Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese combines the creamy richness of brie with the sweet-tart burst of whole berry cranberry sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant twist on a classic grilled cheese, perfect for a cozy lunch or a festive snack.
Ingredients
- 8 thick slices hearty white bread
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 (6-oz.) brie wedges or wheels, each cut into 4 slices
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Lay the bread slices on a cutting board and spread butter on one side of each slice using a pastry brush or offset spatula. Then flip 4 slices so the buttered side is down.
- Step 2: Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce on the 4 buttered side-down slices. Top each with 2 slices of brie.
- Step 3: Take the remaining 4 slices, spread a smaller amount of cranberry sauce on the plain (unbuttered) sides, then place these slices on top of the brie with the buttered side facing up.
- Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Working with two sandwiches at a time, place them buttered side down in the skillet. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then uncover, flip the sandwiches, and cook the other side until golden brown, another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer finished sandwiches to a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Step 5: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich before grilling.
- Swap the cranberry sauce for fig jam or apricot preserves for a different fruit flavor.
- If you prefer, use sourdough or multigrain bread for added texture and flavor.
- To prevent the cheese from leaking too much, make sure not to overfill the sandwiches.
Storage
Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to crisp the bread and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
Yes, creamy cheeses like camembert or mild goat cheese work well, but brie’s soft texture and mild flavor pair best with cranberry sauce.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce?
Both work fine. Homemade cranberry sauce offers fresher flavor and texture, but good quality store-bought cranberry sauce makes this sandwich quick and easy to prepare.
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Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
A decadent and comforting Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich that perfectly combines creamy brie cheese with tangy whole berry cranberry sauce, all melted between slices of buttery toasted hearty white bread. Ideal for a gourmet lunch or cozy snack.
Ingredients
Bread & Butter
- 8 thick slices hearty white bread
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
Filling
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 2 (6-oz.) brie wedges or wheels, each cut into 4 slices
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Preheat the oven to 200°F. Lay the bread slices on a cutting board. Using a pastry brush or offset spatula, spread butter on one side of each slice, then flip 4 slices so the buttered side is facing down on the board.
- Add cranberry sauce and brie: Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce evenly on the 4 buttered sides facing down. Then, top each with 2 slices of brie cheese.
- Assemble sandwiches: Take the remaining 4 bread slices, buttered side down. Spread a smaller amount of cranberry sauce on their plain sides, then place these slices atop the brie, buttered side up, completing the sandwiches.
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium heat. Working two sandwiches at a time, place them buttered side down in the skillet. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Uncover, flip the sandwiches, and cook the other side until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer finished sandwiches to a parchment-lined baking sheet and keep warm in the preheated oven. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Serve: Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm, allowing the gooey brie and tangy cranberry sauce to shine.
Notes
- Use a nonstick skillet for easy flipping and melting.
- If cranberry sauce is very thick, spread it gently to avoid tearing the bread.
- For an extra crunch, you can add sliced toasted pecans inside before grilling.
- Keep cooked sandwiches warm in the oven to allow cheese to stay melty while finishing others.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry brie grilled cheese, cranberry grilled cheese, brie sandwich, gourmet grilled cheese, fall sandwich recipe
