If you are looking for a comforting yet delightfully unique sandwich that effortlessly combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, the Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This sandwich brings together the warm, aromatic delight of cinnamon with meltingly smooth Brie cheese and crisp, tart apple slices—all tucked between perfectly toasted bread. It’s a mouthwatering experience that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for a cozy lunch or a quick, sophisticated snack that dazzles with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to elevate this grilled cheese to something memorable. Each component contributes beautifully to the texture, taste, and color, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and sensations.
- Bread (2 slices): Choose sourdough or whole wheat for a sturdy base that crisps perfectly and adds wholesome flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): Helps create that golden, crispy crust while enhancing richness.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet-spicy note that perfectly complements the apples and cheese.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances the acidity of the apples and enriches the cinnamon’s sweetness.
- Apple (1/2, thinly sliced): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best – they add a fresh, tart crunch that brightens every bite.
- Brie cheese (2-3 ounces, sliced): Offers a creamy, buttery texture that melts beautifully and carries the other flavors.
- Salt (a pinch): Just a touch to enhance all the delicious elements together and add savory contrast.
How to Make Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
Start by mixing the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl; this simple blend will add the perfect hint of sweetness and spice to the sandwich’s crispy exterior.
Step 2: Butter and Sprinkle the Bread
Take your softened butter and spread a thin, even layer on one side of each slice of bread. Then, sprinkle your cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered sides. This will caramelize as it cooks, giving a beautiful golden crust bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a preheated skillet over medium heat. Layer the Brie slices on top of the bread, allowing the cheese to start melting. Then arrange the thin apple slices evenly over the Brie, ensuring each bite gets that crisp, juicy hit.
Step 4: Top and Grill
Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up. Grill the sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts into creamy perfection.
Step 5: Serve Warm with a Pinch of Salt
Remove the grilled cheese from the heat, slice it in half for easier handling, and finish with a pinch of salt on top. This tiny finishing touch helps balance the sweetness and really makes the flavors pop.
How to Serve Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few fresh thyme leaves add an herbal brightness that beautifully complements the sweet and savory sandwich layers. Don’t shy away from a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair this grilled cheese with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or a warm butternut squash soup to enhance the dish’s cozy, comforting vibe. Fresh fruit or roasted nuts on the side also add enjoyable texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwich diagonally for a classic look, or try boutique-sized sliders for a party appetizer. You can even place it on rustic wooden boards with small bowls of dipping honey or chutney to elevate presentation and flavor profiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in parchment paper or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. While best enjoyed fresh, this sandwich retains its wonderful flavors when stored properly.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but ungrilled sandwich by wrapping it in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
To reheat, place your sandwich in a skillet over low heat and cover it with a lid. This technique melts the cheese evenly without burning the bread. Flip halfway through until heated to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie provides a creamy, mild flavor perfect for this recipe, soft cheeses like Camembert or even a mild goat cheese can work well. For a firmer bite, try Havarti or a mild mozzarella.
What if I don’t have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples?
Any crisp apple you have on hand will do; though tart apples add the best contrast, Fuji or Gala apples can add a touch of natural sweetness that pairs nicely with the Brie and cinnamon sugar.
Can I make this sandwich vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the Brie for a creamy vegan cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter to spread on the bread. Cinnamon and apple flavors will still bring that delightful warmth and sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for larger servings or meal prep?
Definitely, it’s easily scaled up. Make multiple sandwiches and grill them fresh or prepare ahead and reheat by skillet method. Perfect for batch cooking or entertaining guests!
What is the best bread type for this grilled cheese?
Sourdough or whole wheat breads are top choices due to their sturdy texture and flavor complexity. However, feel free to use your favorite bread; just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the fillings without getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich that’s easy to prepare but packs a flavor punch you’ll want to revisit again and again. Whether you’re nesting in on a chilly day or need a simple yet impressive snack, this recipe is a fantastic way to treat yourself to something warm, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite grilled cheese combo!
Print
Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring melted creamy Brie, thinly sliced crisp apples, and a warm cinnamon-sugar buttered crust. Perfect for a quick gourmet snack or a comforting lunch, this sandwich combines the richness of Brie cheese with the natural sweetness and crunch of fresh apples, grilled to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Bread and Spread
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, sourdough or whole wheat recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Filling
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2–3 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar thoroughly to create the cinnamon-sugar mixture and set it aside.
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread evenly to help the cinnamon sugar stick and create a crispy exterior.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar: Evenly sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered side of both slices of bread, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto a skillet set over medium heat to begin toasting the bread.
- Add Brie and Apple: Layer slices of Brie cheese over the bread in the skillet, then arrange the thinly sliced apples on top of the Brie, allowing the cheese to start melting underneath.
- Top and Grill: Place the second slice of bread on top of the apples with the buttered side facing up, creating a sandwich ready for grilling.
- Grill the Sandwich: Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until the bread turns golden brown and the Brie cheese has fully melted.
- Serve Warm: Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet, slice it carefully, and serve warm with a pinch of salt sprinkled over the apples to enhance the flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tartness and crisp texture.
- Softened butter spreads much more easily and helps ensure even cooking and browning.
- If you prefer a sweeter sandwich, feel free to increase the sugar slightly in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the bread while allowing the Brie to melt thoroughly.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately while the Brie is warm and gooey.
