Description

This Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Sandwich is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors wrapped in crispy, buttery sourdough bread. Sharp cheddar melts wonderfully with thinly sliced apples drizzled with hot honey, creating a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Ideal for a quick lunch or comforting snack, this sandwich offers layers of texture and bold taste that will satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

2 slices of sourdough bread
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Sandwich Filling

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

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the apple and shred sharp cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Make sure the butter is softened for easy spreading on the bread.
Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat until hot enough to toast bread without burning it.
Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each sourdough slice to achieve a golden, crispy crust when cooked.
Assemble First Layer: Place one slice of bread butter-side-down in the skillet. Immediately layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this bread slice.
Add Apple and Hot Honey: Arrange thin apple slices evenly on top of the cheese, then drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of hot honey according to your spice preference.
Season: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt over the apples and honey layer for enhanced flavor.
Top with Cheese and Bread: Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, then cover with the second slice of bread, butter side facing up.
Cook First Side: Let the sandwich cook for 3-4 minutes or until the bottom bread is golden brown and cheese starts melting.
Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Reduce heat if the bread browns too fast before the cheese melts.
Rest and Serve: Remove sandwich from skillet, let it sit for one minute before slicing in half. Optionally add a handful of arugula or spinach leaves inside for a fresh crunch before serving.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that complements the sweet and spicy elements.
Adjust hot honey quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp offers a sweeter profile; choose based on taste preference.
Softened butter is essential to achieve the perfect crispy crust without tearing the bread.
Adding greens like arugula or spinach adds freshness and texture contrast.
If hot honey is unavailable, you can make a quick version by mixing honey with a pinch of chili flakes.