One of my favorite grilled cheese recipes is this apple, bacon and Brie grilled cheese, which is a perfect combination of creamy and savory. These mini quiches are perfect to make ahead of time and have on hand for a fast breakfast on the go. And this apple-onion pilaf is a great side dish next to chicken or as a main dish for your vegetarian dinner guest.

Bacon, apple, Brie grilled cheese recipe

Creamy Brie cheese, crunchy apples and crisp bacon are stuffed between slices of bread and grilled up until crispy and golden brown.

Yields 2

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 8 minutes | Total time: 18 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 slices whole-grain bread
• 4 cooked strips applewood-smoked bacon
• 1 small Fuji or other variety apple, sliced
• 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
• 2 tablespoons raw honey (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
2. Spread each slice of bread with the softened butter.
3. On the unbuttered sides of the bread slices, place 2 strips of bacon and some apple slices, and divide the cheese between the 2 sandwiches.
4. Drizzle the cheese with honey, if using, and top with the remaining slices of bread. Cook the sandwiches in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from the heat, and slice in half. Best served warm.

Mini apple-sausage quiche recipe

These bite-size quiches are a perfect make-ahead breakfast. They're filled with sweet apples and savory turkey sausage, and are baked up golden brown.

Serves 8

Prep time: 15 minutes | Bake time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 whole eggs
• 4 egg whites
• 1 medium-size apple (any variety), finely diced
• 1/2 small sweet onion, minced
• 1/2 cup crumbled turkey sausage, cooked
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin pan with 8 cupcake liners, and set it aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and egg whites until frothy.
3. To the eggs, add the diced apples, minced onions, cooked sausage and seasonings, and mix well.
4. Spoon the mixture into each muffin cup, and bake for 20 minutes or until the eggs are completely cooked in the center of each muffin.
5. Remove from the oven, and let cool a bit on a wire rack.
6. Enjoy warm, and store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Savory apple and onion-quinoa pilaf recipe

This nontraditional pilaf replaces rice with protein-rich quinoa along with sweet apples, onions and salty Parmesan cheese.

Serves 6

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups uncooked wild rice
• 2-1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large apple, diced
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 chopped pecans
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. To a medium-size pot, add the rice and broth, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid has cooked away.
2. Remove from the heat, and set aside.
3. To a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter, and stir until melted.
4. Add in the apples and onions, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the apples are soft and the onions are translucent.
5. Add the cooked rice to the apple-onion mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, mixing well.
6. Before removing from the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped pecans.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired. Best served warm.

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More recipes using apples

Apple and cream cheese toaster strudels
Apple-cinnamon muffins with white cheddar spread
Bacon-apple pie