Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese

Stack of grilled cheese with a fork, apple, and hot honey in background.

5 from 3 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

Total Time35

Course: Main Course, Snack

Keyword: apple, bacon, cheddar, easy, family-friendly, gluten-free, grilled cheese, hot honey, kid-friendly, sandwich, southern

Servings: sandwiches

Calories: 429kcal

Author: Shanika

Ingredients

ROASTED APPLES:

1 medium Gala apple, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

GRILLED CHEESE:

4 slices bread (I love using brioche bread or other rustic bread like sourdough, etc. )
2 cups organic Sharp or Mild Cheddar, grated or shredded
4 strips Candied Bacon, chopped
¼ cup hot honey, store-bought or homemade (See FAQ/Post for homemade option)

HERB BUTTER:

4 Tbsps unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of sea salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

TO ROAST THE APPLES:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Add 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.

TO MAKE THE HERB BUTTER:

Mix together all ingredients until smooth and soft.

ASSEMBLE + COOK:

On the outsides of each bread slice, spread a bit of the herb butter so that they become nicely crisp and golden.
On one side of 4 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 4 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.
In 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.
Once done, cut in halves (if desired), plate the sandwiches with your favorite side or chips and enjoy.
Bon Appetit!

Notes

GUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely GF, simply ensure that the bread is GF-Friendly.
CANDIED BACON: To make this delicious bacon, see my How to Make Candied Bacon recipe!
DAIRY-FREE OPTION: To make these grilled cheese sandwiches entirely dairy-free, simply sub the butter with vegan butter as well as ensure that the bread is vegan and sub the cheese with high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds.

Nutrition