Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese

5 from 1 vote

A comfort food classic with a fall twist! This Apple and Bacon Grilled Cheese is the perfect combination of melty sharp cheddar, salty bacon and crisp apples, all sandwiched between crispy buttery sourdough bread. It's leveled up even further with a smear of caramelized onion jam to satisfy all your sweet and savory cravings!

Servings sandwich

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Equipment

cutting board
knife
heavy-bottomed pan
spatula

Ingredients

1 tbsp salted butter softened
1-2 tbsp caramelized onion jam *
2 slices of sourdough bread
2.5 slices of bacon cut in half **
7-8 thin slices of honeycrisp apple
⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
hot honey optional, for topping
fresh thyme leaves optional, for topping

Instructions

First, preheat a large heavy-bottomed pan (such as cast iron) to medium-low heat. Make sure that it's thoroughly preheated - this will take at least 5-10 minutes for a cast iron.
While the pan is preheating, butter one side of each of the sourdough slices. Then, flip over one piece and spread on the caramelized onion jam.
1 tbsp salted butter, 1-2 tbsp caramelized onion jam, 2 slices of sourdough bread
Once the pan is hot, add the sourdough to the pan with the buttered sides down. Allow it to warm up and toast for about 2 minutes.
2.5 slices of bacon, 7-8 thin slices of honeycrisp apple, ⅔ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Then, on the side without the jam, layer on half of the shredded cheddar, followed by the apple slices, bacon strips, and remaining cheddar.
Place the slice of bread with the jam on top. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, pressing down on it occasionally with your spatula. Then, carefully flip the sandwich and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes or until golden and cheese is melted.
Optionally, top with a drizzle of hot honey and a few fresh thyme leaves. Enjoy!
hot honey, fresh thyme leaves

Video

Notes

*NOTE: This is the one I used and it's delisssh! I also like this one from Stonewall Kitchen. This is a super convenient way to add that sweet caramelized onion flavor without having to go through the long process of making them from scratch.

**NOTE: The oven is my go-to method for cooking bacon. Add bacon strips to a parchment or foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is to your desired crispiness. Transfer to paper towel lined plate and blot off excess grease.

Calories: 769kcal

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple, Bacon, Cheddar, Cheese, Comfort Food, Fall Recipe, Grilled Cheese, Panini, Sandwich

Nutrition