Cheese

Apple Pie Grilled Cheese

[donotprint]

Grilled cheese with Ezekiel bread, cheddar cheese, apples and walnuts

What do you get when you take sweet apples, crunchy walnuts and tangy, creamy cheddar cheese? Over here we call this Apple Pie Grilled Cheese. This sweet-savory sandwich is a healthy nod to honor National Grilled Cheese Month.ย I am grateful that Kerrygold sent me a timely package of fine cheese and butter to explore. It has been a fun journey tasting all of their rich and fabulous cheese and butter.

Grated white and yellow cheddar cheese for grilled cheese recipe.

I like this grilled cheese open faced, that way I can really taste all the flavors. I smear some butter on my go-toย sprouted grain bread, sprinkle on crunchy walnuts, cinnamon and my favorite cheese. I love tangy sharp flavors so Kerrygold’s Red Leicester was my first pick. Another favorite is the Aged Cheddar. Honestly though, I love them all!

Golden apples, Honey Crisp and Granny Smith at the farmers market.

Our local farmers market had a delightful selection of juicy apples that inspired me to create this recipe. I also made a giant pot of our favorite applesauce.

Southern California farmers market with John Deere tractor

Add a drizzle of honey if you want a little more sweetness. Have fun with grilled cheese. It is a method more than a carefully measured recipe. I love coming up with unique creations. Last summer we were addicted to my Grilled Cheese Bruschetta and Strawberry Mozzarella Stuffed French Toast (which is one of my Egg Battered Grilled Cheese creations.)

Grilled cheese with Ezekiel bread, cheddar cheese, apples and walnuts

You can also make this grilled cheese with two slices of bread. Adjust your ingredients according to taste and caloric preference. Obviously you can add gobs of cheese, but I like to stick to one ounce portions of cheese per serving.

Grilled cheese with Ezekiel bread, cheddar cheese, apples and walnuts

If only all food producers felt the same passion as Kerrygold towards quality.

Grilled cheese with Ezekiel bread, cheddar cheese, apples and walnuts

I LOVE their mission statement “There’s not much point in taking the purest rain, the most natural green grass on earth, herds of contented cows, and centuries of long-standing family traditions and messing it all up by mixing in preservatives, hormones and unnatural additives into the process.” That’s right folks. Kerrygold has high standards and it shows in their butters and cheese.

Cheddar, Swiss, Red Leicester cheese and butter from Kerrygold

What is your favorite grilled cheese?

Graphic with pink fleur de lis for MarlaMeridith.com

This giveaway has now closed. Thanks for all your entries. Congrats to Krissy and Lauren Fromย theย Little Yellow Kitchen.

Are you guys ready to make some grilled cheese? How about frittata’s, quiche, pizza, mac n’ cheese, the sky is the limit with this awesome gift pack!ย This gift basket includes many delicious Kerrygold butters, cheeses and two amazing cookbooks. The estimated value of the prize package is $350. Oh my, you know you wanna win this. Here is a peek what’s inside:

  • 2 wedges Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese
  • 2 wedges Kerrygold Swiss Cheese
  • 2 wedges Kerrygold Blarney Castle Cheese
  • 2 wedges Kerrygold Aged Cheddar
  • 2 wedges Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar
  • 2 wedges Kerrygold Red Leicester
  • 2 packs Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter
  • 2 packs Kerrygold Unsalted Butter
  • 2 packs of Kerrygold Garlic and Herb Butter
  • James Beard best cookbook of the year for 2010
  • The Country Cooking of Ireland by Colman Andrews

How to Enter: This giveaway is open to residents of the USA only. Winner will be chosen byย random.org. You have until Thursday, April 28th, 2011 midnight PST to enter. Please do one or more of the following to enter this contest, leave a separate comment per entry.

[/donotprint]

Apple Pie Grilled Cheese

Ingredients per sandwich

NOTES:

  • Toasted nuts have so much more flavor. Chop your favorite nuts to the size you like, place on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake at 350หšF until crisp, slightly browned and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

OPTIONAL GARNISH

  • fresh apple Slices
  • a sprinkle of ground Cinnamon
  • more Honey, Maple Syrup or Stevia

METHOD

I made this grilled cheese three ways. All were delicious.

