Apple grilled cheese is a crispy, melty sandwich that combines crisp apples with gooey cheese and honey. This sandwich is a fun way to turn grilled cheese from an everyday sandwich into something special—it’s like your favorite childhood grilled cheese got a delicious grown-up makeover!
With a few essential ingredients, you can create the ultimate contrast of textures – ultra-crispy bread on the outside and melty cheese on the inside. The key is using thinly sliced apples and choosing a cheese that melts well, creating a balance of flavors that works for the whole family.
I include instructions for making this in the air fryer or on the stove so you can make it the way that works best for you. This recipe is perfect for a deliciously different lunch or a simple dinner when everyone’s hungry, and you don’t have time for anything complicated.
Let me show you how to make this simple sandwich that takes ordinary bread, cheese, and apples and turns them into something new. Once you try this combination, you’ll never want regular grilled cheese again!
Looking for more simple dinner ideas? Try oven-baked Italian subs, cilantro lime shrimp tacos, or Nicoise salad.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Bread: I love using thick-cut Italian bread or sourdough bread for this recipe.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to choice. I use three slices per sandwich to ensure maximum meltiness.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite! Their tartness cuts through the rich cheese perfectly.
- Raisins
- Honey
- Butter
🥣How to Make Apple Grilled Cheese
- Thinly slice the apples.
- Start by buttering one side of each bread slice.
- Layer 2 slices of cheddar cheese on two of the bread slices (these will be your bottom pieces).
- Arrange your thinly sliced Granny Smith apples on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the raisins evenly over the apples, then drizzle with honey.
- Add your final slice of cheese to each sandwich’s filling. This is your “glue” for the top piece of bread. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Put the sandwiches in the air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees F for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes until the sandwich is golden brown.
- Alternatively, you can cook them in a skillet on medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping once.
🍴Serving Ideas
Do you know what makes this apple grilled cheese even more special? The perfect sides! My family’s favorite is traditional – a warm bowl of tomato soup. There’s something magical about dunking a crispy, cheesy sandwich into that rich soup!
For a lighter option, I often serve it with a simple green salad. The crisp lettuce and light vinaigrette perfectly balance out the richness of the cheese. When I’m feeling extra fancy, I’ll add some sweet potato chips or apple chips on the side.
💭How to Store
This apple grilled cheese is definitely best served fresh off the griddle. The combination of melty cheese and warm, crispy bread is something you can’t recreate after storage. Plus, those fresh apple slices can get a bit soggy if left sitting around.
This sandwich comes together in just 15 minutes, so you’re better off making it right when you want to eat it. Sometimes, the simplest approach is the best one!
⭐Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- The key to getting this sandwich just right is slicing your apples nice and thin. You want them to warm through while the cheese melts. I cut them about ⅛ inches thick—any thicker, and they’ll stay too crunchy.
- Room-temperature butter will be easier to spread on the bread.
- Wait until the cheese starts melting before you flip the sandwich. This helps hold everything together and prevents your filling from falling out.
- While I like Granny Smith apples in this recipe, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work great, too. You want to use a crisp apple, not a soft one.
- You can skip the honey if you prefer your sandwiches to be savory instead of sweet.
- Thick-cut bread is my favorite. For a fun twist, you can also use raisin bread and skip adding the raisins to the sandwich.
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Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Thick Slices of Bread
- 6 Slices Cheddar Cheese
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Raisins
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 2 tablespoons Butter divided
Instructions
- Cut apple slices about ⅛ inch thick.
- Butter one side of 4 slices of bread, and place butter side down on a cutting board.4 Thick Slices of Bread, 2 tablespoons Butter
- Add two slices of cheese to 2 of the slices of bread.6 Slices Cheddar Cheese
- Top the cheese slices with sliced apples, raisins, and a drizzle of honey.1 apple, 2 tablespoons Raisins, 1 tablespoon Honey
- Add the final slice of cheese to each sandwich and top it with the remaining bread, butter side up.
- Air frying instructions: Air fry at 370 degrees F for 4 minutes. Flip the sandwiches over and air fry for another 4 minutes.
- Stovetop instructions: Put the sandwiches in a frying pan on medium heat and cook until the bread on the pan is golden, flipping once. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Notes
- These sandwiches should be enjoyed fresh. They do not save well.
- Slicing your apples thinly. I cut them about ⅛ inches thick—any thicker, and they’ll stay too crunchy.
- Room-temperature butter will be easier to spread on the bread.
- Wait until the cheese starts melting before you flip the sandwich. This helps hold everything together and prevents your filling from falling out.
- While I like Granny Smith apples in this recipe, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work great, too. You want to use a crisp apple, not a soft one.
- You can skip the honey if you prefer your sandwiches to be savory instead of sweet.
- I like to use hick-cut bread. For a fun twist, you can also use raisin bread and skip adding the raisins to the sandwich.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
