Recipe: Apple, Ham, Cheddar on Sourdough

APPLE, HAM, CHEDDAR ON SOURDOUGH

2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
8 (1/4-inch-thick) slices sourdough bread
1/4 pound smoky ham, such as Virginia country ham, cut into 4 slices (or buy pre-sliced ham)
1 small green apple (about 5 ounces), such as Granny Smith, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
6 ounces medium or sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

TO ASSEMBLE:
Butter 1 side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices on work surface, buttered side down. Place slice of ham on each bread slice, folding to fit if necessary. Top with 4 to 5 apple slices per sandwich, followed by cheese. Place remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered-side up. If sandwich seems quite thick, press it down to compress ingredients slightly.

TO COOK:
To cook using sandwich maker, preheat sandwich maker and cook according to manufacturer's instructions. (Or, using stovetop method, heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Put sandwiches in skillet, in batches if necessary. Cover. Cook for 2 minutes or until undersides are golden brown and cheese has begun to melt. Uncover. Turn with spatula, pressing firmly to flatten slightly. Cook for 1 minute or until undersides are golden brown. Turn sandwiches. Press with spatula. Cook for 30 seconds or until cheese melts completely.) Serve immediately.

Makes 4 sandwiches
Adapted from source: Great Grilled Cheese : 50 Innovative Recipes for Stove Top, Grill, and Sandwich Maker by Laura Werlin