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Homemade Apple-Gouda Grilled Cheese with Sage Butter recipe photo
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Apple-Gouda Grilled Cheese with Sage Butter

This Apple-Gouda Grilled Cheese with Sage Butter is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and herbal flavors, perfect for an elevated sandwich experience.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Grilled Cheese, Quick, Sandwich, Savory
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 slices Whole Grain Bread

For the Sage Butter:

  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage chopped
  • to taste Salt and Pepper for seasoning

For the Sandwich:

  • 1 medium Apple thinly sliced (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 4 ounces Gouda Cheese sliced
  • optional Turkey Bacon cooked and crumbled

Instructions

Prepare the Sage Butter

  • In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter with the chopped fresh sage. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Stir until fully combined and set aside.

Prepare the Ingredients

  • Thinly slice the apple to ensure it warms through quickly without becoming mushy. Next, slice the gouda cheese into even pieces that will melt evenly across the bread.

Assemble the Sandwich

  • Lay out the four slices of whole grain bread. Spread the sage butter generously on one side of each slice. On two slices, buttered side down, layer the gouda slices, followed by the thin apple slices. If you’re adding turkey bacon, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the apples. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook the Sandwich

  • Place the other two slices of bread on top, buttered side up. Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwich on the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a spatula to press gently and flip carefully.

Serve

  • Once both sides are toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute before slicing in half. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Equipment

  • Non-stick Skillet or Griddle
  • Spatula
  • Butter Knife
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Notes

  • Use thin apple slices (about 1/8 inch) to ensure they warm quickly without becoming mushy.
  • Fresh sage is preferred for best flavor; if unavailable, use dried sage at one-third the amount.
  • Store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet for best texture.