Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe
A delightful twist on classic grilled cheese, this Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese sandwich combines sharp cheddar with the tartness of Granny Smith apples and the sweetness of dried cranberries, all melted between crispy sourdough bread slices. Perfect for a cozy lunch or snack, it offers a balance of savory and fruity flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Lunch, Snack, Sandwich
- Method: Grilling, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 2 slices thick sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Filling
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple into even, thin slices to ensure they warm through when grilled. Gather all your ingredients so they are easy to assemble.
- Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. These buttered sides will be on the outside, helping create a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a clean surface. On the unbuttered side, layer half the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then add a layer of the thin apple slices followed by the dried cranberries. Top this with the remaining shredded cheese, then place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich carefully into the pan and grill for 3 to 5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula and grill the other side for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the bread to become evenly golden.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the heat and let it cool for a minute to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice diagonally to serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for the best balance of tangy flavor and meltability.
- Thin apple slices ensure they warm through without making the sandwich soggy.
- Adjust cooking times based on your stove and skillet for optimal browning.
- For variation, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of honey for extra sweetness.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute sourdough bread with gluten-free bread slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, apple grilled cheese, cranberry grilled cheese, sourdough sandwich, fall sandwich, vegetarian snack