Broiled Grilled Cheese: Set oven to a low broil with the rack on bottom 1/3 of the oven. Assemble grilled cheese on a cookie sheet.ย Take one slice of bread and smear a little butter on it. Press in the nuts, sprinkle on some cinnamon and drizzle honey or stevia on top of that. Top with apples and cheese. Broil about about 8-9 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned, melted and gooey. Watch carefully so it does not burn.

Baked: Pre heat oven to 350หšF with the rack in the middle.ย Assemble grilled cheese on a cookie sheet like above either open faced or with two pieces of bread.ย Heat a about 5 minutes each side until cheese is melted and gooey. If you want the top crispy & browned you can broil on low for about one minute, watch carefully so it does not burn.

Stove Top Pan Fry: Put a small pat of butter in a cast iron skillet and heat over medium heat.ย Assemble grilled cheese: Take one slice of bread and smear a little butter on it. Press in some nuts, sprinkle on some cinnamon and drizzle honey or stevia on top of that. Top with apples, cheese and another piece of bread. Heat on one side until lightly browned, flip and cook until the seocnd side is browned and cheese is melted.

[print_link]
[donotprint]
Grilled Cheese Recipe Links

[/donotprint]

MarlaMeridith.com Disclosure: I ย have been compensated for my time to create a recipe, photograph and review Kerrygold Cheese and Butter. I accept offers to post about products I love. I am proud to partner with Kerrygold on this project and to share them with you.

~ Marla Meridith

Join the Conversation

391 thoughts on “Apple Pie Grilled Cheese

  1. Mmm, this sandwich looks delicious and so does all of that cheese! My favorite grilled cheese is white cheddar on pumpernickel bread!

  2. Wow, would I ever LOVE to win this! Kerrygold is an awesome brand and I did not know they had that many varities, I would probably eat a lot of this plain, maybe with some fruit. The butter screams to be slathered on homemade artisan bread!

  3. This would be great to win! I would make lots of grilled cheese and homemade mac n cheese for my moms group potlucks!!

  4. Ohh my favorite grilled cheese is sourdough or wheat bread with cheddar and dijon mustard and bread n butter pickles!! SO DELISH!

  5. Wow you are so creative! I actually love grilled cheese with sweet jam so I’d definitely use some cheese for that. Also my boyfriend loves to eat cheese and crackers, so much so that we call him “mouse” sometimes. I’d definitely make a lot of casseroles, cheese plates, savory cheese cupcakes, reinvent cheese balls, the works!

  6. If I win, I will hide the basket of cheese from my family! (If I want to get a turn at it for myself.) We love grilled cheese, cheese soup, quesedillas, Mac & cheese…you name it. I like to keep it simple – a fresh loaf of bread from the farmers market topped with a slice of cheese and some fresh strawberries on the side.

  7. I like to mix cheeses on my grilled cheese sandwiches and also add a slice of turkey, ham, and/or tomato.

  8. i hate cheese with my apple pie, but i love apples with my grilled cheese. is that odd? oh well. ๐Ÿ™‚
    i foresee lots of mac & cheese in my future should i win this giveaway…

    1. Erin from Long Island…..what town do you live in? I grew up on LI. Grilled cheese on a great NY rye bread is so tasty, especially with the sauerkraut and lean pastrami.

  9. I’m on a grilled cheese kick right now, so the cheese would most definitely be destined for that! On homemade bread, maybe with some onion marmalade?!

  10. I just subscribed to receive email notifications to your blog updates:) I would have VERY happy children if I won this contest. My 4 and 5 year old boys love cheese, in all forms…even blue cheese! Their favorite snack is cheese and nut thin crackers:)
    Rachel

  11. Wow what great grilled cheese varieties …My family eats tons of cheese–you name it we love it. My fav grilled cheese is usually traditional…but your creations might temp me to try some new creations.

