Name: Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 1 tbsp Mayo; 2 tsp Everything But The Bagel seasoning; 1 tsp honey; 3 leaves Fresh Sage, chopped; Pinch of Salt; 6-8 slices Bacon; 1 Fuji Apple, sliced thinly; 1/2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded; 3-4 sprigs Fresh Thyme (leaves separated); 4 tbsp Salted Butter; 4 slices Sourdough Bread

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 8 reviews

If you are craving a sandwich that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors, this Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining crisp, juicy slices of Fuji apple with savory bacon and sharp cheddar melted alongside mozzarella creates an irresistible texture and flavor combo. Topped with a flavorful Dijon-mayo spread laced with herbs and baked to golden perfection, this grilled cheese will quickly become your go-to comfort food for lunch, brunch, or even a cozy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black cast-iron pan filled with a single layer of caramelized onions. The onions are cooked to a dark brown color with glistening shiny edges, mixed with small sprigs of fresh thyme scattered on top. A wooden spatula with some onions sticking to it rests on the right side of the pan, slightly lifting some caramelized onions. The pan sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whipping up the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe only requires a handful of straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in enhancing the layers of flavor, giving you the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh elements.

Dijon Mustard: Brings a gentle tang and depth to the sandwich spread.
Mayo: Adds creaminess and helps bind the flavors together.
Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: Infuses a delightful pop of savory, herby notes in the spread.
Honey: Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the savory bacon and cheese.
Fresh Sage: Offers an earthy, aromatic freshness to the Dijon-mayo mix.
Bacon: Delivers smoky crispness that’s essential for that mouthwatering bite.
Fuji Apple: Thinly sliced for a juicy crunch and natural sweetness.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy kick that melts beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds gooey meltiness to complement the cheddar.
Fresh Thyme: Sprinkled on top for subtle herbaceous undertones.
Salted Butter: Used for baking and pan-frying to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
Sourdough Bread: Thick slices make the perfect sturdy base with a slightly tangy flavor.

How to Make Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the bacon slices evenly on a baking sheet and bake them for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. This method not only renders the bacon perfectly but also keeps the kitchen less messy than stovetop frying. Once the bacon is cooked, crank the oven temperature up to 400 degrees as you prepare the sandwich.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Spread

While the oven heats, combine Dijon mustard, mayo, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, honey, and freshly chopped sage in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and stir everything until it's well blended. This spread enriches the sandwich with tangy, sweet, and herbal notes, taking your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe to the next level.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Spread about one tablespoon of the prepared Dijon mixture onto two slices of sourdough bread. Over that, sprinkle the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses according to your taste preference. Next, layer on 3 to 4 bacon slices and 5 to 6 thin apple slices for that juicy crunch. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, then press both bread slices together.

Step 4: Bake the Sandwich

Transfer your sandwich to an oven-safe skillet or frying pan. Dot one tablespoon of butter on top of the bread and melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan beneath it. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and the bread starts to toast.

Step 5: Pan-Fry for the Perfect Crisp

After baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add a bit more butter and cook the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until both sides are golden brown and crisp. This step seals in all the flavors while creating that delightful crunch you expect in a grilled cheese.

How to Serve Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe

A black pan holds two halves of a toasted sandwich, each with two thick slices of golden-brown grilled bread on top and bottom. Inside, layers of melted orange cheese, crispy bacon strips, and thin apple slices peek out. Fresh thyme sprigs lie on top of the sandwich and around the pan, along with apple wedges. In the background, a white plate with apple slices and a honey dipper is partially visible on a white marbled surface with a black-and-white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh pop of color and flavor, garnish your sandwich with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or a light drizzle of honey. Thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of extra Everything But The Bagel seasoning on the side can also brighten the plate and complement the savory profile of the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted root vegetables, or a warming bowl of tomato soup, which contrasts the richness of melted cheese while echoing the sweet and savory notes of apple and bacon perfectly. Sweet potato fries or a fresh coleslaw also offer fantastic textural variety alongside this sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the sandwich diagonally for an appealing presentation that shows off the beautiful layers. For a casual gathering, cut into small bites on a platter with toothpicks to serve as party appetizers. You can also lightly grill the bread on the outside to create fun grill marks, adding a rustic and professional touch to your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though unlikely!), wrap your grilled cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. This keeps the bread from becoming soggy and preserves the freshness of the apples and cheeses for up to two days.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this grilled cheese due to the fresh apple slices, but if you want to freeze, assemble the sandwich without the apples first. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Add fresh apple slices when reheating or serving to maintain that crisp texture.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess. Instead, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, flipping often to melt the cheese and crisp the bread without drying out the sandwich. This keeps the texture and flavors just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! Fuji apples provide a nice balance of sweetness and crispness, but you can use Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Honeycrisp for extra juiciness. Just slice them thin so they melt harmoniously with the other ingredients.

What can I substitute for Everything But The Bagel seasoning if I don’t have it?

No worries if you don’t have that seasoning blend. You can mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of salt to mimic its flavor. It adds a tasty savory punch without overpowering the sandwich.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To keep it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add grilled mushrooms or sautéed tempeh for a smoky, savory twist that still complements the apple and cheese beautifully.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Definitely. Use your favorite gluten-free bread and ensure your mustard and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a delicious option for those with dietary restrictions.

How can I make the grilled cheese extra gooey?

Using a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella in this recipe already ensures great meltiness. For extra gooeyness, add a bit more mozzarella, or include a slice of creamy Havarti or fontina cheese. Just make sure to monitor the baking so it doesn’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the blend of crisp apple, savory bacon, and melted cheddar mingling together between buttery toasted bread. The Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple sandwich into something special and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe promises to bring joy with every delicious bite. Give it a try—you’ll likely find yourself making it again and again!

Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need