If you know me, you know I’m a biiiig fan of flavorful, interesting, and FUN sandwiches. In fact, the whole AK team pretty much does backflips over sandwiches. Have you checked out our guide for the best sandwiches in Chicago? They’re a must-try if you’re in the city.
But let’s get back to homemade sandwiches. Ones you can build with every unique topping you can find in your fridge or pantry. Ones like this ultimate spicy cheddar apple sandwich with pickled jalapeños (yes) and kettle chips (OMG yes).
This sandwich is the perfect combo of sweet, savory, spicy, crunchy, and veggie-packed. It’s everything I craved during my pregnancy with baby Lachlan, and I keep craving to this day. Although this beautiful sandwich is vegetarian, it still packs 15g of protein and will keep you full and satisfied after lunch! Of course, I included tons of easy ways to customize this apple cheese sandwich, including adding extra protein. Pile it high and remember to leave a comment after you try this amazing combo!
Ingredients in the perfect cheddar apple sandwich
We’re taking a regular apple cheese sandwich and dressing it up with fresh vegetables, sweet & spicy toppings, and of course, potato chips for that irresistible crunch. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:
- Bread: I love good toasty sourdough bread, but feel free to use any bread you’d like for this sandwich!
- Produce: we’re piling this sandwich high with sliced red onion, Honeycrisp apple, and zippy arugula.
- Pickled jalapeños: the kick of heat from pickled jalapeños is just *chefs kiss*.
- Sauce: I like to add sweetness and tang from honey and grainy dijon mustard.
- Cheese: can’t forget that sharp cheddar cheese for delicious savory flavor.
- Kettle chips: who doesn’t love chips on their sandwich?! I love adding kettle potato chips for the ultimate crunch and salty bite.
Customize your sandwich
You can truly make this cheddar apple sandwich your own with ingredients you have on hand. Here are some great ways to customize it:
- For the bread: as I mentioned, feel free to use your favorite bread to make the sandwich. Keep it gluten free with a gluten free loaf, or feel free to wrap it all up in your favorite tortilla or collard wrap!
- For the cheese: this is technically an apple cheddar sandwich, but you can use any cheese you’d like. I think pepper jack would add the perfect extra kick.
- For the chips: have fun adding in your favorite chips! I opted for regular kettle potato chips because of all of the flavors going on in the sandwich, but cheddar Sun Chips or a spicy potato chip would be delicious.
- For the sauce: not a mustard fan? Swap in some mayo (maybe a chipotle mayo?!) instead! You could also use hot honey for more heat.
- For the produce: spinach would be a great swap for arugula, and I think creamy avocado would make a wonderful addition. You can, of course, use any type of apple you’d like on this sandwich!
An easy vegan option
Feel free to use your favorite vegan cheese slice or simply leave the cheese off of the sandwich. It will still be delicious!
Not a fan of spice?
No worries! Simply omit the pickled jalapeños. This would make the cheese and apple sandwich kid-friendly, too!
Add your fav proteins
You can absolutely increase protein or use up some extra meat from your fridge if you’d like! Feel free to add a few slices of your favorite meat like honey or maple ham/turkey (or leftover pulled turkey or chicken!)
I think crispy bacon would also be a delicious addition.
Bonus: the best DIY sandwich bread
Feeling adventurous? Try my homemade seedy sandwich bread recipe for and extra delicious baking project! It toasts up beautifully and holds up well to all of these amazing toppings.
The best apple cheese sandwich in 4 steps
- Toast your bread. I recommend broiling your bread in the oven for a couple of minutes until it’s nice and golden brown.
- Melt the cheese. Flip the bread slices over, add your cheese to one slice, and broil again for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Assemble the sandwich. Next, top the cheese side with the pickled jalapeños, and add the mustard & honey to the other slice of bread. Then top with the rest of your sandwich ingredients.
- Press, slice & devour. Carefully close the sandwich and press down slightly to crunch the chips. Then slice and enjoy!
More sandwiches & wraps you’ll love
- Cherry Jam, Turkey & Spicy Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Tuna Melt
- Avocado Buffalo Chickpea Salad Wraps
- Smashed Chickpea Avocado Salad Sandwich with Cranberries + Lemon
- Vegan Pecan Apple Chickpea Salad Wraps
Get all of my sandwiches & wraps here, and more lunch ideas here!
I hope you love this spicy cheddar apple sandwich! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
The Ultimate Spicy Cheddar & Apple Fall Veggie Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices of sourdough bread (or your favorite bread!)
- 1-2 ounces sliced sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon grainy dijon mustard
- 1-2 teaspoons honey
- 10 slices pickled jalapeños
- 5-6 thin slices of red onion
- ¼ honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup kettle potato chips
- ¼ cup arugula
Instructions
- Place both slices of bread on a small baking sheet and broil on high in the oven for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly browned. (Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!)
