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Apple Bacon Cheddar Melt

A gourmet sweet and savory sandwich with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh apple, and thyme, grilled to golden perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 melts
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 780

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 slices hearty artisan bread sourdough, country white
  • 4-6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon
  • 1 medium tart-sweet apple Honeycrisp or Granny Smith
  • 6 oz sharp white cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet or griddle (preferably cast iron)
  • Box Grater
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then break slices in half.
  2. Core apple and slice into thin half-moons (1/8-inch thick). Grate the cheddar cheese. Mix softened butter with fresh thyme leaves.
  3. Spread the thyme butter on one side of each bread slice. Place slices buttered-side down.
  4. On two slices (unbuttered side up), layer: a light sprinkle of cheese, apple slices, a drizzle of honey, bacon pieces, then the remaining cheese.
  5. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
  6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Cook sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until deeply golden and cheese is melted.
  7. Let rest for 1 minute, cut in half, garnish with extra thyme and black pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese and cook over medium-low heat to ensure proper melting without burning the bread.