Honey Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese

This isn’t your ordinary grilled cheese. Rich smoked Gouda melts between slices of rustic sourdough while a light coating of honey and butter caramelizes against the skillet, creating a crisp, subtly sweet glaze on the outside. Sweet, smoky, buttery, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches

• 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
• 6 oz smoked Gouda, freshly grated or thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons Mountainside Apiary honey, divided
• Pinch of flaky sea salt

For Finishing

• 1–2 teaspoons Mountainside Apiary honey
• Freshly cracked black pepper, optional

Directions

1. Divide the smoked Gouda evenly between two slices of sourdough. Top with the remaining bread and gently press the sandwiches together.
2. Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the outside of each sandwich.
3. Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat.
4. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the bottoms are golden and the cheese has begun to melt.
5. Before flipping, drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of honey over the top of each sandwich and spread it into a very thin layer over the buttered bread.
6. Flip the sandwiches so the honey-coated sides are against the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook another 2–3 minutes. The honey will begin to caramelize, creating a glossy golden crust.
7. Lightly coat the remaining side with a little honey, flip once more, and cook for 30–60 seconds — just long enough to caramelize the honey without burning it.
8. Remove from the skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Finish with a tiny drizzle of honey and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve immediately while the Gouda is hot and melted. Pair with tomato soup, roasted tomato bisque, a crisp apple salad, or kettle-cooked chips. For an extra savory version, add a few thin slices of crisp apple or cooked bacon inside the sandwich.