Brie Grilled Cheese

This brie grilled cheese sandwich elevates the classic comfort food with creamy brie, tart apples, and sweet cranberry sauce. The combination creates an irresistible harmony of flavors that transforms a simple sandwich into something truly special.

I first made this sandwich for a casual gathering with friends, and it disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now it's my go to impressive yet easy option whenever I need something quick that still feels special.

Ingredients

• Whole grain or sourdough bread provides the perfect sturdy base with great texture
• Unsalted butter creates that golden crispy exterior we all crave
• Brie cheese brings a creamy richness look for a wheel that yields slightly to gentle pressure
• Cranberry sauce adds sweet tartness homemade or good quality store bought both work wonderfully
• Fresh apple slices introduce a refreshing crunch Granny Smith offers pleasant tartness
• Fresh thyme optional but adds an aromatic herbal note that elevates the entire sandwich

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the skillet

Heat your skillet over medium heat until evenly warm but not smoking. This ensures even browning without burning the bread before the cheese melts. A cast iron skillet works beautifully here if you have one.

Butter the bread

Apply softened butter generously and evenly to one side of each bread slice. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges for maximum crispiness. The butter should be soft enough to spread without tearing the bread.

Build your sandwich

Place one slice butter side down on the warm skillet. This is when you'll quickly layer your ingredients. Start with brie slices covering most of the bread then spread cranberry sauce on top and finish with a layer of thin apple slices. Work quickly but carefully.

Complete the sandwich

Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up. Press down gently with a spatula to help everything stick together and ensure even contact with the cooking surface.

Grill to perfection

Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown then carefully flip using a wide spatula. Apply gentle pressure occasionally to help the cheese melt completely. The second side usually cooks slightly faster so watch it closely.

Add final touches

Once both sides are crispy and golden and the brie has melted into creamy goodness remove from heat. If using fresh thyme sprinkle it over the sandwich or between layers for an aromatic finish.

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The brie is truly the star of this sandwich. I discovered its magic when experimenting with leftover cheese from a holiday gathering. The way it melts into a creamy blanket that perfectly complements the sweet cranberry and crisp apple creates a memory making bite every time.

Seasonal Variations

This sandwich shines in autumn when apples are at their peak and cranberry sauce makes its seasonal appearance. However you can adapt it year round by swapping in seasonal fruits. In summer try peaches or nectarines with a honey drizzle instead of cranberry sauce. Spring calls for strawberries or fresh berry compote while winter works beautifully with pears and fig jam.

Make Ahead Tips

While best enjoyed immediately after cooking you can prepare components in advance. Slice apples and store them in water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Have your brie sliced and ready in the refrigerator and your bread buttered and waiting. This prep makes assembly lightning fast when you're ready to cook.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a more substantial meal add a cup of tomato soup on the side for the ultimate comfort food experience. When serving as an appetizer slice into small triangles and arrange on a wooden board with extra apple slices and a small bowl of extra cranberry sauce.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Both whole-grain and sourdough bread work excellently, as they provide structure and flavor that complements the brie and fillings. Sourdough offers a slight tanginess that pairs well with the sweet and savory elements, while whole-grain adds nuttiness and texture. Choose bread that's sturdy enough to hold the fillings but not so thick that the cheese won't melt properly.

→ Can I substitute the brie cheese with something else?

Yes, while brie provides that signature creamy meltability, you can substitute with camembert for a similar texture but stronger flavor, or try creamy goat cheese for tanginess. For a milder option, havarti or fontina would work well. Each alternative will change the flavor profile slightly but maintain the luxurious melty quality.

→ What type of apple works best in this sandwich?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness and firmness provide a perfect contrast to the creamy brie and sweet cranberry sauce. They also hold their shape when heated. However, other varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady can work well too, offering slightly different sweetness levels while maintaining a good crunch.

→ Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

While best served immediately after grilling, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Slice the apples (toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning), portion the brie, and have the cranberry sauce ready. Assemble and grill just before serving for the optimal melty cheese and crispy bread experience. Fully assembled sandwiches can become soggy if made too far in advance.

→ What can I serve with this sandwich?

This sandwich pairs beautifully with a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. A cup of butternut squash or tomato soup makes for a classic pairing. For a more substantial meal, serve with sweet potato fries or a small bowl of roasted root vegetables. A crisp apple cider or light white wine would complement the flavors wonderfully for a more elevated experience.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

Use medium-low heat rather than high heat, which allows time for the cheese to melt before the bread browns too much. Another technique is to cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes while cooking, which creates steam that helps melt the cheese. You can also pre-warm the brie slightly before assembling the sandwich to give it a head start on melting.