Save The first time I made this brie and apple grilled cheese was on a rainy Tuesday afternoon when I needed comfort food but wanted to feel fancy. I'd picked up a wheel of brie from the market and had a couple of honeycrisp apples sitting in the fruit bowl. Something about the combination of warm melty cheese and crisp sweet apple just made sense. Now it's my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
I made these for my sister last fall when she was visiting and she looked at me like I'd invented a new food group. We sat at the kitchen table watching the rain and eating them with tomato soup, and she made me promise to teach her the recipe. Now she makes them for her kids who call them the fancy cheese sandwiches.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: The tangy flavor and sturdy texture hold up beautifully to the melting cheese and apple juices without getting soggy
- Brie cheese: Removing the rind helps it melt evenly though I sometimes leave it on because that earthy flavor grows on you
- Crisp apple: Granny Smith adds brightness while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness either way the contrast with rich brie is perfect
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter spreads more evenly creating that golden crunch we all want in a grilled cheese
Instructions
- Butter your bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each sourdough slice getting right to the edges so every bite gets that buttery crunch
- Layer the brie:
- Place two slices butter side down and arrange half the brie on each letting it hang off the edges slightly for those crispy cheese bits everyone fights over
- Add the apples:
- Layer thin apple slices over the cheese then top with remaining brie so the apples are sandwiched between cheese which helps them soften without getting mushy
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Place remaining bread slices on top butter side up and press gently to help everything stick together when you flip them
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a skillet over medium low heat for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is oozing out the sides
- Rest and serve:
- Let them sit for a minute so the cheese sets slightly then cut diagonally because it just tastes better that way
Save This sandwich became a regular at our weekend lunch rotation. Something about the sweet and savory combination feels special but still familiar. My husband started requesting them instead of regular grilled cheese and now the kids prefer these too.
Perfect Pairings
I love serving this with a simple tomato soup or a mixed green salad with vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the rich brie and balances the sweet apple. A cup of butternut squash soup works beautifully too especially in colder months.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add a few fresh thyme leaves or a drizzle of honey after grilling. A handful of arugula adds peppery bite and makes it feel even more gourmet. The beauty is how well it adapts to whatever you're craving.
Common Questions
People ask if they can use other cheese and the answer is absolutely yes. Try camembert for something similar or gruyère for a nuttier flavor that pairs amazingly with apple. Can you make this ahead of time? I'd recommend assembling right before cooking but you can slice the apples and cheese a few hours in advance.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes though honestly they rarely last that long
- Swap the butter for mayonnaise on the outside if you want an extra crispy crust that wont burn as easily
- Press the sandwich gently with a spatula while cooking for better contact between bread and filling
Save Hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again like it has for us.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best?
Buttery sourdough bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and rich flavor that complements Brie and apple slices well.
- → Can other cheeses be substituted for Brie?
Yes, soft cheeses like Camembert or mild goat cheese can provide similar creaminess and balance the apple's sweetness.
- → How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding a drizzle of honey or fresh thyme before grilling adds an aromatic sweetness and depth to the sandwich.
- → What cooking method is recommended?
Cooking on a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat allows the bread to brown evenly while melting the cheese gently.
- → Are there alternative apples to use?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer the perfect balance of tartness and crunch for this dish.