Toasted artisan bread with cheddar, crispy beef bacon, apple slices, and spicy honey for a bold flavor contrast.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bread & Spreads
01 - 8 slices artisan sourdough bread
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
→ Bacon
03 - 8 slices thick-cut beef bacon
→ Cheese & Fruit
04 - 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated or thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
→ Hot Honey
06 - 2 tablespoons hot honey
07 - ½ cup honey (if making from scratch)
08 - 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes (if making from scratch)
09 - ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar, optional (if making from scratch)
10 - Pinch flaky sea salt, optional
# Directions:
01 - In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup honey, 1-2 tablespoons red pepper flakes, and optional ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar. Gently heat over low heat for 5-7 minutes without boiling. Remove from heat and let steep for 15-20 minutes or longer for increased spiciness. Strain if desired and store at room temperature.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef bacon slices for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined baking sheet. Drain on paper towels and reserve approximately 1 tablespoon rendered fat. Break bacon into 2-3 pieces per slice.
03 - Wash, core, and thinly slice the apple to approximately ⅛-inch thickness. Grate or thinly slice cheddar cheese.
04 - Butter one side of each bread slice. On 4 unbuttered sides, layer half the cheese, apple slices, and beef bacon pieces. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon hot honey. Top with remaining cheese and close sandwiches with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing outward.
05 - Preheat a heavy skillet over medium-low heat with 1 teaspoon reserved bacon fat or additional butter. Place sandwiches butter-side down and cook 4-6 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden-brown and cheese is fully melted. Cook slowly to prevent burning.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and rest for 2-3 minutes. Cut each sandwich diagonally. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt or add an extra drizzle of hot honey if desired. Serve while warm.
