Start with some sweet, crisp apples. I like fuji, pink lady, honey crisp, and similar varieties, but anything works. Slice them thinly, in about 1/8-inch slices. Next, slice some cheddar cheese. I like extra sharp in most recipes because when combined with other ingredients the extra punch helps the flavor stand out.
You’ll also want to make sure to use a good, hearty, rustic bread (not a super soft and squishy one). Cover both slices of bread with slices of cheese, and top one of them with a single layer of sliced apples.
Sprinkle the apples with a light dusting of cinnamon and a little pinch of kosher salt or sea salt.
Then just plop that sucker together. Spread a little butter on the outsides and then grill either in a skillet or a panini grill. The heat toasts the bread, melts that gooey cheese, and softens the apples so they’re tender.
The result is this fabulous grilled cheese sandwich, but taken to a new level. Since the apples are softened, they just add this perfect sweetness that offsets the little flakes of salt and the creamy, savory cheese. But now we’re really going to get crazy. Remember I was inspired by cheese toast here. This is why it’s important to have a hearty, rustic bread. One with lots of airy holes in it, because now you’re going to drizzle your grilled cheese with maple syrup.
I know, it sounds kind of nutty, but trust me, it’s amaaaazing. Sweet and savory and crunchy and soft, and all around delicious.
If you use a good rustic bread, the syrup just sort of falls into all of those nooks and crannies so it’s not a total disaster to eat. You could also serve a little maple syrup on the side and dip. Because you know you’ve always wanted to dip a sandwich in syrup.
Try it with a cup of butternut squash soup, or a side salad for dinner, or with a glass of milk for breakfast, it’s comfort food no matter what time of day- try it out! (Hover your mouse over the image below to Pin it!)
Measurements are approximate. These are sandwiches- don’t overthink it! Ingredients 4 slices rustic sandwich bread 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or enough to cover all the slices) 1-2 sweet, crisp apples ground cinnamon kosher or sea salt 3-4 tablespoons real butter 100% real maple syrup Instructions Butter each slice of bread and place slices butter-side down on a cutting board. Place cheese on each slice of bread. Core apples and slice into 1/8 inch slices. Place apple slices on 4 slices of bread and lightly sprinkle them with ground cinnamon and salt. Put sandwich halves together and grill in a hot skillet, or on a Panini grill, or broiled in the oven, flipping sandwiches and cooking until each side is golden brown and cheese is melted. Drizzle with maple syrup, or serve on the side for dipping. Makes 4 sandwiches.
