Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350° and lightly spray a 4 1/2 X 8 1/2" loaf pan (or 9 X 5 if you can find it!) with cooking spray.

Step 2

In a small skillet, add the butter and onions. Sprinkle with the salt and cook over medium heat until they are soft and translucent - around 10 minutes.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce.

Step 4

To a large bowl, add the cooked onions, lean ground beef, egg, crushed crackers, and apple butter mixture.

Step 5

Mix by hand (or with a sturdy wooden spoon) to combine all the ingredients, and press them into the prepared loaf pan.

Step 6

Brush the top with the additional 1-2 tablespoons apple butter, and bake for 1 hour or until done.

Step 7

To make the meatloaf sandwiches, spread one side of each slice of bread with butter and heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Place 4 slices of bread butter-side down in the skillet. Add a slice of cheese to each piece of bread.

Step 8

Quickly whisk together the ¼ cup apple butter, 1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and dash of hot sauce.

Step 9

Add a slice of meatloaf to each slice of bread. Spoon the sauce over, add lettuce, one more slice of cheese, and the top piece of buttered bread. Press the sandwiches and flip to grill the other side.