Muriel’s Abc Grilled Cheese Recipe

Prepare apple

Core and thinly slice the Granny Smith apple into 1/8-inch slices. Keep slices uniform so they cook evenly.

Heat a 10-inch nonstick or stainless skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbs unsalted butter and let it melt until foamy but not browned.

Add the apple slices to the skillet in a single layer (work in two batches if necessary). Sprinkle 1 tbs brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp fine sea salt over the apples. Stir to coat.

Sauté apples, stirring occasionally, for 4–6 minutes until they are softened and starting to caramelize at the edges.

Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and 1/4 tsp black pepper; stir and cook 30–60 seconds to deglaze and finish the pan sauce. Remove apples to a plate and set aside.

If using mayonnaise, spread 1 tbs mayonnaise on the inside of two slices of bread (this is optional but adds tang and helps prevent sogginess).

On the other two slice interiors, spread softened butter thinly (reserve the remaining butter for grilling). Arrange 2 slices of cheddar cheese on each of the mayonnaise-spread slices (total 4 slices of cheese per sandwich if making two sandwiches).

Top the cheese with 4 slices of cooked bacon evenly per sandwich, then pile 1/2 of the sautéed apples over the bacon. Finish each sandwich with 2 more slices of cheddar (to melt on top) and close with the buttered bread slice, buttered-side out.

Heat a large heavy skillet or griddle over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes. You want moderate heat so the bread browns without the cheese burning or the apples overcooking.

Add any remaining softened butter to the pan and spread. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crisp.

Carefully press the top of each sandwich with a spatula, flip, then cook the other side another 3–4 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese melts, lower heat to low and cover loosely with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and help melt the cheese.

Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately.