Introduction

This Irresistible Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Delight combines tangy fruit with melted sharp cheddar for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a quick and satisfying sandwich that’s ideal for a cozy lunch or light dinner.

A toasted sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing two layers of soft white bread with a golden, crispy, and slightly charred exterior. The top layer holds melted pale yellow cheese with smooth, gooey texture and thin slices of red-skinned apple underneath, slightly peeking out. The bottom layer reveals another layer of melted cheese mixed with glossy red jam and more apple slices, all oozing slightly between the bread. The sandwich rests on a white marbled surface with a few small green herb sprigs scattered around, enhancing the fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 slices sourdough bread (thick)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 medium Granny Smith apple (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Thinly slice the apple and prepare all your ingredients.
Step 2: Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Step 3: On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer half the cheddar cheese, followed by apple slices, dried cranberries, and then the remaining cheese. Top with the other slice of bread, buttered side up.
Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip and grill the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
Step 5: Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then slice diagonally and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey inside the sandwich before grilling.
Swap Granny Smith apples for Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a different melt and flavor.
Try adding a few fresh sage leaves with the apples for an herbal touch.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness, or use a toaster oven. Avoid the microwave for best texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a grilled cheese sandwich cut into two halves stacked on top of each other, with three visible layers: the top and bottom layers are toasted bread with a golden brown, crisp texture, and the middle layer is melted cheese mixed with small pieces of bright red fruit, possibly cranberry, oozing slightly out from between the bread slices, garnished with a small sprig of green herb on top, all placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different bread for this sandwich?

Yes, sturdy breads like multigrain, rye, or a rustic white loaf work well. Just make sure the slices are thick enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

Dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots make great alternatives that add a similar sweet-tart flavor.

Irresistible Apple and Cranberry Grilled Cheese Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 466 reviews

A deliciously melty and fruity twist on classic grilled cheese, combining sharp cheddar with tart Granny Smith apples and sweet dried cranberries, all sandwiched between buttery toasted sourdough bread. Perfect for a cozy lunch or snack that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
Total Time: 18-19 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

2 slices sourdough bread (thick)
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Filling

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 medium Granny Smith apple (thinly sliced)
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and gather all other ingredients to have everything ready for assembly.
Butter Bread: Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread, ensuring full coverage for a golden, crispy exterior.
Assemble Sandwich: Place one slice of bread buttered side down. On the unbuttered side, layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese, then the thin apple slices, followed by dried cranberries, and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
Grill Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Remove from heat, let the sandwich cool for a minute to avoid burns, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

Notes

Use thick-cut sourdough bread for best texture and to hold the fillings well.
Adjust apple slices thinness to preference for easier biting.
Butter the bread generously for a crisp and golden crust.
For a vegetarian option, ensure the cheddar cheese is vegetarian-friendly (rennet-free).
Serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and crisp bread.

Keywords: grilled cheese, apple grilled cheese, cranberry sandwich, sourdough sandwich, fall sandwich, cheddar apple sandwich