Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This sweet and savory Brie, apple & cranberry grilled cheese is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Combining creamy brie, crisp apples, and tangy cranberry sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to impress. It’s an easy and elegant sandwich perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

• Bread (4 slices, preferably sourdough or whole grain)
• Brie cheese (8 ounces, sliced)
• Apple (1 medium, thinly sliced; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works best)
• Cranberry sauce (1/2 cup, homemade or store-bought)
• Butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
• Honey (1 tablespoon, optional for drizzling)
• Fresh thyme (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the ingredients by slicing the brie cheese and apple thinly. Set aside the cranberry sauce to make assembly quick and easy.
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 bread slices, buttered side facing 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 has melted.
4. Step 4: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired. Cut in half and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice tangy contrast, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.
• For extra crunch, add a handful of arugula or toasted walnuts inside the sandwich before grilling.
• Swap cranberry sauce with fig jam or apricot preserves to experiment with different sweet notes.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese wrapped tightly in foil or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain the crispy bread and melted cheese texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

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 fontina work well as alternatives, offering a similar meltiness and creamy texture.

Is cranberry sauce necessary for this recipe?

While cranberry sauce adds a lovely tartness and moisture that complements the brie and apple, you can substitute it with other fruit preserves if preferred.

Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 85 reviews

This Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese sandwiches combine melty brie cheese, crisp apple slices, and tangy cranberry sauce on buttery toasted bread. Perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner, these grilled cheese sandwiches deliver a delicious balance of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors with a crispy golden crust.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sandwich Ingredients

• 4 slices bread (preferably sourdough or whole grain)
• 8 ounces brie cheese, sliced
• 1 medium apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened

Optional Garnishes

• 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
• Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Thinly slice the brie cheese and the apple, and have your cranberry sauce ready. Prepping everything ensures a smooth assembly process.
2. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the brie cheese, then the apple slices, and top with a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
3. Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet carefully and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the brie cheese melts into a creamy filling.
4. Serve and Garnish: Remove the grilled sandwiches from the skillet. Optionally drizzle with honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a fragrant touch. Cut the sandwiches in half to serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Use sourdough or whole grain bread for the best flavor and texture contrast.
• If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the amount of cranberry sauce used.
• Feel free to substitute fresh cranberries cooked down with orange juice for a homemade cranberry sauce.
• Butter the bread slices generously to ensure a perfectly crispy crust.
• Adjust the apple variety and slices thickness depending on your texture preference.

Keywords: brie grilled cheese, apple grilled cheese, cranberry sauce sandwich, sweet and savory sandwich, fall sandwiches