Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This sweet and savory brie, apple, and cranberry grilled cheese is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining creamy brie with crisp apple slices and tangy cranberry sauce, it’s perfect for cozy lunches or easy dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bread (preferably sourdough or whole grain)
• 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best)
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon honey, optional for drizzling
• Fresh thyme, optional for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by slicing the brie cheese and apple thinly. Set aside the cranberry sauce.
2. Step 2: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the brie, apple slices, and a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme if desired. Cut in half and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sharp knife to slice the apple very thin so it heats through quickly without wilting the sandwich.
• Try using fig jam instead of cranberry sauce for a different sweet note.
• For extra crunch, add some toasted walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich before grilling.
• To keep the bread crisp, grill the sandwich on medium rather than high heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of brie?

Yes, soft cheeses like camembert or creamy goat cheese work well as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Is it better to use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce?

Both work fine. Homemade cranberry sauce offers a fresher taste and allows you to control sweetness, but store-bought is a convenient shortcut that still pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.

Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese sandwich offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors. Combining melted brie cheese, crisp apple slices, and tart cranberry sauce between buttery toasted bread, this recipe makes an elegant yet simple meal that’s ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a comforting snack.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Bread & Spreads

• 4 slices bread (preferably sourdough or whole grain)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for drizzling)

Cheese & Fruit

• 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced

Garnish

• Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Thinly slice the brie cheese and apple to ensure even melting and layering. Set aside the cranberry sauce to have everything ready for assembly.
2. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the sliced brie evenly, add the thin apple slices on top, then spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the apples. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
3. Grill the Sandwich: Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the bread toast to a golden brown and crispy texture.
4. Serve and Garnish: Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet once golden and melted. If desired, drizzle honey on top for added sweetness and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic lift. Cut the sandwiches in half for easier serving and enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can prepare cranberry sauce ahead of time or use your favorite store-bought brand.
• Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor contrast.
• For a richer flavor, allow the brie to come to room temperature before assembling.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used sparingly or omitted.
• Cook the sandwich over medium heat to ensure thorough melting without burning the bread.

Keywords: grilled cheese, brie sandwich, apple cranberry sandwich, sweet and savory sandwich, autumn sandwich, quick lunch, comfort food