---
title: Caramelized Apple Cheddar Melts
source: {name: HelloFresh, url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/caramelized-apple-cheddar-melts-5f69048d69aa6f3f5e056c1b}
servings: 2
prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 20 minutes
time required: 35 minutes
difficulty: Medium
allergens: [Milk, Eggs, Soy, Wheat]
tags: [Veggie, Quick, Comfort Food, Vegetarian]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 3000
source_chef: Michelle Doll Olson
review_highlights: [{theme: Flavor, text: Sweet-and-savory combo of apples and cheddar with thyme-seasoned apples}, {theme: Ease of prep, text: Suggests using less butter when grilling for a lighter result}]
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/caramelized-apple-cheddar-melts.avif"
---
@cheddar cheese{1.5%oz}
@arugula{1%cup}
@thyme{2%tsp}
@sunflower seeds{1%tbsp}
@dried cranberries{1%tbsp}
@white cheddar cheese{1.5%oz}
@honey dijon dressing{2%tbsp}
@sourdough bread{4%slices}
@apple{1%unit}
@dijon mustard{1%tbsp}
@black pepper{1%pinch}
@salt{1%pinch}
@olive oil{1%tbsp}
@sugar{0.5%tsp}
@water{1%tbsp}
@butter{2%tbsp}

Wash and dry all produce. Halve, core, and finely dice @apple{1%unit}. Strip thyme leaves from stems and mince them. Heat @olive oil{1%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add apple and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned ~{5%minutes}. Add @sugar{0.5%tsp}, @thyme{2%tsp}, and @water{1%tbsp}. Cook, stirring, until apple is caramelized and jammy ~{2%minutes} more. Turn off heat, season with @salt{1%pinch} and @black pepper{1%pinch}, and transfer to a #small bowl{}.

Place @sourdough bread{4%slices} on a clean work surface. Spread half the slices with @dijon mustard{1%tbsp}, then top with @white cheddar cheese{1.5%oz}, caramelized apple, and @cheddar cheese{1.5%oz}. Place remaining bread slices on top to create sandwiches.

Melt 1 tbsp @butter{2%tbsp} in the pan used for the apple over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cook until golden brown on the first side ~{4%minutes}. Remove sandwiches, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the pan, and once melted, return sandwiches to cook on the second side until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted ~{4%minutes} more.

While sandwiches cook, add @arugula{1%cup} to a #large bowl{} along with @dried cranberries{1%tbsp} and @sunflower seeds{1%tbsp}. Toss with as much @honey dijon dressing{2%tbsp} as you like, then taste and season with salt and pepper. Halve melts on a diagonal. Divide salad and melts between plates and serve with any remaining honey dijon dressing on the side for dipping.