Smoked Gouda Apple Grilled Cheese (Print Page)

Smoky Gouda meets crisp apple in this golden, melty comfort classic ready in 20 minutes.

# What You 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, such as 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.
02 - Place the bread slices buttered side down on a clean surface. If using mustard, spread it on the unbuttered side of two slices.
03 - Layer half of the Gouda slices on two bread slices. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining Gouda. Season with black pepper if desired.
04 - Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky Gouda melts into absolute velvet while apples keep every bite bright and lively
  • Ready in twenty minutes flat but tastes like something from a fancy café
  • Perfect for those days when you need comfort food but want to feel slightly fancy
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here because high heat burns bread before cheese melts
  • Patience during cooking rewards you with that perfect crunch and molten center
03 -
  • Pressing lightly with your spatula helps the cheese adhere to the bread while cooking
  • Let the sandwich rest for one minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly for cleaner bites
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