Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices Sourdough or Brioche bread
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp white Cheddar cheese
- 3 oz. deli-sliced turkey breast
- 2 strips turkey beef bacon, cooked until crisp
- 1/4 small Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients and bread. Cook the turkey beef bacon until crisp and set aside. Thinly slice the apple. Generously spread the softened butter evenly across one side of each slice of bread (these will be the exterior sides).
- Step 2: Assemble the sandwich. On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, layer half of the shredded cheese, followed by the turkey breast, the crisp turkey turkey bacon strips, and the thin apple slices. Top the filling with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Step 3: Begin grilling the first side. Place the second slice of bread (buttered-side up) on top. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the hot pan.
- Step 4: Cook the first side. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom slice is deeply golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt around the edges.
- Step 5: Flip and apply the maple glaze. Carefully flip the sandwich over. Immediately brush the exposed, golden-brown side (the first cooked side) with the 1 teaspoon of pure maple syrup.
- Step 6: Finish cooking. Continue grilling the sandwich for another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is golden brown, the maple has caramelized slightly, and the cheese is completely melted and gooey throughout. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store any leftover pre-cooked turkey beef bacon and sliced apple in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days to expedite future sandwich assembly.
- To reheat a cold sandwich, use a toaster oven or dry skillet over very low heat, tented with foil, for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the bread and ensure the cheese remelts without burning.
- Balance the richness of the cheese and maple glaze by serving this grilled cheese alongside a small cup of creamy tomato soup or a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- For maximum caramelization and flavor depth, ensure you only brush the maple syrup onto the crust immediately after the first flip; applying it too early will cause the sugars to burn before the cheese has fully melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American