Main Dishes

Apple Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

ByMia Halm October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

The Apple Cranberry Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining tart apples, sweet cranberries, and sharp cheddar, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of flavors that will warm you up on any day.

The image shows a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface with several food items arranged neatly. On the left is a large triangular piece of creamy white Brie cheese with a soft rind. Next to it, at the center, is a shiny red and yellow apple. Near the apple, in front, is a clear glass bowl filled with dark red, glossy cranberry sauce that looks thick and chunky. To the right of the bowl, there is a small clear glass dish holding a piece of pale yellow butter. Behind the butter and cranberry sauce, there is a thick stack of light brown sliced bread with a soft crumb. In the background to the left, there is a green bottle of Sauvignon Blanc wine. The whole scene is well lit, showing the natural textures and colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 slices sourdough bread, thick
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and gather all ingredients so they are ready for assembly.
Step 2: Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Step 3: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer half of the shredded cheddar cheese, followed by the apple slices, dried cranberries, and then the remaining cheese.
Step 4: Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up, to complete the sandwich.
Step 5: Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
Step 6: Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for 3 to 4 minutes, until crispy and the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, let it cool for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping dried cranberries for fresh ones or a sprinkle of cinnamon to add a warm spice note.
Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooier melt.
For extra crunch, add thinly sliced toasted walnuts inside the sandwich.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crisp and melt the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A grilled sandwich cut in half and stacked, each half showing three layers: the top and bottom are golden brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture, the middle layer has melted, creamy white cheese, and a thick spread of dark red, glossy berry jam with visible fruit chunks. The sandwich rests on a white plate with a sprig of fresh green thyme and two shiny red cranberries placed nearby, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to substitute Granny Smith with another firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a different level of sweetness and texture.

What if I don’t have sourdough bread?

You can use any thick-sliced bread such as whole wheat or rustic white bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.

Apple Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 722 reviews

A delightful Apple Cranberry Grilled Cheese sandwich combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples and dried cranberries with sharp cheddar cheese, all sandwiched between buttery sourdough bread and grilled to golden perfection. This easy-to-make comfort food offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, ideal for a cozy lunch or snack.

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter

2 slices sourdough bread, thick
2 tbsp unsalted butter

Filling

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Prepare ingredients: Thinly slice the Granny Smith apple and gather all the other ingredients to have them ready for assembling the sandwich.
Butter bread slices: Spread unsalted butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
Assemble sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, layer half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, then arrange the thin apple slices followed by the dried cranberries. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and place the second bread slice on top, buttered side facing out.
Grill sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 3-5 minutes until the bread turns golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted completely.
Slice and serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, allow it to cool slightly to set, then slice diagonally and serve warm for a deliciously melty, fruity twist on classic grilled cheese.

Notes

Use thick slices of sourdough bread to hold all fillings without becoming soggy.
Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast; other crisp tart apples can be used as a substitute.
For an extra crunch, add a handful of walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich before grilling.
Make sure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Serve with a side of mixed greens or a light soup for a complete meal.

Keywords: apple cranberry grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, sourdough sandwich, cheddar cheese sandwich, fruit and cheese sandwich, easy grilled cheese

Mia Halm

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