Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese

Get ready to elevate your grilled cheese game with this fall-inspired Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese! This oh-so-satisfying sandwich combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, smoky candied bacon + sweet tangy apples-- All perfectly harmonized with a drizzle of hot honey. Gluten-free option.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 medium Gala apple, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp dried thyme
• 4 slices bread
• 2 cups organic Sharp or Mild Cheddar, grated or shredded
• 4 strips Candied Bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup hot honey, store-bought or homemade ((See FAQ/Post for homemade option))
• 4 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Pinch of sea salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- TO ROAST THE APPLES: ---
2. 2Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. 3Add the sliced apples, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon, thyme, and nutmeg. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tender and juices begin to bubble outside of skin of the apples have wilted and become golden. Remove from oven and let cool.
4. 4--- TO MAKE THE HERB BUTTER: ---
5. 5Mix together all ingredients until smooth and soft.
6. 6--- ASSEMBLE + COOK: ---
7. 7On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the herb butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden.
8. 8On one side of 2 slices of bread, add a spoonful of hot honey spreading evenly until covered followed by a handful of chopped bacon and roasted apples. On the other half of each sandwich (atop remaining 2 slices), add the cheese. Place together one side of bread that has cheese with the other side that has the bacon and apples, pressing them gently together to make a sandwich. Repeat until all sandwiches are made.
9. 9In a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-low heat, add two sandwiches (one side down), cooking until golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 4-5 minutes. Flip sandwich unto opposite side and cook from another 4-5 minutes. NOTE: I love using a burger or grill press tool to help flatten my grilled cheeses a bit, which also helps the cheese to melt.
10. 10Once done, cut in halves (if desired), plate the sandwiches with your favorite side or chips and enjoy.
11. 11Bon Appetit!