Think of this recipe as grilled cheese’s fancy French cousin—only with a playful twist your toddler will actually eat. A classic grilled cheese is already melty, gooey comfort food at its best, but here a french toast batter and thinly sliced apples bring something extra: a pop of freshness, a little natural sweetness, and a boost of fiber that balances all the creamy cheese. And because it’s apple season, there’s no better way to put those crisp, in-season fruits to use than by slipping them into a warm, golden sandwich that feels just right for the whole family.
Check out our other savory apple recipes!
A Comforting Twist on a Classic
This recipe takes the comfort of a grilled cheese, the fun of French toast, and the sweetness of fresh apple slices—and smashes them all together into one golden, melty, kid-approved sandwich. It’s the kind of meal that works equally well for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack after school. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in the fridge.
The secret here is soaking the sandwich in a quick egg–milk–vanilla mixture before pan-frying, which gives it that custardy, French-toast flavor. Inside, crisp apple slices balance out gooey cheddar, while turkey or ham (if you want to add it) makes it feel a little more “grown up.” The mustard is optional—but a tiny swipe adds just enough zing without overpowering.
Overview of Ingredients
- Apple – Adds crunch and sweetness.
- Egg + milk + vanilla – A quick custard dip for the bread.
- Bread – Sandwich bread works fine, but a wide-cut loaf makes for a heartier result.
- Cheese – Cheddar or Muenster, both melt beautifully.
- Turkey or ham (optional) – A little protein boost.
- Mustard – Dijon or whole-grain give more flavor, but classic yellow works too.
- Butter – For golden, crisp edges.
Overview of Steps
- Slice the apple thinly so it softens slightly in the pan but still has crunch.
- Mix the custard (egg, milk, vanilla) in a shallow dish.
- Assemble the sandwich: bread + cheese + turkey/ham (optional) + apple + mustard + bread.
- Dip in custard for 30 seconds per side, letting the bread soak up flavor.
- Pan-fry in butter until golden and melty, pressing down with a spatula.
- Serve warm—cheese-pull optional, but highly encouraged.
What Parents Will Like
- One-pan, quick cook: From start to finish, you’re done in about 15 minutes.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet fruit + savory cheese/protein = a well-rounded bite.
- Customizable: Works with whatever cheese, deli meat, or bread you’ve got on hand.
- Kid-friendly but not boring: This is the kind of meal you’ll actually want to eat too.
- Sneaky produce: The apples feel like a treat, but they add natural fiber and vitamins.
FAQ
Can I skip the mustard?
Absolutely. The sandwich is delicious without it—especially if your kid is still suspicious of “strong” flavors.
What other proteins work here?
Rotisserie chicken, chicken salad, even leftover cutlets or bacon. If you want to keep it vegetarian, just double the cheese.
Does it have to be cheddar?
Nope! Muenster melts beautifully, and mozzarella gives that long cheese pull. You can even try Swiss or provolone for a subtler flavor.
How thin should the apples be?
As thin as you can manage—think sandwich-ready slices. Too thick, and they won’t soften enough in the short cooking time.
Can I make this ahead?
Not really—the bread will get soggy. But you can pre-slice the apples and prep the custard mixture earlier in the day to save time.
Easy Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich for Kids
Description
A cross between french toast and croque monsieur, this grilled cheese sandwich has a tart and tangy surprise: crisp apples and mustard inside. A great and easy way to get rid of all those apples you picked.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep
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Slicing vertically down through the apple, cut the smallest/thinnest slices you can.
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In a wide and shallow container, add the egg, a splash of milk, and a small splash of vanilla extract; mix until blended.
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Assemble the sandwich in the following order: drape a cheese slice atop the bottom piece of bread, followed by a slice of turkey or ham (if using): place two or three slices of apple on top. Lace the bottom side of the other piece of bread with as much (or as little) mustard as your child would like, then press the mustard-side of the bread down onto the rest of the sandwich.
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Place the sandwich into the egg batter and allow it to sit in it for 30 seconds, pressing down on it once or twice to help it absorb the liquid; flip and do the same for the other side.
Cook
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Heat a pan to Medium. Once hot, place butter in the pan and allow it to melt and sizzle; as soon as it begins to foam, place sandwiches into pan.
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Cook for three minutes, pressing/smashing down on the sandwiches to help ingredients stick together. Once golden brown on bottom, flip and cook for another 90-120 seconds.
Adapt
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Almost any kind of protein can slide in here: chicken salad or cutlet, other deli meats; heck, add another slice of cheese if you want to. The mustard, while a tangy counterpoint to all that melty cheese, can be left out.