  12. Wow, I love love love cheese! Some would be used in cooking but much of it would be enjoyed with some wine.

  13. If I won, I would be in cheese heaven! I’d probably make some variations of sweet/salty and savory grilled cheeses. I’d make lots of pasta with cheese sauces, etc. I’d also try my hand at making some cheesey desserts.

    1. Winnie, I also love the crispness of fresh veggies and creamy avocado with grilled cheese. Something about the gooey, rich cheese with those little bright flavored sprouts is wonderful. Come to think of it that will be lunch today!

  14. My favorite traditional grilled cheese is whole wheat bread with lots of swiss cheese and a side of dijon mustard. My favorite non traditional grilled cheese is brie and apples on baguette. I also love mozarella, tomatoes, and basil on ciabatta!

  15. I’m definitely going to make your recipe for apple pie grilled cheese and fondue..as much fondue as I can make with it. Love the stuff ๐Ÿ™‚

  16. I don’t really have a ‘favorite’ grilled cheese recipe, but I do like combining the sweet and savory, like a grilled brie, fig jam, and arugula, or cheddar and apple, like your recipe. Of course, I’m also a sucker for the old, childhood grilled cheese standby, grilled american cheese, in lots of butter, served with tomato soup.

    1. Lisa: The brie and fig jam sounds amazing. I have so many dates here I should try something with those too. Really sweet fruit pairs so well with tangy sharp cheese as well as those smooth creamy ones (like brie.) Grilled cheese in lots of butter with tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food!

  17. What wouldn’t I do with all this buttery, cheesy, yumminess??? First thing I would try if I am luck enough to win is this apple pie grilled cheese. Never had the apple/ cheese combo…but am intrigued!

  18. Oh my gosh I want to win that cheese!! I was hooked as soon as I read their mission statement too… thank you for sharing that!

    I think I would made mac n cheese for my family with that insane supply… we love a good gourmet cheese dish! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Blessings-
    Amanda

  19. with all that cheese, I would make: enchiladas, gratins, mac ‘n cheese, scones, muffins, biscuits, paninis, and so much more. what a great looking sandwich, Marla – you always think outside of the box.

  20. You’re grilled cheese looks delicious! These days, I make my grilled cheese sandwiches on gluten-free bread, usually Udi’s. If I add anything other than cheese, it’s usually avocado and sliced tomatoes. Mmm…now I’m thinking a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast would be good…

    1. EA: I love grilled cheese for breakfast. Since I made so many of these for the shoot I re-heated them and enjoyed them a few days in a row first thing in the morning!

  21. Favorite grilled cheese recipe, I think, will be this apple pie one you just posted. I am usually quite boring when it comes to making grilled cheese sandwiches, so I am definitely going to try your recipe.

  22. My favorite grilled cheese is two kinds of cheese (cheddar and provolone preferably), pan fried in olive oil. Simple, delicious.

  23. Yum! I really like apples; I can’t believe I never thought of that!
    If I won the cheese, I’d grab some wine and have a party!

  24. I love the idea of your open-face grilled cheese sammies, Marla! Thanks so much for hosting this fantastic giveaway! If I win I think I would host a cheese party! ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. My favorite grilled cheese is sharp white cheddar with thinly sliced Cortland apples and a little bit of fig preserves…delicious!

  26. Oh my, what would I do with all that cheese?! Grilled cheese and Mac and Cheese age big in my house, so I would experiment with new flavors. I bake a lot of bread and have a wonderful cheddar cheese bread recipe, so that would be high on the list too.

  27. Great giveaway, Marla! I love your apple pie grilled cheese, it looks so delish and the combo of flavors is one of my favorite. I’ve never had a “different” take on a grilled cheese, besides what everyone grew up with, but I know if I had yours it would be my favorite for sure! Thanks for sharing.

  28. With two young boys, we like our grilled cheese old-school style (whole wheat bread and cheddar cheese….lots of butter!). However, my oldest and I do love slicing Granny Smith apples into ours.

