Caramelized Apple and Mozzarella Melt with Honey Dijon Arugula Salad

This caramelized apple melt is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese. Sweet, buttery apples and gooey mozzarella are sandwiched between slices of sourdough bread, then griddled to golden perfection. A smear of Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Serve it alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed with honey Dijon dressing, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner.

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Ingredients

0.5 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 ounce ArugulaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce ThymeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce Sunflower SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce Honey Dijon DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 slice Sourdough BreadView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Dried CranberriesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Dijon MustardView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Core the apple and cut into thin slices. Pick the thyme leaves from the stems.
2. In a small bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, olive oil and half the thyme leaves. Season with a pinch of salt.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
4. Spread 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard on each slice of sourdough bread.
5. Layer mozzarella and cheddar cheese on two slices of bread. Top with the caramelized apples and the remaining thyme leaves. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, mustard side down.
6. Spread 1 tablespoon butter on the outside of each sandwich (top and bottom).
7. In the same skillet over medium heat, cook the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
8. While the sandwiches cook, combine arugula, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and honey Dijon dressing in a bowl. Toss to coat.
9. Serve the melts with the arugula salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free bread in place of sourdough.

What can I use instead of honey Dijon dressing?

Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.

Can I prepare the caramelized apples ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the apples, let them cool and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.