Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the apples are softened and the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until all the herbs are well incorporated into the butter.
- Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat and allow it to warm fully, preparing it for grilling the sandwiches.
- Butter Bread: Spread the prepared herb butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will create a flavorful crispy crust once grilled.
- Start Sandwich Assembly: Place two slices of bread, herb butter side down, onto the preheated skillet. Evenly distribute half of the grated cheddar cheese on each slice of bread.
- Add Fillings: Layer the roasted apple slices and chopped candied bacon on top of the cheese, then drizzle each sandwich evenly with the hot honey to add a sweet and spicy kick.
- Close Sandwiches: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the fillings, then top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook Grilled Cheese: Grill the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, until the bread is golden brown and crisp.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each sandwich and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese inside has melted thoroughly.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from oozing out when cut. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a strong, tangy flavor that pairs well with sweet apples and spicy honey.
- For a spicier kick, you can add a little cayenne pepper to the hot honey drizzle.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon or substitute with a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Use brioche bread for a richer, buttery crust or sourdough for a tangier flavor and firmer texture.
- Make sure to slice the apples thinly so they roast evenly and melt nicely into the sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot honey grilled cheese, apple cheddar bacon sandwich, roasted apple sandwich, sweet and spicy grilled cheese, herb butter sandwich