    I haven’t thought about this for years, but I used to make mine with sliced pickles. Yes, inside the sandwich!

  29. I loooooooooooove Kerrygold cheese! I just bought several blocks of it that I found on sale, but it goes quickly! Your grilled cheese looks amazing! I have been wanting to try apple + cheese for awhile now, so I’d probably try that, among other things: with crackers, with eggs, on a sandwich, by itself, mac ‘n cheese… oooh I love Kerrygold! YUM ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. Georgia: I have not yet tried making pie crust with this butter, but I have heard that it is the best. How about using the butter & cheddar in a cheesy crust? MMMMmmmmm

  30. I think that I would start with oven-baked mac and cheese. It has been requested by our two teenage sons. Then, potatoes au gratin was the next request. Then, I am out there to make things up.

  31. Wow, that looks sooo yummy! I have never had any of Kerrygold’s butter or cheese, and I am DYING to try them! I would love to use the cheese in homemade macaroni & cheese, cheese and apple slices (snack), grilled cheese (of course), ooh and grated over top of your bison chili (which I’m addicted to)!

    Thank you for the great giveaway, Marla!

    1. Melissa: Any of these cheeses would be awesome on that Bison Chili. So glad you are addicted to that recipe. I need to make it again soon – got a lot of cheese left over here ๐Ÿ™‚

  32. Irish cheese is almost too good to put in casseroles; I think a lot of fruit and cheese plates would be in order if I win this. Kerrygold butter is the best in baking; I love to use it when I make shortbread.

  33. What would I do with this cheese? Put it in pie crust, on top of pies, inside of pies! Not to mention some serious grilled cheese and quesadilla (Mexican grilled cheese) action. I am thinking something with brown sugar, apple and smoked meat…mmmm.

    Red Leicester is one of my absolute fave cheeses!

  34. well i actually just bought some of this cheese to make pinapple casserole, it was reallllly good and would make it again.

  35. OMG!!!! That is crazy fabulous. When I was a kid my mom used to make home made apple pie and serve it warm with a big hunk of cheddar cheese on top. So amazing. Love love love the photos!!!!!

  36. This grilled cheese recipe looks amazing!! My favorite recipe is simple whole wheat bread, or 12 grain bread with Tillamook Cheddar, paired with a warm soup. With all this cheese I’d have to really get creative. I could do omelets, quiches, mac n’ cheese, healthy fresh wraps, potato and cheese casserole, and the options are endless!

  37. Tweeted about your giveaway, had to shorten it a little bit … this is truly an amazing giveaway! I think I’m more excited about it than the usual MakeUp giveaways I enter ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Lauren, I love Canadian bacon in my grilled cheese too. Love how lean it is & how much flavor it adds. I am wondering what you put in your gourmet quesadillas? Bet they are fabulous!

  38. What a fabulous grilled cheese sandwich Marla!! Sounds delicious!
    Great giveaway too! And what to do with all those cheeses and butter? My kids are all about grilled cheese and panini sandwiches these days so I would probably be coming up with different sandwich ideas all involving cheese and butter.

  39. apples on grilled cheese are my favorite. yours obviously look prettier than mine. i dont use enough cheese probably! and cheese is always welcomed in our house, for the dog too!

    1. Marci, you make me feel better. The average grilled cheese sandwich probably has 2 to 3 ounces of cheese. Mine have one ounce for real & in these photos. I stick to true portion sizes so I can spend less time in the gym ๐Ÿ™‚

  40. Other than some grilled cheese, my husband & I just got some venison summer sausage that would be fab with some of this cheese!

  41. My fav grilled cheese recipe:

    Sourdough bread
    kalamata olive tapenade
    fresh tomato
    provolone cheese
    fresh basil

    I think I got it from the Cooking Light magazine. Awesome wherever I got it.

  42. My favorite grilled cheese recipe is:

    Heirloom Tomatoes, Bacon, Olives, and Mozzarella Cheese on Sourdough

  43. That grilled cheese looks awesome. I will have to try it. If I win the cheese I will make Mac and cheese and the apple pie grilled cheese sandwich.

