Sweet and Savory Brie, Apple & Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
