Why Make This Recipe
Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The combination of crispy beef bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, tart Granny Smith apples, and sweet hot honey creates a symphony of flavors and textures. This savory and sweet sandwich is not just delicious but also very satisfying, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy snack. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, so you can easily whip it up at home.
How to Make Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 slices artisan bread (sourdough recommended)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 8 slices thick-cut beef bacon
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated or thinly sliced
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Hot Honey
- Pinch flaky sea salt (optional)
- ½ cup honey (if making hot honey from scratch)
- 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (if making hot honey from scratch)
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, if making hot honey from scratch)
Directions
- Prepare Hot Honey (Optional): If you want to make Hot Honey, combine ½ cup honey, 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat for 5-7 minutes until fluid, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain if desired and store at room temperature.
- Cook Beef Bacon: Cook 8 slices of thick-cut beef bacon until crispy. You can do this on the stovetop by preheating a heavy skillet over medium heat for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally. Alternatively, bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Drain the bacon on paper towels, saving about 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat. Break the bacon into 2-3 pieces.
- Prepare Apple and Cheese: Wash and core 1 medium Granny Smith apple. Then, slice it thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. Grate or thinly slice 6 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Butter one side of all 8 slices of bread. On 4 unbuttered sides, layer half of the cheddar cheese, followed by the apple slices and the beef bacon. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of hot honey over each. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Place the other 4 slices of bread on top, butter-side-up.
- Grill Sandwiches: Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat with 1 teaspoon of the reserved bacon fat or butter. Place the sandwiches butter-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cook slowly to prevent burning.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or add a little extra hot honey. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese
This grilled cheese sandwich is best served hot and fresh. Pair it with a side of chips, a simple salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. Feel free to share it with family and friends; they will surely love this unique take on a classic dish.
How to Store Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese
To store leftovers, wrap the grilled cheese sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and the cheese is melted again.
Tips to Make Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor; fresh artisan bread and good cheese make a difference.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey and red pepper flakes to suit your taste for sweetness and heat.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or cheeses based on what you have on hand.
Variation
Consider adding some sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick or swapping out the cheddar for a creamy brie for a rich twist. You could also use turkey bacon instead of beef bacon for a lighter option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sandwich without hot honey?
Yes, you can skip the hot honey if you prefer. The sandwich will still be delicious with just the bacon, cheese, and apple.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef bacon with tempeh bacon or any plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I freeze the sandwiches?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the assembled sandwiches before grilling. Just make sure to wrap them well and use them within a month. Reheat them in a skillet after thawing.
Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Combine ½ cup honey, 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat gently over low heat for 5-7 minutes until fluid, but do not boil. Remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain if desired and store at room temperature.
- Cook 8 slices of thick-cut beef bacon until crispy. You can do this on the stovetop by preheating a heavy skillet over medium heat for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, or bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Drain the bacon on paper towels, saving about 1 tablespoon of rendered fat, and break the bacon into 2-3 pieces.
- Wash and core the Granny Smith apple. Slice it thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. Grate or thinly slice the sharp cheddar cheese.
- Butter one side of all 8 slices of bread. On 4 unbuttered sides, layer half of the cheddar cheese, followed by the apple slices and the beef bacon. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of hot honey over each. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Place the other 4 slices of bread on top, butter-side-up.
- Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat with 1 teaspoon of the reserved bacon fat or butter. Place the sandwiches butter-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, pressing gently until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or add a little extra hot honey. Serve immediately while warm.