Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese

Smoky Gouda and crisp apples melted between golden-brown buttery bread. A gourmet twist on the classic comfort sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread

02 - 4 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, sliced

03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Fruit

04 - 1 small crisp apple such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and thinly sliced

→ Optional Additions

05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

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 - Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two slices if using.

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 to 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 and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The sweet crunch of apple against smoky melted cheese creates that perfect salty-sweet moment we all secretly chase
It comes together in about twenty minutes but tastes like something from a fancy café
The sandwich transforms ordinary grilled cheese into something worth remembering

02 -

Medium-low heat is not a suggestion. High heat burns the bread before the cheese melts, and nobody wants that disappointment.
Slicing apples paper-thin creates the best texture. Thick slices slide out when you bite and make the sandwich fall apart.

03 -