If you think grilled cheese can’t get any cozier, wait until you try Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is a warm hug for your taste buds, featuring gooey Brie, juicy apple slices, a dusting of cinnamon, and a touch of honey, all nestled between slices of buttery, golden bread. It’s the ultimate sweet-and-savory comfort food, perfect for fall yet honestly irresistible year-round. Whether you’re making lunch feel special or craving an easy gourmet snack, this twist on a classic delivers a beautiful balance of melty cheese, tart-sweet fruit, and just the right touch of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese comes from its short list of simple, standout ingredients. Each brings a unique personality to the sandwich— from creamy richness to gently spiced warmth— making every bite pure delight.
- Sourdough or Brioche Bread (4 slices): Choose a soft and sturdy bread for the ultimate crunchy-outside, pillowy-inside texture; sourdough offers tang, while brioche adds richness.
- Brie Cheese (4 ounces, sliced, rind optional): Brie melts like a dream and delivers creamy, earthy notes that pair beautifully with apples.
- Apple (1 medium, thinly sliced, Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred): Crisp, juicy apples provide both sweetness and a gentle tart finish; slice them thin so they warm through easily.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, softened): Buttery bread turns perfectly golden and crisp as it toasts in the skillet— don’t skimp on this step!
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right amount to highlight the apples and give that signature cozy aroma.
- Honey (1 teaspoon, optional): A drizzle deepens the sweet notes and brings the sandwich together; totally optional but highly recommended.
- Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures your Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese is well-balanced.
How to Make Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Spread the softened butter on one side of each bread slice, making sure you get every corner. This is key for achieving that irresistible crispiness and gorgeous golden color once you hit the skillet. Use a gentle hand—too much butter can make the bread soggy rather than crisp.
Step 2: Build Your Flavors
On the unbuttered sides of two bread slices, lay down the Brie slices in a generous, even layer. Next, arrange the apple slices on top, overlapping them ever so slightly. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apples, and if you’re a fan of sweet-salty contrasts, drizzle the honey in light zigzags. Add a tiny pinch of salt to make all the flavors pop.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Top each layered side with a second slice of bread, placing it buttered side up. Press down lightly to secure everything together. The sandwich should feel substantial but not overstuffed—this way, everything will melt and meld just right in the pan.
Step 4: Toast to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches into the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula. The goal is a deeply golden, crunchy exterior and a gooey, melted center. If the bread is browning too quickly before the Brie melts, reduce the heat slightly—patience makes all the difference!
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Remove the Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese from the skillet and let it rest for a minute (the molten Brie can be seriously hot). Slice each sandwich in half to reveal those lush, cheesy layers and get ready to enjoy the magic!
How to Serve Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, finish your sandwiches with a light dusting of cinnamon on top or a delicate drizzle of additional honey. A handful of baby arugula adds peppery freshness and a pretty burst of green—especially lovely if you want a little contrast on the plate.
Side Dishes
This sandwich can easily be the star of your lunch or dinner, but it plays beautifully with others! Pair it with a simple green salad, roasted tomato soup, or even spiced sweet potato wedges for a heartier meal. The Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese also loves a light side of fruit for brunch vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwiches into strips and serve as fancy “grilled cheese dippers” with a small cup of warm, spiced apple cider. For a crowd, arrange mini triangles on a platter, topped with skewered apple fans for a delightful appetizer. You could even tuck a few sautéed onions or a smear of fig jam inside for an extra gourmet twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese (lucky you!), wrap the cooled sandwiches tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors stay lovely, though the bread will soften.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Simply wrap individual sandwiches in parchment and then foil before stashing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring your sandwich back to its melty, crispy prime, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat; press gently with a spatula as it warms. You can also pop it in a toaster oven or air fryer. Microwaving works in a pinch, though the bread won’t crisp up quite the same way.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is ultra-creamy and luxurious, feel free to swap in Camembert, triple-cream, or even mild goat cheese for a twist. Cheddar or fontina will also melt nicely, though they’ll bring a different flavor profile to your Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese.
What kind of apples are best for this sandwich?
Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are fantastic because they stay crisp-tender when heated and have a satisfying balance of sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith is a good pick for extra tang. Just slice them thinly so they warm up and meld with the Brie.
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread—just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the melty goodness and toast up well in the pan. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making the swap a breeze.
How do I make Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese vegan?
Great news: you can! Substitute vegan Brie-style cheese, use plant-based butter, and drizzle a little agave or maple syrup in place of honey. There are plenty of vegan-friendly breads out there, too, to make this cozy sandwich plant-based.
Is it okay to leave the Brie rind on?
The rind is totally edible and adds a hint of earthy flavor, but if you’re not a fan of the texture or taste, you can absolutely trim it away before slicing the cheese. It’s all about what you love in your Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese!
Final Thoughts
Once you take that first bite, you’ll see why Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese is always on my comfort food shortlist. It’s sweet, savory, indulgent, and simple all at once. Go on—treat yourself or someone you love to this delightfully cozy twist on a classic. You just might find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Brie Apple Grilled Cheese is a gourmet twist on a classic sandwich, featuring the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Melted Brie cheese, thinly sliced apples, and a hint of cinnamon are sandwiched between buttery, golden sourdough slices for a delicious fall-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices sourdough or brioche bread
Cheese:
- 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced (rind optional)
Apple:
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred)
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Sandwich: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer sliced Brie, apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey if using. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side out.
- Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing slightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the Brie is melted.
- Serve: Slice the sandwiches and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a handful of arugula or a smear of fig jam.
- Granny Smith apples can be used for a tart contrast.
- Use a panini press for an extra crispy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
