Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Beef Bacon Grilled Cheese
An indulgent twist on a classic comfort food that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors into a delightful grilled cheese experience.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey
- 0.5 cup honey Use for making hot honey from scratch.
- 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes Adjust to spice preference.
- 0.5 teaspoon apple cider vinegar Optional for extra flavor.
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices artisan bread Sourdough recommended.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened For spreading on the bread.
- 8 slices thick-cut beef bacon Cooked until crispy.
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated or thinly sliced
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced For added crunch and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey Drizzle over the sandwich.
- pinch flaky sea salt Optional topping.
Instructions
Preparing the Hot Honey
- Combine honey with red pepper flakes and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Heat gently over low heat, stirring, until fragrant; steep for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking the Bacon
- Preheat a heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Alternatively, bake bacon on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and break into smaller pieces.
Assembling the Sandwiches
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer half of the cheddar cheese, followed by apple slices and bacon.
- Drizzle with hot honey and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Place the remaining buttered slices on top, butter-side up.
Cooking the Sandwiches
- Preheat the skillet again, adding a teaspoon of reserved bacon fat or butter.
- Place sandwiches butter-side down and cook over medium-low heat until golden brown, approximately 4-6 minutes per side, pressing lightly.
Serving
- Allow sandwiches to rest for 2-3 minutes before cutting each one diagonally in half.
- Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or drizzle more hot honey before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the Granny Smith apples with another crisp variety or different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles. You can also adjust the spice level of the hot honey according to your preference.