Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food. For many, a simple grilled cheese brings back nostalgic memories of childhood lunches. Typically, the thought of grilled cheese conjures images of basic American cheese between slices of white bread, maybe with a bit of butter. However, there’s a whole world of grilled cheese possibilities beyond the basics, and The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, offers a fantastic recipe that elevates this classic to gourmet levels. This isn’t just your average grilled cheese; it’s a flavor explosion that will redefine your expectations.
This Pioneer Woman Grilled Cheese recipe introduces a delightful combination of cheddar and apple, taking the humble sandwich to new heights. It incorporates savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and tangy Dijon mustard, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement each other. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a “fancy” grilled cheese so appealing, this recipe will provide the answer. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet delivers an incredibly impressive and satisfying culinary experience.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather these key ingredients for your Pioneer Woman grilled cheese:
- 2 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 thick slices hearty multigrain bread
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 3 ounces grated white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain Dijon mustard
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own gourmet Pioneer Woman grilled cheese:
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Cook the Bacon and Onions: In an 8-inch nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon, tear or cut it into smaller pieces, and set aside. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet. Add brown sugar, sliced onions, and 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onions to a plate and set aside.
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Assemble the Sandwich: Begin building your grilled cheese masterpiece. Spread mayonnaise evenly on one slice of multigrain bread. On top of the mayonnaise, sprinkle half of the grated white cheddar cheese, followed by the caramelized onions. Arrange the thin apple slices and cooked bacon pieces over the onions. Add the remaining grated cheddar cheese on top of the bacon and apples. Spread Dijon mustard on the second slice of bread and place it mustard-side down on top of the cheese, completing the sandwich. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter on the outside of the top slice of bread.
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Grill to Perfection: Place the assembled sandwich in the same skillet, butter-side down. Spread the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter on the top side of the sandwich. Toast each side of the sandwich over medium-low heat until the bread is beautifully golden brown and the cheddar cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. This should take about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once golden brown and cheesy, remove the Pioneer Woman grilled cheese from the skillet. Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite side dish, such as a simple tomato soup or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Pioneer Woman’s cheddar and apple grilled cheese recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create extraordinary flavors. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or even a sophisticated snack. Prepare to be amazed by this gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese – it’s a recipe that will undoubtedly become a new favorite.
