Apple-Gouda Grilled Cheese with Sage Butter Recipe
A delicious and savory Apple-Gouda Grilled Cheese sandwich enhanced with fragrant sage butter and optional turkey bacon for added flavor. This recipe combines the sweetness of crisp apple slices with creamy melted Gouda cheese, all perfectly toasted on whole grain bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sage Butter
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage, chopped
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Sandwich
- 4 slices Whole Grain Bread
- 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 and stir until fully combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the apple about 1/8 inch thick to ensure they warm through quickly without becoming mushy. Slice the Gouda cheese evenly for better melting 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, then the thin apple slices. If using, sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon on top of the apples. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Sandwich: Place the other two slices of bread on top, buttered side up. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts. Use a spatula to press gently and flip carefully to avoid spilling the filling.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet once both sides are toasted and the cheese is melted. Let it rest for a minute before slicing in half. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use thin apple slices (approximately 1/8 inch) so they warm quickly without turning mushy.
- Fresh sage is preferred for the best flavor; if unavailable, substitute dried sage at one-third of the amount.
- Leftover sandwiches can be stored wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator and reheated in a skillet for optimal texture.
Keywords: Apple Gouda grilled cheese, sage butter sandwich, turkey bacon grilled cheese, autumn sandwich recipe, savory apple sandwich
