Description
This Ultimate Gruyere Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines savory melted Gruyère cheese with sweet fig butter and crisp apple slices, enhanced by a touch of Dijon aioli and optional bacon for a deliciously sophisticated twist on a classic grilled cheese. Paired with fresh arugula, it creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For One Sandwich
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 ½ oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- ¼ apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fig butter
- ½ tablespoon Dijon aioli (or 1 heaping teaspoon each Dijon mustard and mayonnaise mixed together)
- 1 slice cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- handful of arugula
For Multiple Sandwiches (Makes 4)
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 6 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fig butter (aka fig jam)
- 2–3 tablespoons Dijon aioli (or 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard mixed with 2 tablespoons mayonnaise)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup arugula
Instructions
- Prepare bread with spreads: Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Flip the bread over and spread 1 tablespoon of fig butter on one slice and ½ tablespoon of Dijon aioli on the other slice for each sandwich.
- Assemble the sandwich: On the fig butter side of the bread, layer the thinly sliced apples, grated Gruyère cheese, and chopped cooked bacon if using. Top the stack with the second slice of bread, ensuring the Dijon aioli side is facing down.
- Cook the sandwich: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. Place the assembled sandwich on the skillet and gently press down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese inside melts thoroughly.
- Add arugula and serve: Carefully open the sandwich slightly and tuck in a handful of fresh arugula. Serve immediately, optionally pairing with fresh fruit, an arugula salad, potato chips, or a cup of soup for a wonderfully balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute Dijon aioli with a mixture of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise as indicated.
- Bacon is optional; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Use sourdough bread for the best texture and flavor, but other sturdy bread types work as well.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the melty cheese and crisp bread.
- To keep sandwiches warm before serving, wrap them in foil and keep in a warm oven at 200°F for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gruyere grilled cheese, fig butter sandwich, apple sandwich, gourmet grilled cheese, easy lunch recipe
