Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Gourmet sandwich featuring smoky Gouda cheese and crisp apple slices melted between buttery, golden-brown sourdough bread.

# 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

# How-To:

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

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The salty smoky cheese against sweet crisp apple creates the most perfect balance
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy café
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is nonnegotiable here because you want the cheese to melt before the bread burns
  • Thin apple slices are the secret to getting everything warm and cohesive without being awkward to bite
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because the heat distribution is unbeatable for even browning
  • Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling so the cheese sets slightly and does not ooze out when you slice
Return