Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Smoky Gouda meets crisp apple in buttery golden sourdough for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort favorite.

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way smoke from the Gouda curls around sweet apple creates something greater than its parts
  • Twenty minutes from craving to comfort, no elaborate techniques required
02 -
  • Low and slow is your friend, high heat burns bread before cheese melts into that perfect state
  • Letting the sandwich rest for two minutes after cooking prevents that tragic cheese escape when you slice
03 -
  • Cheese slices at room temperature melt faster and more evenly than cold from the fridge
  • Cover the skillet with a lid for the first minute to help cheese reach melting temperature
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