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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
