'SHE FANCY' GRILLED CHEESE STICKS
Looking for a delicious and elegant apple recipe for the holidays or a special occasion? Take the classic grilled cheese up a notch and try these Air Fryer Fancy Grilled Cheese Sticks with Adult Applesauce!Â
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They are made with puff pastry, apples, cheese, and your favorite herbs and spices, and they are air fried to crispy perfection. The adult applesauce is a delicious and sophisticated accompaniment to the grilled cheese sticks with apples, figs and red wine.
These grilled cheese sticks can be enjoyed as is using the dipping sauce, or they can be served like croutons with salad or soup. Nothing like tomato soup and fancy grilled cheese sticks! The recipe has great texture and flavor combinations, but feel free to honor the apple and all of its versatility by swapping out any of the ingredients listed.Â
Puff pastry is basically just the vehicle for all the flavor and is a blank canvas. In addition to swapping out the filling, if you are looking for a healthier alternative, you could roll out a couple of slices of whole wheat bread and fill in a similar fashion. The possibilities are endless!
'She Fancy' Grilled Cheese Sticks
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Parchment Paper
- Food Processor
- Small Saucepan
Ingredients
Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Sticks:
- 1 package puff pastry comes with 2 sheets
- 1-2 tbsp milk or 1 beaten egg to brush on top
- 1 apple sliced thinly
- A few mint leaves
- 4 oz. Gruyere Cheese
- 4 oz. Brie Cheese
- 1/2 cup caramelized onion and fennel or raw if you prefer
Ingredients for Apple Fig Dipping Sauce (optional, but delicious):
- Splash of lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fig jam or butter
- 1 apple sauteed until soft
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey or sweetener alternative to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 1/4 cup red wine optional
Instructions
Instructions for Assembly:
- Line the air fryer tray with parchment paper and preheat at 360 degrees for 5-7 minutes.
- Dust a clean surface with flour lightly and unfold puff pastry.
- Cut the puff pastry sheet into 4 equal rectangles and roll them out both length- and width-wise.
- Layer each of the ingredients on one end: gruyere cheese slice, apple slices, caramelized onions and fennel, and brie cheese slice.
- Roll up either press the sides closed with a fork to seal or tuck in the excess dough on the sides as you roll. Do not overstuff or it will ooze out!
- Lay on the lined air fryer tray, gently slice 3 slits into each one and brush with milk or egg.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Instructions for Apple Fig Dipping Sauce:
- Add all ingredients to the food processor and blend on high until smooth.
- Strain the mixture into a small saucepan.
- Bring the sauce just to a boil and then turn off the heat and set aside to thicken further.
- Pour into a sauce cup, dip your fancy grilled cheese and enjoy!
Notes
- For a sweeter grilled cheese stick, add a sprinkle of sugar to the apple mixture and even on top of the puff pastry before air frying.
- Feel free to substitute with any soft, melty cheese you like!
- For a spicier grilled cheese stick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apple mixture.
- For an even richer adult applesauce, add your favorite nuts to the mix!
- To make ahead of time, prep the grilled cheese sticks and put them in a freezer safe container and store in the freezer until ready to eat them. Pop them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375 degrees and enjoy!
