Apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches {smorrebrod idea}

Delicious yet simple apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches, with mature cheddar, crispy apples and sweet herbs. A perfect twist for your summer picnic.

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• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Equipment
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• You might like these other recipes
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• Apple and cheddar open-faced sandwiches {smorrebrod}

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. 

1. 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. 
2. Then slice the bread into 6 slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter. 
3. Next, layer the apple and cheddar slices.
4. 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