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and turn the sliced bread over. Cover only one piece of bread with sliced cheddar cheese, then return the pan to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove the pan from the oven and top the melted cheese slice with pickled jalapeños. Spread the plain slice of bread with dijon mustard, then drizzle on honey. Top with apple slices, red onion, arugula, and kettle chips.
- Carefully close the sandwich and gently press down until the chips crunch. Slice in half and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on September 13th, 2023, and republished on October 1st, 2024.
I used Ezekiel bread, an ambrosia apple, regular honey mustard, spinach, and I roasted an Anaheim pepper, but I think the overall effect was still there. I at least had cheddar and kettle chips! Let me tell you, that sandwich was STELLAR. I’ll be making it again, for sure. ♥️
I saw you post this on IG and I just had to make it right away for lunch haha! It was divine. I didn’t have any pickled jalapenos so I quick pickled some habaneros I had on hand. YUM!
Looking forward to trying this sandwich! Congratulations on the birth of Lachlan! Hope that you are all doing well!
Thank you so much! Enjoy!
Absolutely delicious! Crunchy and so flavorful. I used spinach and salt & vinegar kettle chips because that’s what I had on hand. Will definitely be making again.
SO happy to hear that! Glad you enjoyed ❤️
This looks delicious! I just added it to the weekly meal plan! Just wondering what soup you think would pair well with this sandwich? Thanks!
Made this over the weekend, it was SO good. I didn’t have arugula, or any other greens, so I used avocado to sub. I will 100% be making this again, highly recommend.
YAY! Happy to hear it came out great 😊
Made this for lunch for myself and a friend and it did not disappoint. Fun fall-themed lunch with very little prep time. Will be making again for sure.
Really good. Fun combo of flavors. Thanks for the inspiration!
Of course! So glad you enjoyed!
So damn good! I’m still sniffling after eating this for lunch – those jalapenos pack a punch! Will definitely be making again.
The BEST! Glad you are enjoying this sandwich ❤️
I don’t think I’ve ever used a recipe for making a sandwich before, but this was terrific! You know how they say sandwiches always taste better when someone else makes them? Now I’m the “someone else”
This sandwich was delicious and was enjoyed by all! Loved the unique mix of ingredients and flavors. It was easy to make too!
Looks incredible 💝
I just made this again since I just got a bag of honeycrisp apples at Trader Joe’s and my boyfriend said he would order this in a restaurant. Safe to say this sandwich is elite!
Delicious! I am SO glad you’re loving this sandwich and it turned out great for you 🙂
The vegan sandwich is one of my favorites. The photography looks incredible. It is a good option for breakfast, especially because of the protein.
Mmmm this recipe was so good. Made exactly as instructed and it’s definitely a keeper.
Perfect! So glad you’re loving this recipe and it turned out amazing for you!
Made this tonight for dinner. Made two because I had a gut feeling I was going to like it. Unfortunately forgot the red onion. Did not pre-toast the bread either. I added a little chipotle mayo on the side, and out avocado on the top of one. Talk about magnificent! I think I have found my new favourite ‘thing’. Can’t wait to try it with red onion also. Thanks, Ambitious Kitchen!
Awesome! So glad you’re enjoying this sandwich and it turned out amazing for you!
My husband and I make this at least once a week (sometimes twice). We have yet to find another sandwich that we love as much as this one. It’s absolutely perfect! Sweet with a little heat and a ton of textures that we love. I’m practically on my knees begging you for another delicious sandwich recipie!
So glad you two love this one! Noted on a new recipe – I’ll add it to my list!
WOW! I just made this sandwich, minus the jalapeños (I don’t like spicy) , what a flavor explosion! This may be the best sandwich I have ever had. Thank you so much this amazing recipe.
Amazing!! So glad you loved it!
Saved this recipe when it first got published but just now decided to make it at 22 weeks pregnant. As I was assembling it I thought a pregnant lady had to have come up with this, went to reread the post and sure enough I was right! Pregnant or not the sandwich is delicious! I will definitely be eating it on repeat! I did add some turkey for extra protein.
Haha it’s true!! Such a good one for those sandwich cravings 🙂
SOOOOOO GOOOD. I cook my jalapenos in the honey though
Ooo love that idea!!
This was sooo good! I didn’t have time to pickle the jalapeños beforehand but it was still quick and amazing! Thank you!
Perfect! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
Looks delicious! I had a sandwich like this a while back at a local restaurant. But instead of pickled jalapeños, it had pickled green tomatoes. SO GOOD! Could be an option if you wanted to keep the sour but not have as much spice.
Ooo love that!!
This is a delicious sandwich! We’ve subbed in pickled red onion when we haven’t had jalepenos, and it’s still so good. We’ll eat it any time of year.
Love that!!
Delicious! A new family favorite. Packs well for hikes, picnics and dinner under the stars!
Absolutely! Perfect summer lunch or dinner 🙂