Selena Robins, Author

Apple, Cheddar & Brie Grilled Cheese: The “Criminal” Sandwich From Decoy in Stilettos.

In my recent release, Decoy in Stilettos, there’s a scene where Ryan, (heroine), takes over Gabe’s, (hero) kitchen like she’s auditioning for a cooking show.

She whips up a grilled cheese he insists is a crime against sandwiches, because, oh, the horror, she added apple, arugula and honey.

She calls it gourmet. He calls it criminal.

Today, I’m sharing that same sandwich recipe with you, because if it can charm a grumpy alpha, imagine what it can do for your lunch.

Spoiler: Gabe devoured two of them.

A Peek into the Scene:

She sliced sourdough, cored apples, pulled sharp cheddar and creamy brie from the fridge, and found the honey and leftover arugula while the panini press warmed.

“Honey? Apples? On grilled cheese?” Gabe asked, looking personally offended.

“Don’t knock it,” she said. “It’s a game-changer.”

Horrified, he lifted the arugula between two fingers. “You’re adding this?”

“I am.”

“That’s criminal.”

“You’ll survive.”

Ryan’s Grilled Cheese Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 slices sourdough bread
Sharp cheddar, sliced
Brie, sliced
1/2 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or similar)
Arugula
Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Butter

Instructions:

Heat a pan (medium-high) or panini press.

Butter the outside of each slice of bread.

Layer cheddar, brie, and apple slices on the bread.

Add a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the cheese and apple.

Layer a few pieces of arugula on top.

Add bread on top and put sandwich in pan, then press down.

If using a pan, grill one side until toasty, then flip over and grill the other side until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.

If using a panini press, press down until cheese is melted. No need to flip the sandwich with a press.

Slice and serve immediately—preferably to someone who claims they “don’t like fruit in savory food,” so you can watch them change their mind in real time.

Why this sandwich works:

The apple bring crunch and sweetness, the brie adds creamy luxury, the cheddar gives a sharp bite. The arugula adds a peppery pop that says, “I’m fancy, but not too fancy.” Then there’s the honey (or maple syrup)—a tiny drizzle of culinary seduction.

Gabe thought it was an unusual combination, because he tends to be a purist when it comes to food and especially coffee (she also adds a twist to his coffee, much to his annoyance).

But it’s also the perfect moment for him to realize two important truths:

1) He might actually like arugula.
2) He never stood a chance against her.