Up your lunch game with an irresistible cranberry brie grilled cheese sandwich. It's loaded with a tangy and creamy filling full of flavor.
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Imagine the savory creaminess of brie cheese, complemented by the subtle tartness of cranberry sauce encased in crisp, golden-brown bread. This is no ordinary grilled cheese; this is a taste combination that elevates the humble sandwich into a gourmet experience.
Brie cheese is known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. It melts beautifully when heated, making it the perfect choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. As it melts, it forms a luscious filling that oozes out between two slices of artisan bread, creating an irresistible creation.
Reasons to Love
- Creamy and tangy flavor combination. The smooth, rich taste of the brie cheese perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberry sauce.
- Perfectly melty cheese. When you take a bite, the brie cheese oozes out, creating a gooey and indulgent experience.
- Crispy toasted sourdough bread. The bread adds another layer of deliciousness. The crusty exterior provides a satisfying crunch while the inside remains soft and gooey.
Ingredients
You'll need some essential items to make this delicious cranberry cheese sandwich. The recipe comes together with less than five ingredients.
Here's what you'll need to make this gourmet sandwich:
- sourdough bread, or another sturdy bread
- small wheel of brie
- unsalted butter
- cranberry sauce
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
If you've ever made a grilled cheese sandwich, you should have no trouble making this gourmet version of the comfort food. Simply add your filling between slices of buttered bread.
Cut the sourdough loaf into half-inch thick slices.
Spread butter on one side of one piece of bread. Flip the slice of bread with butter side down and lay slices of brie to cover the entire slice.
Spread half of cranberry sauce covering the entire bread and brie slices.
Top with one slice of bread. Spread butter on top.
Place the assembled sandwich in a preheated skillet pan over medium to low heat.
Grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until your preferred doneness. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Hint: You'll achieve a gooey, melty texture by cooking your brie grilled cheese over low to medium heat. This slow and gentle approach allows the cheese to melt gradually, ensuring a creamy texture without burning the bread. Patience is key for a perfectly melted interior and a golden, crispy exterior.
Variations
While the classic combination of Brie and cranberry in a grilled cheese sandwich is undeniably delicious, there are numerous other variations to explore. Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions for an extra depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy Brie perfectly.
- Add pear or apple slices to the sandwich for a refreshing and slightly tart contrast to the rich cheese. And apple and brie grilled cheese is very popular!
- Add prosciutto or crispy bacon to the mix for added saltiness and texture.
- Try a spread of spicy fig jam or jalapeño jelly to add an unexpected kick.
- Add additional cheese like cheddar or gouda.
Check out my copycat Panera chipotle chicken avocado melt sandwich for another cheesy lunch delight.
Tips
Top tip: To ensure that the brie melts evenly and creates a gooey texture, it's best to slice it thinly. This allows the heat from the grill to penetrate the cheese and melt it to perfection.
- Butter both sides of the bread. This helps to create a deliciously toasted crust while also preventing the bread from sticking to the grill.
- Cook the sandwich over low to medium heat. This allows the cheese to melt slowly without burning the bread. Keep an eye on the sandwich and flip it when one side is golden brown.
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This gives the cheese time to set slightly so it won't be too hot and melty.
Serving suggestions
I like to pair the brie grilled cheese with a side salad or a flavorful soup to provide a heartier meal. A berry salad or tomato soup is an excellent meatless option, but I like to add a Greek lemon chicken soup for protein.
You can also add air fryer potato wedges for a classic sandwich side. Or, try some homemade baked tortilla strips for a little crunch.
Storage
After preparing your cranberry brie grilled cheese, it's best to store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. This will help keep the sandwich fresh and prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.
If you plan to reheat the sandwich later, it's recommended to do so in a toaster oven or regular oven at a low temperature to ensure that the cheese melts evenly without overcooking the bread. Enjoying this delicious sandwich as soon as possible is ideal, but proper storage and reheating can help maintain its flavors and textures for later enjoyment.
FAQs
Choose a bread that is sturdy and holds up well when toasted. Sourdough bread is an excellent choice as its tangy flavor complements the creamy brie. However, you can also try other bread varieties like ciabatta, no-knead Italian bread, or a French baguette for added texture and taste.
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with this brie grilled cheese recipe by adding extra ingredients like sliced apples, caramelized onions, or even bacon. These additions can bring new flavors and textures to your sandwich, taking it to the next level of deliciousness.
It's essential to spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each slice of bread before grilling. This creates a barrier between the moist fillings and the bread, ensuring that your sandwich remains crispy on the outside while melty on the inside.
Related Recipes
Want more delicious lunch ideas? Take a look at some of these recipes:
- Hawaiian roll sliders are perfect for snacking.
- Ground pork burgers are a tasty alternative to beef patties.
- Slow cooker chicken tacos are simple to prepare in your Crock Pot.
- Turkey roll-ups are a quick and easy meal idea.
- Wet burrito is perfect for when you crave Mexican food.
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Recipe
Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 slices brie 1 small wheel (125 grams)
- 4 slices sourdough bread ½ inch thick per slice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of one slice of bread. Flip the slice of bread.
- Lay slices of brie to cover the entire slice and spread half of cranberry sauce covering the entire bread and brie slices. Top with one slice of bread. Spread butter on top.
- In a pre-heated skillet over low-medium heat, gently place sandwich. Grill each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until your preferred doneness.
- Cut in half and immediately serve. Enjoy.
Barbara
The Cranberry Grilled Cheese Brie Sandwich, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this sandwich........... Sooooooooo delicious
Lisa MarcAurele
I'm so glad you enjoyed it too! It's a new favorite for me.