Description
A delicious Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Sandwich that combines the sharpness of cheddar cheese with the sweetness and spice of hot honey and crisp apple slices, all toasted to golden perfection on buttery sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack with a balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 small apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of sea salt
- Optional: Arugula or spinach leaves for added freshness
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the apple and shred the sharp cheddar cheese if not already shredded. Ensure the unsalted butter is softened for easy spreading on the bread.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and allow it to get hot enough to toast the bread without burning.
- Butter Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread to help achieve a golden, crispy crust during cooking.
- Assemble Sandwich Base: Place one slice of bread in the hot skillet, butter side down. Immediately layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over this slice.
- Add Apple and Honey: Arrange a layer of thin apple slices over the cheddar cheese. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of hot honey on top of the apple slices, adjusting amount based on your heat preference.
- Season: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt over the apple and honey layer to enhance the flavor.
- Complete Assembly: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the seasoned apples, then top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook First Side: Cook the sandwich in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes or until the bottom slice of bread turns golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting in half. Optionally, add arugula or spinach inside for a fresh crunch before serving.
Notes
- Use a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture contrast.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey depending on how spicy and sweet you like your sandwich.
- Softening the butter beforehand ensures even spreading and better crust development.
- Lower the heat if the bread browns too quickly before the cheese is fully melted.
- Adding greens like arugula or spinach adds freshness and a pleasant texture contrast.