  44. I would basically go on a cheese bender if I won this cheese! Grilled cheese is definitely one of our favorites, but I would also use it in salads, quesadillas and fresh cheese plates. I love Kerrygold! Dubliner is one of my favorites.

  45. I love making grilled cheese for my son (and myself!). I add all kinds of healthy ingredients like spinach, hummus, sprouts, herbs, tomatoes. It’s really helped him make positive associations with the vegetables and eat them when they’re not covered in melted cheese! My personal favorite is aged cheddar with sweet potato hummus on Tuscan wheat. I’m getting hungry!

  46. Would love this! The grilled cheese sounds great so I’m sure THAT’S exactly what I would do with them! Delish!

  47. My husband is a fan of just plain ol’ bread and cheese style of grilled cheese. It’s that whole ‘comfort food’ kind of thing ๐Ÿ™‚

  48. Since it is good cheese – I will probably snack on it with some crackers and/or bread! Probably a grilled cheese or two, as well.

  49. OMG I would be in heaven with all of this cheese. I would keep it all to myself and not share one bit! haha

  50. My favorite grilled cheese is pear, brie, arugula, and honey or asiago, swiss, pesto and roasted garlic spread.

  51. My favorite grilled cheese recipe is very similar to yours. It contains cheddar, apples and arugula. Yum!

  52. My first thought was to set up a fabulous buffet and invite family over so they could try everything..but to be honest with you, by the time I get done with a little taste of this, let’s see how this goes with that, maybe try a recipe or two from the cook books….there probably wouldn’t be enough left for a buffet ๐Ÿ˜€

  53. Love. This. Giveaway. I’d use the cheese for fancy sandwiches, top it on flatbread for pizzas, mix it in pasta, and mostly it straight with crackers and fruit and wine ๐Ÿ™‚

  54. I love that mission statement and the grilled cheese ๐Ÿ™‚ Grilled cheese is my favorite sandwich but I’m feeling awfully uncreative with it right now. Love all your options…I will definitely have to try some of these!

  55. I would give all the cheese to my hubby for father’s day- I am always trying new, more expensive cheeses for recipes…. Many times, I buy them, put them in the cheese drawer and when I go to make the recipe, the cheese is gone- the hubby has eaten it for a snack… His response- you should have bought 2! So the fact that this giveaway has 2- Perfect!

  56. I’ve really been enamored with the idea of cheddar cheese in apple pie and the grilled cheese sandwich version is perfect so that I can enjoy it without all the butter and sugar! Love this!

  57. I’ve been so excited to get my hands on some Kerrygold products (they don’t carry them at my local grocery store). My favorite grilled cheese sandwich is apple with brie cheese!

  58. I think this cheese would be divided into three monster catagories: Eaten sliced/fried by itself in all its wonders, paired with fruits and vegetables in a delicious fondue, and topping beautiful salads!

  59. OMG I LOVE Kerrygold cheese! My favorte is the aged cheddar! I would make a sharp adult version mac and cheese!

    1. Kim: Funny how those sharp cheeses are best suited to adult palates. My kids prefer the creamy tastes over the tangy aged ones. I love ’em all!

  60. My favorite grill cheese is an inside out grill cheese. Aged cheddar inside wheat bread and more aged cheddar on the outside grilled with a little buttah! mmmm!…Will try apple pie grill cheese, looks awesome!

    1. Maryea: What is up with those little cheese-monsters?? I have two of them over here too. Everything must be topped with lots of cheese!

    1. Cellabella: Mozzarella, tomato and basil is always a favorite combo over here too. Reminds me of my Grilled Cheese Bruschetta recipe. Instead of the brioche I go with sprouted grain bread- but the your choice sounds sooooo good.

  61. You’ve absolutely got my number with this innovative grilled cheese sandwich recipe, Marla. The inclusion of apples here is such a great idea, and I can’t wait to try it. I’m a grilled cheese fanatic from WAY back and can’t believe I somehow missed national grilled cheese sandwich month!

