Smoked Gouda & Apple Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Gourmet sandwich featuring smoky Gouda cheese and crisp apple slices melted between buttery, golden-brown bread.

# 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, cored and thinly sliced

→ Optional Additions

05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each bread slice and place them buttered side down on a clean surface.
02 - Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of two bread slices if desired.
03 - Layer half of the Gouda slices on two bread slices, arrange apple slices evenly over the cheese, then top with remaining Gouda and season with black pepper.
04 - Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces outward.
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 bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from heat, let cool slightly, slice diagonally, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky richness of Gouda transforms a childhood staple into something that feels elegant enough for company
  • Apple adds this perfect bright note that cuts through all that cheese, so each bite feels balanced instead of heavy
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is not a suggestion, it's the difference between a sad sandwich and the one people ask you to make forever
  • Apples should be sliced thin but not paper-thin, or they'll disappear entirely into the cheese
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because the heat distribution creates the most even golden crust
  • Let the cheese come to room temperature before slicing so it melts more evenly
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