Name: Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 slices of bread (your choice, sourdough or whole wheat work well); 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2-3 ounces Brie cheese, sliced; A pinch of salt

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A delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese, this sandwich combines the rich creaminess of Brie cheese with the sweet flavors of cinnamon sugar and fresh apples, creating a mouthwatering treat that's perfect for a cozy lunch or snack.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This isn't your ordinary grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of melty Brie cheese, sweet cinnamon sugar, and fresh crisp apples creates a perfect balance of flavors that elevates the humble grilled cheese to gourmet status. It's sweet and savory, crispy and creamy all at once. This recipe is quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're looking for a special lunch, a comforting snack, or even a unique dessert option, this sandwich delivers with its irresistible combination of familiar ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bread provides the foundation for this gourmet sandwich. While the recipe is flexible regarding bread choice, a hearty sourdough or whole wheat bread works exceptionally well as they offer enough structure to hold the fillings while providing complementary flavors. The slight tanginess of sourdough particularly enhances the sweet-savory balance of this sandwich.

Butter is essential for achieving that perfectly crisp, golden exterior. It also helps conduct heat evenly across the bread surface, ensuring your sandwich cooks properly. The butter's richness complements the other flavors and adds to the overall decadence of the sandwich.

Cinnamon brings warm, aromatic spice that transforms this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary. Its subtle heat balances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with both the apples and cheese. This spice is what gives the sandwich its distinctive flavor profile that bridges the gap between savory and sweet.

Sugar caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating a delicious crispy exterior with subtle sweetness that contrasts wonderfully with the savory cheese. It works with the cinnamon to create that classic flavor combination that pairs so well with apples.

Apples add freshness, crunch, and natural sweetness. The slight tartness of varieties like Granny Smith or the balanced sweetness of Honeycrisp creates a perfect counterpoint to the rich cheese. The apples also provide a pleasing textural contrast to the melty cheese.

Brie cheese is the star of this show with its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor that melts beautifully. The edible rind adds complexity, while the soft interior becomes perfectly gooey when heated. Brie's subtle flavor allows the cinnamon and apple to shine while providing richness.

Salt might seem like a minor addition, but that final pinch enhances all the other flavors and creates perfect balance in this sweet-savory sandwich. Just a small amount brings out the butteriness of the cheese and brightens the apple's natural flavors.

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on the buttered side of both slices of bread.
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a skillet over medium heat.
Layer the Brie cheese on top of the bread and add the thin apple slices on top of the cheese.
Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the apple slices.
Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from heat, slice, and serve warm with a pinch of salt for added contrast.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 1 serving, perfect for a personal lunch or indulgent snack. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to cook, making it ready to enjoy in a total of 13 minutes. At approximately 320 calories per sandwich, it's a reasonable option for a satisfying meal. The recipe can easily be multiplied to serve more people as needed.

Variations

Pear and Brie Grilled Cheese: Substitute thinly sliced pears for apples for a different yet equally delicious flavor profile.

Honey Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of honey instead of cinnamon sugar for a different type of sweetness.

Berry Addition: Add a few thin slices of strawberries or a small handful of blueberries alongside the apples for a fruity twist.

Maple Cinnamon: Replace the sugar with real maple syrup mixed with the cinnamon for a deeper, more complex sweetness.

Nutty Brie Sandwich: Add a thin layer of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Savory Herb Version: Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the cheese layer for an herbal note that complements both the cheese and fruit.

Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese: Substitute or add a thin spread of cranberry sauce for a tangy-sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with Brie.

Storage/Reheating

This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately after preparation when the bread is crisp and the cheese is perfectly melted. However, if you need to store it:

Short-term storage: If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the bread will soften considerably.

Reheating methods: To restore some crispness, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, use a toaster oven set to 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating as it will make the bread soggy.

Make-ahead tips: If you want to prepare components in advance, you can slice the apples and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning, and mix the cinnamon sugar ahead of time. Assemble and cook the sandwich just before serving for best results.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for this sandwich?

Firm, crisp apples with a balance of sweetness and acidity work best. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Braeburn are excellent choices. Granny Smith provides more tartness to balance the sweet elements, while Honeycrisp offers natural sweetness with perfect crispness.

Can I use a different cheese if I don't have Brie?

Yes! While Brie creates that signature creamy texture, other soft cheeses like Camembert or even a mild goat cheese would work well. For a different but still delicious sandwich, try using creamy Havarti or a mild white cheddar.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cheese alternative designed to melt, though the flavor profile will change. Look for nut-based soft cheese alternatives that mimic Brie's creaminess for the closest experience.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Prepare the sandwich as directed, then cook in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer creates a wonderfully crisp exterior.

What can I serve with this sandwich?

This sandwich pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. For a more substantial meal, serve with a cup of butternut squash soup or tomato soup.

Can I prepare multiple sandwiches at once for a family?

Absolutely! You can prepare several at once using a large griddle or multiple skillets. Keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven while you complete the batch.

How thinly should I slice the apples?

Aim for slices about ⅛-inch thick. They should be thin enough to heat through and slightly soften during cooking, but not so thin that they lose their pleasant crunch and structure.

Can this be made ahead for a picnic or lunch box?

While best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prepare this ahead and enjoy it at room temperature. If packing for later, let it cool completely before wrapping in parchment paper, which allows it to breathe better than plastic wrap.

Is the rind of the Brie supposed to be removed?

This is personal preference. The rind is edible and adds complexity to the flavor, but some prefer to remove it for a more uniform texture. For this sandwich, leaving the rind on works well as it helps contain the melting cheese.

Can I add some protein to make this a more substantial meal?

Certainly! For a vegetarian protein boost, you could add some sliced almonds or a thin spread of almond butter.

Conclusion

The Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese sandwich is a perfect example of how a few high-quality ingredients can transform a simple dish into something truly special. The combination of creamy Brie, crisp apples, and warm cinnamon creates a harmony of flavors and textures that elevates the humble grilled cheese to gourmet status. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a cozy snack on a chilly afternoon, or even a unique dessert option, this recipe delivers an experience that's both comforting and exciting. It's a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal apples and makes even an ordinary day feel a little more special. Don't be afraid to experiment with the variations to make it your own personal favorite!

Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ingredients

2 slices of bread (your choice, sourdough or whole wheat work well)
2 tablespoons butter, softened
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
½ apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2-3 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
A pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on the buttered side of both slices of bread.
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a skillet over medium heat.
Layer the Brie cheese on top of the bread and add the thin apple slices on top of the cheese.
Place the second slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the apple slices.
Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from heat, slice, and serve warm with a pinch of salt for added contrast.

Notes

Try using a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Sourdough bread adds a rustic flavor but whole wheat works well for added nuttiness.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Grill
Cuisine: American