Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
Buttery sourdough, creamy brie, crisp apples, and tangy cranberry sauce make this Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich unforgettable.
Have you ever had one of those what’s-in-the-fridge moments? That’s exactly how this sandwich came to be. It was a chilly Saturday afternoon, and I was avoiding the grocery store like the plague. I opened the fridge and saw the usual suspects—half a loaf of sourdough, some cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving (yes, the jar I promised I’d use up), and a wedge of brie that I’d been “saving.”
I wasn’t sure how it’d all come together. Brie in a grilled cheese? Wine on bread? But sometimes, you just have to trust the process. And let me tell you, the first bite was magic. The tangy cranberry sauce, creamy brie, and crisp apple all layered between buttery, golden bread—it felt indulgent, but also kind of fancy. My husband, who initially asked, “Wait, there’s wine on this bread?” ended up eating both halves of his sandwich before I even sat down. Now, it’s our go-to when we want something comforting but still a little special.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe?
This isn’t just grilled cheese—it’s a vibe. The creamy brie melts into gooey perfection, while the cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart pop that balances the richness. And don’t even get me started on the apple slices—they’re the crunch you didn’t know you needed. Pair that with buttery sourdough and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that feels equal parts cozy and chic. It’s perfect for lazy weekends, last-minute dinners, or impressing a friend without trying too hard.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table—literally.
- Sourdough Bread: You need sturdy bread for this masterpiece. Soft sandwich bread? Not today. Sourdough crisps up beautifully and holds all the goodness inside.
- Butter: A generous layer ensures that perfectly golden, crispy crust. Don’t skimp—it’s grilled cheese, not a salad.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Brushing wine on bread might sound extra, but trust me, it adds a subtle tang that ties everything together. (And if you’re sipping while you cook? No judgment.)
- Brie: This creamy, dreamy cheese melts like a dream. Remove the rind for that smooth texture—it’s worth the extra minute.
- Honeycrisp Apple: Sweet and slightly tart, these slices give the sandwich a fresh crunch that balances all the richness.
- Cranberry Sauce: Whole berry cranberry sauce is the way to go. It adds texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
How To Make Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese?
Making this Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how you do it:
1. Butter and Brush
Start by buttering one side of each slice of sourdough. Be generous—crispy bread is non-negotiable. On the other side, brush a light layer of Sauvignon Blanc. It might sound fancy, but trust me, it’s not. Think of it as a little upgrade for your taste buds.
2. Assemble Like a Pro
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, into the skillet. Now, layer on the good stuff: thin slices of brie, a few apple slices, and a spoonful (or two) of cranberry sauce. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
3. Toast to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid and lower the heat to medium. The lid helps the brie melt faster—it’s like a mini sauna for your sandwich. Check the bread after a couple of minutes. When the bottom is golden brown, it’s time to flip.
4. Flip and Finish
Here’s where you need to channel your inner chef. Gently flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Toast the other side until it’s golden and crispy, and the brie is beautifully melted.
5. Slice and Serve
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute (if you can wait that long). Slice them in half, pour yourself a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and dig in.
Storage Options:
Let’s be honest—this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but if you’ve got leftovers (rare, but possible), wrap them in foil and pop them in the fridge. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F to crisp them back up. Avoid the microwave unless you want soggy bread—and nobody wants that.
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese?
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can assemble it beforehand, but toast it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute for Sauvignon Blanc?
Apple cider or white grape juice works wonderfully and still gives that touch of sweetness.
How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy?
Use sturdy bread and don’t overdo it with the cranberry sauce—less is more when it comes to avoiding sogginess.
This Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese is more than just a sandwich—it’s an experience. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy lunch or impressing a guest, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your twists and tips!
Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 sturdy slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅓ cup Sauvignon Blanc
- 8 ounces brie cheese chilled and rind removed, sliced thinly
- 1 medium honeycrisp apple sliced thinly
- ½ cup whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Bread
- Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread generously. On the unbuttered side, lightly brush a thin layer of Sauvignon Blanc to infuse the bread with a subtle flavor.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, into the skillet. Layer the brie cheese slices evenly across the bread, followed by thin slices of apple and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up, to complete the sandwich.
Cook the Sandwiches
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the sandwiches to cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
Flip and Finish
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, uncovered, or until the second side is golden brown and the brie is fully melted.
Serve Immediately
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, allow them to cool slightly, and slice them in half before serving. Enjoy while warm for the best flavor and texture.
