Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Apple

My husband has loved grilled cheese sandwiches since he was a little boy.  He told me once when he was little that he choked on a gob of cheese while he was eating one.  He said it was scary, but he didn't tell anyone because he was afraid he wouldn't get to eat grilled cheese anymore.  He survived and he still loves grilled cheese.  Our kids love grilled cheese, too.  When I need a quick and easy lunch or dinner, grilled cheese with a bowl of soup does the job and everyone is happy.

I needed a quick dinner this week and I decided to make grilled cheese.  But, I thought it would be fun to try something a little different.    

Ingredients (printable recipe)
8 slices Italian bread (or other white bread), sliced 1/2-inch thick
12 ounces Sharp Cheddar (or medium/mild if that's your preference), sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 slices *bacon, cooked to desired doneness
1 green apple, thinly sliced
Dijon or spicy brown mustard  

Directions 

Heat griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Alternatively you can use your panini press if you have one.

Assemble sandwich: Spread mustard on 4 slices of bread. Top with slices of Cheddar, 3 pieces of bacon, apple slices and additional Cheddar. Place the remaining bread on top and spread with butter. Place on skillet buttered-side down and butter the remaining side. Cook until cheese is slightly melted and bread is browned. Flip the sandwich and continue to cook until cheese is thoroughly melted and sandwich is golden brown.  4 servings

*I suggest you bake your bacon.  It turns out crispy, but flat--perfect for sandwiches.

Adapted from Foodnetwork.com-Tyler Florence

The Results...
This is certainly not your typical grilled cheese.  Bacon, Apple and mustard all added some extra flavor and zing.  But, did everyone like the extra flavors?

Most of us did.  My husband and son both said they liked this sandwich and thought the flavors were interesting together.  I agreed with them.  Our 8 yr. old was the only one that said she "HATED it!"  Our 4 yr. old did what she always does with sandwiches.  She takes them apart, makes a mess and manages to eat some of it.

Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Apple was a fun new way to eat grilled cheese!

I share recipes at these linky parties.