Why Make This Recipe
Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese gives you a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. It brings together the creaminess of melted cheddar cheese, the sweetness of roasted apples, and the crunch of crispy bacon. This recipe offers a unique twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich that is both comforting and exciting. Whether you are making a quick lunch or a tasty snack, this grilled cheese will make your taste buds dance!
How to Make Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese
To make this tasty grilled cheese, follow these simple steps. You will roast apples, prepare a flavorful herb butter, and then assemble everything together to create a wonderfully satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 medium Gala apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 slices bread
- 2 cups organic sharp or mild cheddar, grated or shredded
- 4 strips candied bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup hot honey, store-bought or homemade (see FAQ/post for homemade option)
- 4 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
To Roast the Apples:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced Gala apple with the extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and dried thyme until the apple slices are fully coated.
- Spread the apple slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the apples in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
To Make the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and spreadable. Set aside.
Assemble + Cook:
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
- While the pan is heating, spread a layer of herb butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the pan.
- Layer half of the grated cheddar cheese on each slice.
- Next, add the roasted apple slices and chopped candied bacon evenly on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the apple and bacon layer.
- Top everything with the other slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the pan, slice, and serve warm with a drizzle of hot honey.
How to Serve Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese
Serve this grilled cheese warm and gooey. A drizzle of hot honey on top will enhance the flavor even more. Pair it with a fresh salad, tomato soup, or a cup of your favorite beverage for a well-rounded meal. It's perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner.
How to Store Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in the toaster oven or on a skillet to restore the crispy texture.
Tips to Make Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Use fresh bread for the best texture and flavor. Sourdough or whole grain are also great choices.
- Make sure your bread is well-buttered to get that golden crust.
- Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a more unique taste.
Variation
You can try different fruits like pears or figs instead of apples for a new flavor. You can also swap out the cheddar for gouda or brie cheese for a creamier sandwich.
FAQs
-
Can I make the candied bacon at home?
Yes, to make candied bacon, coat strips of bacon in brown sugar and bake at 350°F (175°C) until crispy. -
What is hot honey?
Hot honey is honey infused with peppers to give it a spicy kick. You can buy it or make your own by heating honey with red pepper flakes. -
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Yes, but it will change the flavor. For a similar sweet and spicy taste, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to regular honey.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese is a delightful sandwich that mixes sweet and savory flavors. It's easy to make and truly satisfying. Try it for lunch, dinner, or a snack, and enjoy the delicious combination of ingredients. Once you take a bite, you will want to make it again and again! Enjoy your cooking!
Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
For the roasted apples
- 1 medium Gala apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.125 teaspoon dried thyme
For the sandwich
- 4 slices bread Use fresh sourdough or whole grain for best results.
- 2 cups organic sharp or mild cheddar, grated or shredded
- 4 strips candied bacon, chopped
- 0.25 cup hot honey, store-bought or homemade See FAQs for homemade option.
For the herb butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
To Roast the Apples
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced Gala apple with the extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and dried thyme until the apple slices are fully coated.
- Spread the apple slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the apples in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
To Make the Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and spreadable. Set aside.
Assemble + Cook
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat.
- While the pan is heating, spread a layer of herb butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the pan.
- Layer half of the grated cheddar cheese on each slice.
- Next, add the roasted apple slices and chopped candied bacon evenly on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the apple and bacon layer.
- Top everything with the other slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the pan, slice, and serve warm with a drizzle of hot honey.
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