Grilled cheese sandwiches aren’t just for kids, anymore. There’s been a trend for ‘Adult Grilled Cheese’ sandwiches with more exotic cheeses and gourmet additions that can push the price to almost $20 at some fashionable restaurants. Using brie and apple is an elevated version that is sophisticated while still gooey, which is the fundamental appeal of a grilled cheese sandwich. This comfort food recipe is quick, easy, and delicious.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
If you want a delicious grilled cheese sandwich, then you need quality ingredients. Pick the best apple, the freshest loaf of bread, and a triple-cream brie.
The complete ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.
- Brie: A creamy, soft cheese that originates in France and is the perfect melting cheese. Its slightly buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the crisp, tart apples and subtle sweetness of the fig jam. If you do not like brie, you can use goat cheese or Camembert.
- Apples: We went with Granny Smith apples for their crisp flavor, but use your favorite apple or substitute it with a pear.
- Bread:Â Really, any bread will work for grilled cheese, but we love fresh sourdough or thick-cut country white.
- Fig Jam: Completely optional but adds a little honey-like sweetness to the sandwich. If you don’t have fig jam, a bit of honey can be substituted.
- Butter: To avoid tears in the bread, let the butter come to room temperature or even melt it. Some people use mayo instead of butter -while I’m personally not a fan, if you are, then it is a good substitute. Olive oil can also be used instead of butter.
Other Brie Grilled Cheese Toppings
While we love apples and fig jam on our brie grilled cheese, there are other delicious toppings that you can add or substitute.
- Caramelized onions are sweet and pair perfectly with brie.
- Bacon, prosciutto, or ham adds a nice salty element.
- Jalapeno cranberry sauce and brie are Fall’s favorite flavor combo.
- Sauteed mushrooms are a delicious, savory option.
- Chicken makes this a heartier sandwich by adding some grilled or shredded chicken.
How to Make Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
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Pro-tip: Cover the pan with a lid as the sandwich grills to maximize cheese melt.
1. Make Grilled Cheese: Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet or cast-iron griddle/skillet over medium-low heat. Use room-temperature butter generously on one side of each slice of bread. Make sure the butter gets applied across the entire side for the best flavor and toasting. Spread fig jam on the other side of each slice of bread, and then add layers of brie and apples to one bread. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up and place it on the preheated skillet. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until the bread has turned golden brown and the brie has melted. Serve warm.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Cook your grilled cheese on medium-low. If the skillet is too hot, your bread will brown before the cheese melts.
- The brie rind is edible. If you are not a fan of the rind, you can take the time to remove it, but it is not necessary.
More Brie Recipes to Try
Looking for more brie-inspired recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Cranberry Brie Tartlets – Ready in less than 15 minutes, these easy 3-ingredient tarts are made with phyllo cups and are the perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer.
- Fig, Brie, and Prosciutto Crêpes – light and airy with a combination of sweet and salty. The soft crêpes pair deliciously with the fresh sliced figs bursting with flavor, creamy brie, and crispy prosciutto. These crêpes are decadent but simple and are a perfect brunch dish.
- Cranberry Brie Turkey Burger – The perfect gourmet fall holiday burger recipe for lunch or dinner. This burger is so delicious you want to make it year-round.
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Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
This recipe may contain paid affiliate sales links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclaimer policy for details.
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ounces brie, thinly sliced
- ½ green apple, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fig jam, optional
Instructions
- Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet or cast-iron griddle over medium-low heat.
- Generously butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread fig jam on the other side of each slice of bread. Layer the brie and apple slices on one slice of bread and then top with the other slice of bread.
- Place sandwich butter side down in the preheated skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread has browned and the brie has melted. Serve warm.