Brie Grilled Cheese
Creamy brie, tart Granny Smith apples, and fresh herbs come together in this Brie Grilled Cheese recipe for a sweet and savory twist on a classic sandwich. Toasted to golden perfection on multigrain bread with a hint of honey mustard, it’s a simple yet gourmet-style lunch or dinner option.
I love making this grilled brie sandwich when I want something quick but full of flavor. The creamy brie pairs so well with the crisp apple and hint of herbs. It’s an easy way to change up the usual grilled cheese and make it a little more fun and interesting.
Craving more stacked, flavor-packed sandwiches to serve with a bowl of soup? Try my Chicken Club Sandwich and Prosciutto Sandwich.
Why This Recipe Rocks!
- Ready in Minutes: This grilled brie cheese sandwich comes together in under 10 minutes, ideal for a busy day.
- Flavor-Packed: The mix of creamy brie, tart apples, and fresh herbs hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, and tangy.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a handful of fridge and pantry staples, no special ingredients needed.
- Great for Sharing: Makes two full sandwiches, perfect for splitting or serving alongside soup or salad.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Multigrain Bread: Choose a sturdy, sliced multigrain bread that holds up well when grilled without getting too soggy. Whole wheat, sourdough, and other sliced sandwich breads work well too.
- Honey Mustard: Use your favorite store-bought honey mustard or make a simple mix of mustard and honey. It adds a touch of sweetness and tang that balances the richness of the brie.
- Brie Cheese: Look for a creamy, ripe brie with a soft rind. Thin slices help the cheese melt evenly without overwhelming the sandwich.
- Granny Smith Apple: This tart, crisp apple provides a nice contrast to the creamy brie. Make sure it’s firm and fresh for the best texture. You can substitute with other crisp apples like Honeycrisp if preferred.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh rosemary or thyme to add a fragrant, earthy note. My preference is rosemary! Use fresh if you can, but if it's not available, use a small pinch of dried herbs instead.
- Butter: Use slightly softened butter for easy spreading. It helps create a golden, crispy crust when cooking the brie sandwich in the pan.
Check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and quantities of each one.
How to Make a Brie Grilled Cheese
Making this grilled cheese with brie is simple and quick. Just prepare your ingredients, and follow these easy steps to build and grill your sandwich to melty, golden perfection.
Step 1: Spread the Honey Mustard. Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface and spread a teaspoon of honey mustard evenly over each piece. This adds a subtle sweet tang that complements the other flavors.
Step 2: Add the Brie Cheese. Place thin slices of brie on top of each piece of bread. Make sure to cover the surface so the cheese melts evenly when grilled.
Step 3: Layer the Apples and Herbs. On two of the slices with brie, add the thinly sliced Granny Smith apple and sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme over the top. Then, place the remaining slices of bread, brie side down, on top to form sandwiches.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches. Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in, then cover with a lid. Cook until the bread is golden brown on one side, then flip and grill the other side until browned and the cheese is melted.
Handy Tip: Melt Cheese Faster
Start cooking your brie apple grilled cheese sandwich in a cold pan and cover it partially with a lid. This traps heat and helps the brie melt evenly without burning the bread.
Dietary Modifications & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this sandwich safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Look for a sturdy gluten-free loaf that grills well.
- Fig Jam Twist: Swap the honey mustard for a thin layer of fig jam to create a brie grilled cheese with jam. The sweet, fruity jam pairs well with the creamy brie and tart apple.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a smear of spicy mustard instead of honey mustard for a little heat.
- Meaty Twist: Add thin slices of prosciutto or cooked bacon for a salty, savory layer that complements the creamy cheese and tart apple.
Soup-er Toppings & Serving Suggestions
- This brie grilled sandwich makes a hearty meal paired with a bowl of spring vegetable minestrone soup or creamy asparagus soup.
- These sandwiches are great for parties, cut them into halves or quarters and serve on a platter with some fried goat cheese balls and kettle chips.
- During the summer, try pairing it with our lighter soups like this spicy gazpacho and cucumber gazpacho for a meal that won't way you down.
Expert Tips
- Slice the Brie Thin: Thin slices of brie melt more evenly and quickly, helping you get that creamy texture without waiting too long.
- Start with a Cold Pan: Placing the sandwich in a cold skillet and then heating it slowly helps the cheese melt fully before the bread browns.
- Cover While Cooking: Covering the pan with a lid traps heat and moisture, speeding up the melting process without burning the bread.
- Use Softened Butter: Spread softened butter on the bread to get an even, golden crust that doesn’t tear the bread when spreading.
- Don’t Overload the Sandwich: Keep the fillings balanced so the sandwich grills evenly and isn’t too thick to cook through properly.
- Store and Reheat: The sandwich is best fresh but if you can't quite finish it, store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven, air fryer, or oven at 350° F until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
No, you can use olive oil or a butter substitute if you prefer. Olive oil will give a slightly different flavor but still create a crispy, golden crust.
Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches and keep them wrapped in the fridge for up to a few hours before grilling. Just cook them fresh for the best texture.
Yes, creamy cheeses like Camembert, Havarti, or even a mild goat cheese work well as substitutes if you want a similar melt and flavor profile.
Yes! A panini press works great for melting the cheese evenly and giving the sandwich a nice, crispy crust.
Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices multigrain bread
- 4 teaspoons honey mustard
- 4 ounces brie cheese sliced thin
- 1 Granny Smith apple sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary and/or thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter slightly softened
Instructions
- Lay four slices bread out on a cutting board. Spread each piece of bread with a teaspoon of honey mustard.4 slices multigrain bread, 4 teaspoons honey mustard
- Evenly divide up brie cheese among each slice of bread. Top 2 pieces of bread with sliced apples. Sprinkle rosemary and/or thyme over top of brie. Flip bread with brie and herbs over top of slice topped apples.4 ounces brie cheese, 1 Granny Smith apple, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary and/or thyme
- Spread butter on outside of bread. When pan is hot, place the sandwich in your cold skillet to cook until browned over medium heat, partially covered with lid. Flip over and cook on the other side until browned.2 tablespoons butter
- Cut in half and serve. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Thinly slice the brie to help it melt evenly and get that creamy texture inside your sandwich.
- Softened butter spreads more easily, creating a more even, golden crust on the sandwich.
- Start grilling the sandwich in a cold pan and cover it to trap heat and melt the cheese without burning the bread.
- For a sweet twist, add a layer of fig jam inside the sandwich before grilling to complement the brie and apples.
Nutrition