    1. Barbara, there are still a few more days to post those grilled cheese recipes. Lucky us, everyday can be grilled cheese day ๐Ÿ™‚

  62. I am an easy peasy grilled cheese kind of girl. Sometimes I like to add ham and give the sandwich some more bulk!

  63. Now that is what I call a grilled cheese sandwich; it looks healthy and incredibly delicious. Oh all of the things I could do with that wonderful cheese! I would definitely have to make some kind of creamy, cheesy sauce for a chicken dish. My favorite grilled cheese would be a grilled roasted turkey and cheddar on whole wheat sandwich:)

  64. What will I do with all that cheese? Eat it! After all, cheese is one thing not off limits to diabetics. But I am sure I’d come up with some other great uses for it to, and maybe I’d have a big party for my friends. Ooo, yeah, that’s it, I’d have a big backyard wine and cheese party!

  65. Mmmm, cheese! After snacking a bit on it, I’d definitely try to make one of your grilled cheese combinations!

  66. Great giveaway! I LOVE cheese, and I’ve heard people raving about Kerrygold but have never tried it before. I’d totally make your apple pie grilled cheese sandwich; it sounds delicious!

    1. Tracy, I gotta tell you this Kerrygold cheese reminds me of the “real” stuff I used to eat as a kid in the UK. So fresh & flavorful. So pure!

  67. My favorite grilled cheese at the moment is havarti and avocado on whole grain bread with a tiny bit of cream cheese on one slice of bread and a tiny bit of apricot preserves on the other. Kind of an unusual blend of flavors but it just WORKS. So delicious.

  68. I love apples with cheese and I love apple pies and grilled cheese sandwiches. This is such a genius idea. I think I am going to try and use Asian pears in my grilled cheese sandwich.

    I’m pinning this to Pinterest right now. I want to make this for sure, it’s so easy.

  69. I LOVE grilled cheese and Kerrygold Cheese. Really enjoying the Blarney Castle right now… I should probably make a grilled cheese with that later. A little Blarney Castle, a couple slices of honey ham, lots of Kerrygold butter on the bread. Yum!

    1. Carrie, people have been raving about the Blarney Castle cheese. I love it too. Sounds like we need to form a Kerrygold fan club over here ๐Ÿ˜‰

  70. I have no idea what I would do with all of the cheese besides eat different grilled cheese sandwiches for every meal!

  71. I think I would have a wine and cheese party if I were to win! Might be good to give as healthy snacks to my 2 little boys too:)

  72. My favorite grilled cheese sandwich consists of sourdough bread, a mixture of provolone and cheddar cheeses, and tomatoes!

  73. My favorite grilled cheese is kerrygold’s ‘blarney castle’ cheese, artichoke hearts, and spinach. So yummy!

  74. I have been making these for the past 3 days! I turned them into a paninni and used Mozzarella instead of cheddar with the apples but they have been so good. Thanks for the idea!

    1. Yay Alicia! Thanks so much for swinging by to tell me that. Isn’t this grilled cheese recipe addictive? LOVE the idea of making it into a panini. Think I will have it for lunch today ๐Ÿ™‚

  75. What a unique recipe…I love it! Such gorgeous photos too ๐Ÿ™‚ I didn’t get a chance to chat with you at Camp Blogaway, but I look forward to getting to know you better through this wonderful blog!

    1. Hi Kristina, I know it is tricky to meet & catch up with everyone at events. Let’s be sure to touch base face to face at the next one.

  76. This has absolutely blown my mind. Cheese and apples? Phwoar! Actually, I’ve occasionally received fresh pear on cheese plates at restaurants, and there’s always crackers involved to, so perhaps this isn’t as mind-boggling as I first thought… nope, it is. It’s super inventive, and I’d like one now… ๐Ÿ˜€

    1. Hannah, it is the heat applied that puts this grilled cheese over the top. You are right, a very similar concept to those sweet/savory cheese platters. Now if we could just torch the cheese, apple and pear together in to a melty mess onto those crackers….ahhhh heaven ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks for stopping by.