Save The first time I made this brie and apple grilled cheese was during a rainy Sunday when the fridge was nearly empty except for a wedge of brie and two apples from the farmers market. My roommate walked in mid-sandwich and immediately asked for one, which is how this became our go-to comfort food ever since.
I made these for a last minute dinner with friends last fall, and honestly, we ended up sitting around the pan eating them straight off the spatula. They kept asking what restaurant I ordered from, which still makes me laugh.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread: The tangy sourdough holds up perfectly to the rich brie and creates this sturdy, golden crunch that softer breads just cant match
- 120 g (4 oz) Brie cheese: Removing the rind lets the cheese melt into this incredible creamy layer that seeps into every corner of the sandwich
- 1 small crisp apple: Granny Smith brings brightness while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness, but any apple that snaps when you bite it works beautifully
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Softening the butter first lets you spread it evenly without tearing the bread, which I learned the hard way
Instructions
- Butter your bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each sourdough slice, reaching all the edges so every bite gets perfectly golden
- Build the base:
- Place two slices butter side down and layer half the brie on each, letting the cheese extend slightly to the edges
- Add the apples:
- Arrange apple slices in a single layer over the brie, then cover with remaining cheese so the fruit is sandwiched between melty layers
- Close it up:
- Top with remaining bread slices, butter side facing up, and press down gently to help everything adhere
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook in a medium low skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until deep golden brown and cheese oozes out the sides
- Rest and serve:
- Let the sandwiches rest for 1 minute before slicing, which gives the cheese a moment to set slightly so it doesnt all run out when you cut
Save This recipe saved me during finals week in college when I needed something that felt indulgent but used ingredients I always kept on hand. Now whenever I see brie and apples together, I am back in that tiny kitchen studying flashcards between flips.
The Honey Secret
Drizzling honey over the apple slices before adding the top layer of brie creates this caramelized almost floral sweetness that takes the sandwich from great to unforgettable. The honey bubbles up between the cheese and fruit in the pan.
Bread Matters More Than You Think
While sourdough is classic, a whole grain bread adds nuttiness that plays beautifully with the mild brie. Just avoid ultra soft sandwich bread because it will turn soggy before the cheese melts through.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine cuts through the richness and makes this feel like a proper meal, but a simple green salad with vinaigrette works just as well for lunch.
- Try fresh thyme leaves sprinkled between the apple and cheese for an herby note
- A dash of sea salt on the buttered exterior creates these salty crunch pockets
- Leftover apple slices make the perfect side while you wait for the sandwiches to cook
Save Sandwiches made this way have a way of turning regular Tuesdays into something worth celebrating.
Common Questions
- → What type of apple works best for this sandwich?
Crisp tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complement the creamy Brie with a refreshing sweetness and slight acidity.
- → Can I use a different bread for grilling?
Whole-grain or multigrain breads add texture and a nutty flavor, but sourdough’s tanginess pairs especially well with Brie and apple.
- → How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
Grill the sandwich over medium-low heat, pressing gently and flipping after 3–4 minutes per side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- → What additional flavors can enhance this sandwich?
A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh thyme adds another layer of flavor, balancing savory and sweet notes beautifully.
- → Is this sandwich suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat products and uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients like Brie cheese and fresh apples.