Welcome the return of comfort food season with this grown-up grilled cheese, packed with layers of toothsome flavor. Feel free to swap out Granny Smiths for whichever apples you have on hand.
5tablespoonssalted butterdivided, plus more as needed
1large Granny Smith applecored and thinly sliced
1small shallothalved and thinly sliced
8 ½-inchthick slices sourdough bread
4ouncessmoked Goudasliced ¼-inch thick
1ouncebaby arugula
Instructions
► Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter, then add apples and shallot. Sauté, mixing occasionally, until apples are golden and softened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a plate and set aside.
► Wipe down pan and set back over medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter. Top four of the bread slices with 1 ounce Gouda each; divide the apple mixture and baby arugula among the remaining four slices of bread. (Don’t assemble the sandwiches yet; each half is cooked separately, then combined.)
► Add one Gouda-topped piece and one filling-topped piece to the pan. Drizzle 2 teaspoons of water in the pan, and cover. Cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sandwich the two pieces together, transfer to cutting board, halve, and serve immediately. Repeat with remaining ingredients, adding more butter to the pan if necessary.