The Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort sandwich that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors into one irresistible bite. This delightful creation features crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and crunchy Fuji apple slices layered within perfectly toasted sourdough, all enhanced by a fragrant blend of fresh herbs and a luscious honey-Dijon mayo sauce. Whether you’re looking for a cozy lunch or an elevated twist on a classic grilled cheese, this recipe brings a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that will undoubtedly become one of your go-to favorites.

Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun when making Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese. Each element, from tangy mustard to crispy bacon, plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this sandwich extraordinary.

Dijon Mustard: Adds a zippy, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Mayo: Creates a creamy, slightly tangy base that keeps the sandwich moist and flavorful.
Everything But The Bagel seasoning: Brings savory, garlicky bursts of flavor and a bit of crunch to the sandwich spread.
Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the tart apples and sharp cheddar.
Fresh Sage: Offers an earthy, aromatic note to elevate the flavor profile.
Bacon: Crispy, salty, and smoky, bacon adds irresistible texture and savoriness.
Fuji Apple: Thinly sliced for a juicy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melted cheese.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a bold, tangy flavor and melty texture essential for grilled cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretch and creaminess that perfectly balances the sharp cheddar.
Fresh Thyme: Sprinkled in for a gentle herbal freshness that brightens every bite.
Salted Butter: Used generously to achieve that golden, crispy crust that makes grilled cheese so comforting.
Sourdough Bread: The sturdy, tangy base that holds all the fillings without getting soggy.

How to Make Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start by preheating your oven to 375 °F and lining a baking sheet to cook your bacon. Bake the bacon for 15 to 20 minutes until it reaches that perfect golden brown, irresistibly crispy texture. This method ensures evenly cooked bacon with minimal mess and sets the stage for the sandwich’s smoky base.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Spread

While the bacon cooks, whip together a tangy and slightly sweet spread by mixing Dijon mustard, mayo, Everything But The Bagel seasoning, honey, and freshly chopped sage. This blend is the secret magic that ties the apple, bacon, and cheese together, adding moisture and complexity.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwich

Take two slices of sourdough and spread about one tablespoon of your honey-Dijon mixture on each slice. Layer shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously on one side. Top with 3 to 4 slices of crisp bacon and 5 to 6 thin slices of Fuji apple, then sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves over everything. Press the sandwich together firmly so all those delicious flavors can meld.

Step 4: Preheat Your Pan and Butter the Bread

Place the sandwich in an oven-safe skillet and add one tablespoon of salted butter on top of the sandwich and another tablespoon underneath in the pan. This double buttering is the trick that guarantees a buttery, crisp golden crust on both sides.

Step 5: Bake Until Cheese Melts

Put the skillet into the oven (now increased to 400 °F) and bake for about 8 to 10 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt perfectly, while the sandwich slowly gets warm and cohesive.

Step 6: Finish on the Stovetop

Carefully transfer the skillet to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add more butter if needed and cook the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This final sear locks in a crispy, buttery crust and brings out the full flavors of your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese.

How to Serve Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation and extra flavor, add fresh thyme sprigs or a light sprinkle of Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top. A small side of tangy pickles can help cut through the richness and refresh your palate between bites.

Side Dishes

This grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette, or a bowl of creamy tomato soup for that classic combo. Roasted root vegetables also complement the sandwich’s sweet and savory layers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the sandwich into fun bite-sized triangles for party platters or to serve with dips. Alternatively, use a panini press for an extra-defined grill pattern and even crispier crust that adds visual and textural appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, wrap your Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This helps maintain freshness without drying out the bread.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled sandwiches uncooked by wrapping each one well in plastic wrap and foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook according to the instructions for a fresh taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on a skillet over medium heat, flipping frequently to prevent burning and to restore some crispness. Avoid the microwave to keep your sandwich from getting soggy—reheating slowly in a pan is key for that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Fuji apples are sweet and crisp, but tart Granny Smith or honeycrisp apples also work beautifully, offering a lovely contrast to the savory bacon and cheese.

What bread works best for this grilled cheese?

Sourdough is ideal thanks to its sturdy texture and slight tanginess, but you can also use whole wheat, multigrain, or even a nice rustic country bread for great flavor and structure.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the bacon and consider adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a similarly rich and savory taste that complements the apple and cheese.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

To lighten it up, you can reduce the amount of butter used and opt for turkey bacon or a lower-fat cheese. Serving it with a fresh salad also helps balance out the richness.

How can I add more herbs if I love freshness?

Feel free to increase the amount of fresh sage and thyme or add fresh rosemary for an extra aromatic lift. Just be sure to finely chop herbs so they blend well without overpowering the sandwich.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese that makes it a standout in any recipe collection. Combining delightful contrasts of flavor and texture, this sandwich is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your most beloved meals to make and share. Don’t hesitate—go ahead and bring this deliciousness into your kitchen today!

Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

A deliciously savory and sweet Apple Bacon and Cheddar Grilled Cheese sandwich that combines crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, melted mozzarella, and thinly sliced Fuji apples on sourdough bread, enhanced with a tangy dijon mayo spread and fresh herbs for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food.

Author: Nethan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Baking and Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Spread

1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tbsp Mayonnaise
2 tsp Everything But The Bagel seasoning
1 tsp Honey
3 leaves Fresh Sage, chopped
Pinch of Salt

Sandwich

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
4 tbsp Salted Butter
4 slices Sourdough Bread

Instructions

Cook Bacon: Preheat the oven to 375 °F. Arrange bacon slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove bacon and increase oven temperature to 400 °F.
Prepare Spread: In a small bowl, combine dijon mustard, mayonnaise, everything but the bagel seasoning, honey, freshly chopped sage leaves, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Assemble Sandwich: Spread about 1 tablespoon of the dijon mixture onto two slices of sourdough bread. Evenly sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the spread. Layer 3-4 slices of cooked bacon and 5-6 thin apple slices on top of the cheese. Sprinkle 1-2 thyme leaves on each sandwich. Press the sandwiches together and place them in an oven-safe skillet or frying pan. Dot 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each sandwich and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan.
Bake Sandwich: Place the pan with the sandwiches into the preheated 400 °F oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread starts to toast.
Pan-Fry for Crispiness: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer it to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add additional butter to the pan as needed and cook each side of the sandwich for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

Use Fuji apples for a sweet and crisp flavor; Granny Smith apples can be used for a tart twist.
Ensure bacon is cooked until crispy to add texture and prevent sogginess in sandwich.
Feel free to adjust cheese quantities to your taste preference.
Fresh thyme and sage add an aromatic herbal element; dried herbs can substitute but use sparingly.
Use an oven-safe skillet to easily transition from oven to stovetop without transferring sandwiches.
Butter helps to achieve a golden crust; do not skip for best texture.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add extra cheese or substitute with smoked tempeh.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: grilled cheese, bacon sandwich, apple grilled cheese, cheddar cheese sandwich, autumn sandwich, comfort food, baked sandwich