Description
This Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Sandwich is a delightful blend of sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced apples, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey, all grilled to golden perfection on buttery sourdough bread. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors makes this sandwich an irresistible treat perfect for a quick lunch or comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of sea salt
- Optional: Arugula or spinach leaves for added freshness
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the apple and shred the sharp cheddar cheese if not already shredded. Make sure the butter is softened to facilitate easy spreading on the bread.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and allow it to get hot enough to toast the bread without burning.
- Butter Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. This buttered side will create a crispy, golden crust.
- Layer Cheese: Place one slice of bread, butter side down, onto the hot skillet. Immediately sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the bread.
- Add Apples and Honey: Layer the thin apple slices on top of the cheese, then drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot honey over the apples according to your preferred spice level.
- Season: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and a small pinch of sea salt over the apple and honey layer for enhanced flavor.
- Top With Cheese and Bread: Add the remaining cheddar cheese on top, then cover with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook First Side: Let the sandwich cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom slice turns golden brown and the cheese starts melting.
- Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Lower the heat if the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and allow it to rest for a minute. Optionally, add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach inside before cutting the sandwich in half and serving.
Notes
- Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to provide a nice crunch that contrasts with the melted cheese.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your tolerance for spice and sweetness.
- Butter the bread evenly for consistent browning and a crisp texture.
- If you prefer, add leafy greens such as arugula or spinach to add freshness and a peppery bite.
- Be sure to cook at medium heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
