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–+ servings
stacked apple grilled cheese

Apple Grilled Cheese

prep 5 minutes
cook 5 minutes
total 10 minutes
This Grilled Cheese with Apples is the epitome of the best gooey and cheesy Fall sandwich. With sharp cheddar and caramelized onions, it comes together in about 5 minutes, but tastes gourmet and elevated with every bite. Serve it for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer for any gathering.
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Ingredients

Serves 2 sandwiches
  • 1 ciabatta loaf or 2 ciabatta rolls
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded sliced
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced optional
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • Bacon jam (See notes on recipe to make at home)
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions (See notes on recipe to make at home)

Instructions 

  • Make the caramelized onions: Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion, salt, and pepper and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 25–30 minutes.
  • Assemble the sandwiches: Slice the ciabatta and spread a layer of bacon jam on the bottom half. Add the grated sharp cheddar. Add a layer of caramelized onions, followed by a layer of thinly sliced Granny Smith apple and pickled red onions.
  • Cook the grilled cheese: Butter the outsides of the ciabatta and add the sandwich to a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is toasted and the cheddar has melted. If the bread is browning before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the skillet for a minute or two. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a batch of homemade pickled red onions:

  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
Add the sliced red onion to a heat-safe jar or bowl. Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve. Pour over the onions and let sit for at least 30 minutes before using.

For a batch of homemade bacon jam:

  • 1 lb bacon 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 medium onions diced
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup coffee
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup syrup
  • 2 garlic cloves diced
Add the chopped bacon to a skillet over medium heat and cook until browned and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and water, then return the bacon to the pan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and jammy, about 10–15 minutes.

Sandwich Storage: 

Store the leftover apple grilled cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Reheat on a griddle on the stovetop or in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through and melty in texture.
It's really best to enjoy this sandwich fresh off the griddle, and since it's quick and easy to assemble in 5 minutes, there's no stress!