Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe
A deliciously sweet and savory Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese sandwich combining tart Granny Smith apples, tangy dried cranberries, and sharp cheddar cheese melted between buttery sourdough bread slices, perfect for a comforting lunch or quick snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 2 slices sourdough bread (thick)
Cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Fruit
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Butter
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple into thin, even slices and gather all other ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when grilled.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread buttered side down on a clean surface. Layer half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side, then add the thin apple slices, followed by the dried cranberries, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Finish by placing the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the bread to achieve a perfect golden crisp.
- Serve: Remove the grilled sandwich from the skillet, let it cool slightly for a minute or two, then slice diagonally and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use medium heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
- Thin slicing the apple helps it soften quickly and blend well with the melted cheese.
- For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon on the apple slices before assembling.
- You can substitute cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with a side salad or soup to round out the meal.
Keywords: grilled cheese, apple, cranberry, sourdough, cheddar, sandwich, stovetop, autumn recipe, sweet and savory
