Uncover the ultimate gourmet melt with this Grilled Cheese Sandwich featuring smoked Gouda, lean turkey, crisp apple slices, and luscious fig jam. Whether it’s for a game day snack or a delightful lunchtime indulgence, this sandwich is a winning play.

Looking to upgrade your lunch? Try a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with smoked turkey, apple, and fig jam. This sandwich, inspired by a meal at a downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama eatery, features ultra-melty smoked Gouda cheese and the sweet flavor of fig jam. It comes with their homemade tomato soup, topped with croutons and Parmesan crisps. The key to this sandwich’s magic lies in its texture—crisp bread, crunchy apples, and gooey cheese griddled until it reaches golden brown perfection. For a unique and tasty browning agent, I combine equal parts unsalted butter and mayonnaise when adding my bread slices to a skillet for grilled cheese. Enjoy it as a single serving or whip up a batch for game day or poolside get-together. For the best experience, let it cool for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld, and the textures shine. This sandwich delivers “Monte Cristo vibes” while satisfying that classic grilled cheese craving!

Put that sleeve of plain white bread aside and get into this method using sourdough, whole grain and seed, focaccia, or another savory loaf that stands out. Think buttermilk bread, sourdough, or even beer bread. My images feature bread made with feta and Parmesan cheese, which bakes up like focaccia. It’s a bonus because it features a spinach pesto, which adds to the flavor intrigue of any sandwich melt or grilled cheese I make. You will need a second slice of bread for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, but going open-faced means all those gorgeous ingredients will be visible!

Ingredients for This Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The secret to a great grilled cheese sandwich lies in every detail, including the pan. While smoked Gouda is my top cheese choice, any melty cheese will do. Use an electric skillet or flat-bottomed pan for even browning and to make multiple sandwiches at once.

• Quality fresh bread – opt for something rustic and savory, such as sourdough, or use a homemade loaf; my spinach and feta loaf yields amazing texture and flavor. 
• Smoked Gouda cheese – known for its excellent melting properties and smoky, nutty flavor. 
• Apple slices – add a refreshing crunch and natural flavor. 
• Fig jam – offers a complex but overall sweet flavor that complements the savory sandwich components. 
• Frisée – also known as curly endive, this type of chicory with a slightly bitter taste and delicate, feathery leaves is a shockingly delicious ‘perfect contrast’ in this melt.  
• Smoked turkey slices – smoked turkey slices offer a lean, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and sweet fig jam. If I’m lucky enough to have leftover bourbon turkey breast, I use that above all else!

Substitutions and Variations

When making substitutions, remember that texture and flavor will likely change, so choose substitutions thoughtfully.

• Fruit Bread and Soda Bread – offer a surprisingly refreshing taste in place of savory sliced bread.
• Using Brie or Smoked Gruyere – these melty cheeses go especially well with fruit bread and soda bread, so don’t be afraid to reverse the flavor profiles.
• Fresh pear slices are a great substitute for apple, and while caramelized onions with a sprinkle of fresh minced thyme also work well, they do not provide the same texture.
• Use raisin chutney with fontina or extra sharp cheddar for a quasi-Euro version.
• For some serious crunch, pile on pickled veggies or sweet and savory red onions.
• Use peach preserves or quince paste – in place of fig jam; both offer a similar puckery flavor. 
• Baby kale leaves deliver the bitter flavor characteristic of frisée.
• Thinly sliced coppa, Black Forest ham, or porchetta are AMAZING on this sandwich, or choose to go meatless!

Step By Step Instructions

Griddle the Bread and Begin Assembling

Step 1. Before beginning, cream the softened butter with equal parts mayonnaise until well combined. Spread a thin layer of the mixture on both sides of each slice of bread. Place the bread into an electric skillet (or griddle) over medium heat. Griddle the bread on both sides until golden and crisp but not fully browned. Reduce the heat to low to avoid burning the bread while you build your sandwiches.

Step 2. Butterfly the bread slices so they can be easily joined along their long edges once assembled. Spoon a thin layer of fig jam on one slice of bread while piling 2 to 3 ounces of smoked Gouda on the other.

Finish Assembling and Cover to Melt

Step 3. Layer apple slices atop the Gouda, followed by 2 to 3 slices of smoked turkey. Increase the heat once again to medium. 

Step 4. Add frisée atop the fig jam and place a lid on the skillet or griddle. Turn the heat off after 1 minute, but do not remove the lid. The heat from the pan’s surface is helping the Gouda to melt. Remove the lid after another minute or two and use a spatula to ‘mate’ both sides of the sandwich; the griddled bread’s outsides are perfectly crispy and help the cheese to finish melting fully. Carefully remove the sandwiches from the pan and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes. This sandwich tastes best when slightly cooled.

How to Serve and Epic Grilled Cheese Sandwich

You don’t need to serve the best grilled cheese sandwich with anything, but if you want to enhance the presentation, offer sweet pickles and hot mustard as additional condiments.

Serving Occasions

• Game Day – Great for feeding a crowd.
• Lunchtime Treat – An upscale option for a midday meal.
• Brunch – Pair with mimosas for a festive touch.
• Picnics – Easy to pack and delicious cold.
• Soup Pairing – Perfect with tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Wine Pairings

Believe it or not, we assembled these for an adults-only pool party and passed sandwich halves via a tray! It’s how I know to pair this sandwich with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir. The acidity in these wines complements the cheese’s richness and the fig jam’s sweetness.

Beer Pairings

A Belgian Dubbel or a malty Oktoberfest beer would pair well, balancing the smoky and sweet flavors of this grilled cheese recipe.

Recipe FAQs