Delicious yet simple apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches, with mature cheddar, crispy apples and sweet herbs. A perfect twist for your summer picnic.
Years ago, when I first moved to the UK, I fell in love with a sandwich called a ploughman. It was essentially a cheese sandwich with onion chutney and lots of vegetables. Sometimes they had a slice of ham in there too. One day I ordered a sandwich and when I bit into it I got this pleasant crunch. Turns out they put apple slices in with their cheese. It was delicious.
This smørrebrød idea brings together savoury cheddar and crisp tangy apple slices. A ridiculously open-faced sandwich to make, but elegant and delicious at the same time. You just need some great cheese, a tangy apple: like Jazz, Pink Lady. Granny Smith will work as well but might be a bit too sharp for some pallets.
Ingredients
- Extra mature, or extra strong, white cheddar (Canadian cheddar, like Baldersons, will work great here)
- 2 tart apples, such as pink lady, granny smith, or even Jazz or Macintosh.
- Rugbrod – Danish rye bread, you could also use German rye bread
- 3 tbsp softened butter
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
For detailed instructions on how to make smørrebrød, check out this page for a step by step instructions.
- Ensure all your ingredients are ready before you start. Make the sweet dill drizzle by combining the maple (or honey), mustard, vinegar, 1 tbsp of fresh dill, olive oil and black pepper.
- Then slice the bread into 6 slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter.
- Next, layer the apple and cheddar slices.
- Sprinkle over the sweet dill drizzle and scatter with remaining dill and some fresh cracked black pepper.
Equipment
The only equipment you need for making Apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches is a sharp knife to cut the bread, toppings and spread the butter.
Tips and Variations
How to assemble smørrebrød
Check out my guide to making smørrebrød for step by step instructions on how to make them.
What herbs can you use for smørrebrød
It is great to experiment with different herbs, but generally soft herbs like parsley and chives work great. They will affect the flavour of your sandwich, but it is great to experiment.
How do you eat smørrebrød?
With a knife and fork. Seriously, while it might be tempting to eat smørrebrød with your hands, this would be a mistake. Smørrebrød is not meant to be fast food, it is a quick food enjoyed. So bring out your knife and fork, put it on a plate and enjoy.
You might like these other recipes
- Check out our collection of smørrebrød recipes here.
- A great salad to have on the side of most smørrebrød is this Scandinavian slaw.
- Finish on a sweet note with this cherry cake.
- Switch it up by adding some pickled strawberries – from Craft Beering
Pairings
Drinks
Apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches are brilliant with a Danish beer, like Carlsberg.
Music
Check out the Wild Kitchen playlist on Total Feasts Music page.
Recipe
Apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches {smorrebrod}
Ingredients
Smorrebrod
- 2 Tart apples such as pink lady, granny smith, or even Jazz or Macintosh
- 6 slices Rugbrod or German Rye bread
- 3 tbsp Softened butter
Sweet dill drizzle
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Make the sweet dill drizzle by combining the maple (or honey), mustard, vinegar, 1 tbsp of fresh dill, olive oil and black pepper.
- Slice the bread into 6 slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter.
- Next, layer the apple and cheddar slices. About two pieces of each depending on the size of your bread.
- Sprinkle over the sweet dill drizzle and scatter with remaining dill and some fresh cracked black pepper.
I love the combination of sweet and savoury (salty) and particularly the combo of apples and cheese. So delicious in salads, bruschetta and on flatbread (I still need to try an apple cheese tart / pie, though.) These sandwiches look and sound wonderful; elegant and delicious.
apple and cheese is such a great combo. these sandwiches look so very tasty i could eat one right now!
I’ve been super intrigued by the idea of smørrebrød ever since they came on my radar a couple of years ago. I’ve yet to make one here at home, though, and now this version has me thinking I should try. The flavors here are awesome! (Mmmm…goat cheese.) Also, thanks for the instructions on the fork and knife. Not knowing any better, I might’ve been tempted to eat smørrebrød with my hands.
Apples and cheddar are a perfect combo – this sure is a delicious way to fancy it up. This would make such an impressive light lunch.
Tart apples and cheddar are a perfect combination! Love the idea of a smoorebrod, and your sandwich look great! We have Norwegian friends and one day they had us over for lunch and we feasted on a whole tray of different open sandwiches one more delicious than the other.
This would make one terrific lunch, Matt! It looks SO tasty! The apple and cheddar is a great flavor combo. Pinning!
I’ve always loved apple and cheese as a flavour combination Matt. I love the idea of using that combination as a smørrebrød. This is a must try recipe for me! Hope you guys are well and staying safe!
Apples, cheese, bread, and herbs?! COUNT ME IN. What a perfect little summer snack! Pinned to make.