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Apple Butter Grilled Cheese

November 4, 2013


When does apple season end?  I hope it’s like December because I have a million more apple recipes to share.  Specifically, a million more apple butter recipes to share.  Luckily, apple butter keeps for a long time, so be sure to make a batch and eat a couple hundred apple butter grilled cheeses this winter.

Apple Butter Grilled Cheese

If I lived alone, this blog would likely be called “What Can I Eat with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?”.  I’m not sure how there’s only one other grilled cheese recipe on here, because they’re my go to meal when I’m alone.  In fact, since I started getting every other Friday off at the beginning of the summer, I’ve had a grilled cheese for breakfast/lunch on every single one.  Yes. I said breakfast.

Apple Butter Grilled Cheese

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll probably have heard me complain about how I burn grilled cheeses like nobody’s business.  I’m happy to report that I actually grilled the sandwich pictured and only burnt it a little! Practice makes perfect, I guess.  Normally, my sandwiches are just bread and cheese, but as soon as I tasted my apple butter I knew it would pair deliciously with some super sharp cheddar and homemade bread.

Apple Butter Grilled Cheese
Author: 
 

Ingredients
  • 2 onions (I used red, personal preference)
  • 1 tsp olive oil, optional
  • 2 – 3 tbsp red wine, optional
  • 4 slices bread (I used homemade whole wheat, any bread including GF will work)
  • 2 – 4 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese (or Cheddar vegan cheese)
  • butter or olive oil for the bread

Instructions
  1. Cut the onions in half and then slice into thin half circles. Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil (you can spritz with nonstick spray or heat a thin layer of water if you’re trying to save some calories). Once hot, add the onions.
  2. Reduce the heat and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and begin to caramelize and turn slightly brown. I like to add a few tbsp of red wine when they are almost done and cook it off to add more flavor. If you add water or wine to your onions, continue cooking until they are no longer wet (entirely dry is not necessary).
  3. Set the onions aside in a bowl and wipe out the pan. Return to medium heat.
  4. Spread apple butter on all slices of bread. On two slices, top each with half of the onion and cheese and place the remaining bread on top.
  5. Butter the outsides of the slices of bread or brush with olive oil. Place sandwiches onion side down in the hot pan and flip once the bread starts to brown, 2 – 3 minutes. Cook until both sides are browned and the insides are hot.

Notes
Nutritional estimates not included because it will vary greatly based on the cheese and bread you select and if you opt to use the oil and wine.
Some extra sharp cheddars do not melt – if melty cheese is important to you, opt for a standard sharp cheddar. You can use vegan cheese, if desired.

 

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18 Comments
    Apple Butter Pancakes - Hidden Fruits and Veggies Nov 11, 2013

    […] and it’s perfection.  If eating apple butter straight from the jar or slathering it on a grilled cheese hasn’t convinced you to make or pick up a million jars yet, surely this […]

    Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens Nov 10, 2013

    Yep – this is the recipe I’ve been waiting for!! And the onions with red wine?!? So perfect! We JUST had grilled cheese for dinner last night (and my little one begged for another for lunch today!) but we’ll be having them again soon – with this recipe! Can’t wait to try it with your apple butter!!

    Irina @ wandercrush Nov 08, 2013

    Ahhhh I want this packed for my lunch every day of autumn! So happy to have found your blog. Lovely stuff.

      Kelly Nov 09, 2013

      Thanks, Irina! I’m glad you found me too 🙂

    marcie@flavorthemoments Nov 05, 2013

    This is such a unique idea for grilled cheese, Kelly — I love it! I need to get some apple butter stat.

    Annie @ Natural Sweet Recipes Nov 05, 2013

    So I have never tried apple butter but it sounds simply amazing! I’m sure it is unreal in a sandwich. I love how creative this is. Also, we nominated you for a blog award on our blog today! I know I’m usually the only one commenting, but we love your recipes. 🙂

      Kelly Nov 05, 2013

      You definitely need to try apple butter! It’s like if apple sauce and apple pie had a super flavorful baby that was cooked down into a jelly. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve eaten spoonfuls of it 🙂 Thanks for the Liebster award! It’s nice to feel the love that floats around the blogger community, especially from you girls because I love your blog right back 🙂

    makingthymeforhealth Nov 05, 2013

    Haha, I think that would be a great name for a blog! It would probably be pretty popular too. With me, at least. I love a good grilled cheese! This version is so unique and looks delicious.

      Kelly Nov 05, 2013

      When Josh read my alternative blog title he turned to me and said “your welcome!” Apparently he doesn’t realize that I wish I was actually eating grilled cheeses every day!

    Reeni Nov 04, 2013

    This sounds perfect! And yes – I’d love one for breakfast! That makes me feel all warm and snuggly inside.

    charlotte Nov 04, 2013

    ohhhh lordy, I’m so there!

    cleaneatingveggiegirl Nov 04, 2013

    You KNOW this sounds amazing to me!! Totally right up my alley with the sweet/savory combo! 🙂

      Kelly Nov 04, 2013

      Yeah, I thought you might like this!

    Julia Nov 04, 2013

    The way I see it, apple season lasts as long as the weather is cold…and then some. I love apple treats and your apple grilled cheese is making my mouth water! It looks so tasty! I’m a huge fan of sweet/salty combo 🙂