Havarti Harvest Melt
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Havarti Harvest Melt! This sandwich is the epitome of coziness with crispy bacon, apples, and layers of melty Havarti cheese. Start by cooking applewood bacon to perfection until it becomes irresistibly crispy. Next, apples and onions are sauteed in the bacon drippings, infusing them with rich flavor and seasoning them with aromatic thyme. Finally, everything is layered up between generous slices of hearty buttered bread with Havarti cheese and grilled until gooey and melty. The result is a warm and inviting masterpiece that will leave you feeling snug and content.
I would like to say a special thank you to my talented father-in-law for giving us apples grown by him. To be honest, I'm not really sure what kind these are, but I will check with him and update you as soon as I find out (update: they are Molly Delicious!) Regardless, Gala or McIntosh would work well for this recipe. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory elements of the sandwich. I've still got several apples left over, so I have a feeling I will be making many more of these yummy sandwiches in the near future! Cheers to the amazing culinary contributions of my father-in-law!
My Appalachian roots are definitely showing through this recipe. One such ingredient that has made its way into some of my dishes is bacon drippings. The game-changing flavor and richness it adds are unparalleled. Whether it's sautéing vegetables, seasoning soups and stews, or even adding a savory twist to baked goods, bacon drippings elevate the dish to a whole new level. Its smoky, salty essence brings back memories of family gatherings and hearty meals shared around the table. So, whenever I use bacon drippings in my cooking, it's not merely an ingredient – it's a tribute to my Appalachian heritage and a reminder of the flavors that shaped my culinary journey.
When cooking apples and onions together, incorporating the rich and smoky essence of bacon drippings elevates the taste to a whole new level. The savory notes from the bacon complement the natural sweetness of the apples and the mellow tanginess of the onions, creating a delightful flavor profile.
As always, please let me know via socials if you try this recipe. I absolutely adore seeing your recreations, especially during the cozy falltime! It's the season when we all crave warm and comforting dishes. So, if you decide to give this recipe a go, don't forget to tag me @honeybeedishin on Instagram and Facebook. It brings me so much joy to see your culinary masterpieces and connect with you in the kitchen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to support this blog and making it all worthwhile!
Havarti Harvest Melt
Ingredients
2 small apples (Gala/McIntosh), sliced thinly
1 yellow onion, sliced thinly
1 (12 oz) package applewood smoked bacon
2 teaspoons dried thyme
Havarti cheese slices
Sliced multigrain/sourdough bread
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon for 2-4 minutes to desired crispiness. Remove bacon from pan and set aside.
Using the same skillet, toss sliced onions, apples, and thyme together in bacon drippings. Cook over medium-high heat until apples are tender and onions are translucent and caramelized (about 15 minutes).
Generously slice hearty multigrain or sourdough bread and butter each side.
Assemble the sandwich by layering Havarti cheese, apples and onions, bacon, and a second layer of cheese. Add the top piece of bread.
Place sandwiches in another medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat and cook until golden on each side and the cheese is melty and gooey. Enjoy!