Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Combining sharp cheddar with tart apple slices and sweet dried cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 slices sourdough bread (thick)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 medium Granny Smith apple (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thinly slice the apple and prepare all your ingredients.
2. Step 2: Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
3. Step 3: On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer half the cheddar cheese, followed by apple slices, dried cranberries, and then the remaining cheese. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
4. Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip and grill the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then slice diagonally and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple slices before assembling the sandwich.
• Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins as a variation.
• Use a combination of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
• Grill the sandwich on low heat to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.

Storage

Store any leftovers wrapped in foil or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until the cheese melts again and the bread is crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?

Yes, while sourdough offers great texture and flavor, you can use other sturdy bread like whole wheat, rye, or multigrain. Just make sure the bread is thick enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

If you don’t have dried cranberries, dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots work well to add a touch of sweetness and chewiness.

Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring tangy Granny Smith apples and sweet dried cranberries layered with sharp cheddar between buttery sourdough bread, grilled to perfectly crispy and melty goodness.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and gather all other ingredients for easy assembly.
2. Butter the Bread: Spread unsalted butter evenly on one side of each sourdough bread slice to ensure a crispy, golden crust when grilling.
3. Assemble the Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then arrange the apple slices and sprinkle the dried cranberries evenly. Finish with the remaining cheddar cheese and place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up.
4. Grill the Sandwich: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool slightly for easier slicing, then cut diagonally and serve warm.

Notes

• Use thick-cut sourdough bread for the best texture and to support the filling.
• Adjust the apple slices thickness to preference; thinner slices melt better with cheese.
• For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a handful of toasted walnuts inside the sandwich.
• If preferred, substitute dried cranberries with fresh cranberries cooked down with a bit of sugar to make a compote.
• Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the bread while allowing the cheese to melt properly.

Keywords: grilled cheese, apple, cranberry, sourdough, cheddar, sandwich, fall recipe, easy lunch