If you’re craving a sandwich that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and melty goodness, the Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful twist on a classic grilled cheese combines the creamy richness of Brie with crisp, tart apple slices and a hint of warm cinnamon sugar, all hugged by golden buttery bread. It’s an easy, speedy treat that feels special enough to impress but simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to comfort food with a sophisticated flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential—the butter and cinnamon sugar bring buttery warmth, the apples add a fresh crispness, and the Brie provides that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that makes this sandwich unforgettable.
- Bread (2 slices): Choose something sturdy like sourdough or whole wheat for the best texture and flavor.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, softened): This helps create a golden, crispy exterior with a rich flavor.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm spice that complements both the apples and Brie beautifully.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Works with cinnamon to create a sweet crust that contrasts the savory cheese.
- Apple (1/2, thinly sliced): Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or crisp Honeycrisp to add a refreshing bite.
- Brie cheese (2-3 ounces, sliced): Provides creamy, slightly earthy richness that melts perfectly.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mix
Start by stirring together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This simple mixture is going to coat the buttered bread, adding a delicate sweetness with a spicy warmth that elevates every bite.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This is the side that will meet the skillet and crisp up, so make sure it’s well covered to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
Step 3: Sprinkle the Cinnamon Sugar
Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the buttered sides of both bread slices. This creates a caramelized coating that’s both sweet and aromatic once toasted.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich on the Skillet
Place one slice of bread, buttered and cinnamon sugar side down, onto a preheated skillet over medium heat. This will be your toasty base.
Step 5: Add Brie and Apples
Layer the Brie slices evenly on top of the bread, then arrange the thin apple slices over the cheese. This combo ensures every bite offers creamy, melty cheese with a crisp, fruity crunch.
Step 6: Top and Grill
Place the second bread slice on top, buttered side facing up. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and toasty and the Brie is deliciously melted.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice it in half, and add a small pinch of salt if you like that extra flavor punch. Serve it warm and enjoy the wonderful melding of sweet, savory, and melty textures.
How to Serve Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little fresh garnish like a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme or a few arugula leaves on the side can brighten the richness of the Brie. A drizzle of honey over the top brings out the cinnamon and apple flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup. The acidity and freshness from the sides make the sandwich taste even more decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe as finger sandwiches at a brunch or party—cut into smaller triangles so everyone can sample this decadent treat. You can also add nuts like toasted walnuts for extra crunch if you’re feeling adventurous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made too much (which is easy to do because this sandwich disappears quickly), wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days.
Freezing
This grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the assembled, ungrilled sandwiches in airtight containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
To reheat, place the sandwich in a medium-heated skillet and cover with a lid for a few minutes to help the cheese melt again while crisping the bread. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fantastic crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Brie?
While Brie is ideal for its creamy, buttery profile, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even a mild goat cheese. Just keep in mind, the flavor balance might shift slightly.
What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-crisp varieties like Honeycrisp work beautifully. Avoid overly soft or mealy apples to maintain that fresh, crunchy texture.
Is this sandwich suitable for a quick breakfast?
Absolutely! It comes together in about 13 minutes and offers a comforting mix of flavors that can energize your morning with a bit of sweetness and richness.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute vegan butter and use a plant-based Brie alternative, though the flavor and texture will be different. For the apple and cinnamon combination, these adaptations still bring a satisfying experience.
What should I serve with the Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe for a fuller meal?
A fresh green salad, a bowl of butternut squash soup, or even a light fruit salad complements this sandwich perfectly and rounds out the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is one of those delightful surprises that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort food. It’s warm, sweet, slightly savory, and utterly delicious—perfect for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or an elevated snack. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it at home; it’s sure to become one of your favorites just like it did for me!
Print
Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, combining the creamy richness of Brie cheese with the sweet and slightly tart flavors of thinly sliced apples and a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle. Perfect for a quick and comforting snack or light meal, this recipe balances sweet and savory notes with a crisp, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 2 slices of bread (your choice, sourdough or whole wheat work well)
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Spices and Sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
Fillings
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2–3 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
Instructions
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar to create a sweet spice mixture. Set this aside for later use.
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will help the bread toast evenly and add flavor.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered sides of both bread slices for a sweet and aromatic crust.
- Prepare the Skillet: Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, onto a skillet heated over medium heat. This provides the base for your sandwich.
- Layer Brie and Apples: Arrange the slices of Brie cheese over the bread in the skillet, then layer the thin apple slices on top of the cheese to combine sweet and creamy textures.
- Top the Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing up to finish the sandwich.
- Grill the Sandwich: Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the Brie cheese is melted inside, ensuring a perfect blend of flavors.
- Serve: Remove the grilled sandwich from the skillet, slice it in half, and serve warm with a pinch of salt to enhance the sweet and savory tastes.
Notes
- Use sourdough or whole wheat bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Choose a tart apple like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar and Brie.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to your taste preference.
- For a sharper flavor, allow the Brie cheese to come to room temperature before slicing.
- Serve immediately for the best melted cheese experience.
