ABC Melts - grilled sandwiches with apples, beets, and cheese - are grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches perfect for any time of day. Fruits and veggies always taste better with cheese!
These ABC Melts are inspired by my favorite menu item at a local brewery. It takes a slightly different form each time I’m there, but it’s always on the menu, and it’s always delicious. This is my interpretation, which is in regular menu rotation throughout the fall and winter months at my house.
I am a huge fan of the packaged, pre-cooked beets available in the produce section at your local grocery store. I always have a pack or two in my fridge. I love beets, and I know the effort to roast and peel them myself is well worth it, but the convenience of the pre-cooked, store-bought packages means I eat a lot more beets than I would otherwise, and knowing how nutrient-dense they are, that’s definitely a good thing! So take some help from the store, and these ABC Melts come together in no time, making them an easy weeknight meal.
These ABC Melts are a delicious combination of flavors - sweet and tart, tangy and savory. The tart apple and tangy mustard cut through the sweetness of the jam and beets, and the richness of the cheese. Perfectly grilled to golden brown and crisp, these sandwiches are satisfying in both texture and flavor. They’re great for a weekend lunch or a weeknight dinner - add a side salad, or maybe some roasted potatoes - or both! - to complete the meal.
ABC Melts - grilled sandwiches with apples, beets, and cheese - are grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches perfect for any time of day. Fruits and veggies always taste better with cheese!
8 slices whole grain or sprouted grain bread
8 slices havarti or gouda cheese (I like a mix of both)
8 oz. peeled, cooked beets (1 package)
1 large tart apple, such as Granny Smith
4 Tbsp. blackberry jam
4 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
1. Start by prepping the apple and beets. Cut the apple into quarters, and remove the core. Thinly slice each quarter of the apple, and set slices aside. Thinly slice the cooked beets, and set aside.
2. To assemble the sandwiches:
3. Grill the sandwiches on a griddle on medium heat until golden brown on the outside, and the cheese is melted inside, about 4 minutes per side.
4. Slice in half and serve immediately.
I invite you to try my seasonally-inspired,
plant-based recipes to create your own
joyful plateful!
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