If you are on the hunt for a grilled cheese sandwich with a delightful twist, the Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This beautiful combination of creamy brie, crisp and sweet apples, and the warm embrace of cinnamon sugar makes every bite a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. It’s comfort food elevated, easy to make, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re craving an elegant lunch or a cozy snack, this recipe brings the sort of joy that only gooey melted cheese and fresh fruit can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients is all it takes to bring this unforgettable sandwich to life. Each component adds its own unique charm—from the creamy brie to the crunchy apples, and the unforgettable kick of hot honey butter with a hint of warm cinnamon sugar flavor.
- 8 slices hearty white country loaf or French bread: This forms the perfect crunchy but soft base, though sourdough or rye are excellent alternatives for more depth.
- 2 organic apples, thinly sliced: Choose crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best sweet-tart bite.
- 250 g brie cheese: Thinly sliced to ensure creamy meltiness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 3 tbsp butter: For spreading on the bread to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- 4 tbsp hot honey butter: A luscious blend of butter, honey, and chili flakes that adds a warm sweetness with a touch of heat.
- 2 tbsp salted butter, room temperature: Essential for crafting the hot honey butter and balancing sweetness.
- 2 tbsp fireweed honey or other mild honey: Provides a gentle sweetness that complements the cinnamon sugar and cheese.
- ¼ tsp hot chili flakes (optional): Adds a subtle spicy hint—adjust to your personal heat preference.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Make the Hot Honey Butter
In a small bowl, blend the room-temperature salted butter with your choice of mild honey and chili flakes until smooth and well combined. This mixture will give your sandwich an irresistible glaze bursting with sweet heat and a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with the apples and brie.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Take each bread slice and spread butter evenly on one side to guarantee a golden, crispy exterior. On the unbuttered side of four slices, layer thin slices of creamy brie followed by crisp apple slices, ensuring each sandwich has a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and gently press each sandwich while cooking. Grill each side for about 3 to 5 minutes until the bread is deeply golden and the brie has melted into a luscious filling. Cooking low and slow is key to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread.
Step 4: Finish with Hot Honey Butter
Right after removing the sandwiches from the pan, spread or drizzle the prepared hot honey butter generously over the tops. This final touch adds a magnificent glossy sheen and kicks the flavor profile up several notches with warm cinnamon sugar undertones.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the hot sandwiches to echo the warmth in the name while adding a delicate sweetness. Fresh thyme or a few arugula leaves can add an aromatic pop and a hint of peppery freshness that complements the creamy brie beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this sandwich with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. A cup of spiced butternut squash soup or a refreshing apple cider also rounds out the meal perfectly, keeping the flavor palette cozy and cohesive.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, cut the sandwiches into bite-sized triangles and serve on a wooden board alongside small ramekins of extra hot honey butter for dipping. Alternatively, open-faced presentations with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar create an elegant, rustic look that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, although the bread won’t be quite as crisp once reheated.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the sandwiches but do not cook them. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat your Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat, pressing slightly until warmed through and the cheese is fluid again. Avoid using the microwave for best texture, as the bread can become soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Absolutely! While brie offers a creamy, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with apples and honey, mild goat cheese or camembert can be delightful alternatives. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
What apples work best for this recipe?
Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for a balance of sweetness and tartness that matches the richness of the brie without becoming mushy.
Is the chili flakes ingredient necessary?
Chili flakes add a subtle heat that enhances the sweet and creamy flavors, but they’re completely optional. Feel free to omit or adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.
Can I make this sandwich vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap the brie for a plant-based cheese and use vegan butter for spreading and making the hot honey butter. The apple and cinnamon sugar will still shine, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
What is hot honey butter and why is it used?
Hot honey butter is a mixture of softened butter, honey, and chili flakes that brings a sweet, spicy, and creamy glaze to the sandwich. It adds warmth and richness, perfectly complementing the cinnamon sugar and fruit.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, flavorful hug. Its simple steps and accessible ingredients mean anyone can create this perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy comfort at home. I encourage you to gather your favorite bread and apples, and get ready to experience a grilled cheese sandwich like no other. Trust me, once you try it, this will be your go-to recipe for all those times you crave something truly special and satisfying.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese is a deliciously sweet and savory sandwich that combines creamy brie, crisp apple slices, and a hint of spicy honey butter. Perfectly golden and melty, this quick 20-minute recipe is ideal for a comforting lunch or an elegant snack that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Bread
- 8 slices hearty white country loaf or French bread (sourdough or rye also work well)
Fillings
- 2 organic apples, thinly sliced
- 250 g brie cheese, cut into 12–16 thin slices (about 1 cup)
Butters
- 3 tbsp butter (for spreading on bread)
- 4 tbsp hot honey butter (recipe below)
Hot Honey Butter
- 2 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp fireweed honey or other mild honey
- ¼ tsp hot chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Hot Honey Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter, fireweed honey, and hot chili flakes. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the sandwiches.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread the regular butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. On the non-buttered side of 4 slices, layer the thinly sliced brie cheese followed by the thin apple slices to ensure even distribution of flavors. Top each with the remaining bread slices so that the buttered sides are facing outwards.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place each sandwich on the skillet and cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula. This will toast the bread to a golden brown and melt the rich brie inside, melding all the flavors perfectly.
- Finish with Hot Honey Butter: Immediately after cooking, while the sandwiches are still warm, spread or drizzle the prepared hot honey butter generously over the tops of the sandwiches. Serve hot to enjoy the delightful combination of melted cheese, sweet apples, and spicy-sweet honey butter.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey butter to control the heat level to your preference.
- Sourdough or rye bread can be used for added flavor variations.
- Ensure the apples are thinly sliced to cook evenly and soften slightly without becoming mushy.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the brie melted and the bread at its crispiest.
- Use room temperature butter for easier spreading.
