If you love the cozy combination of sweet and savory flavors melting together, you are in for an absolute treat with this Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe. Imagine creamy, luscious brie cheese paired with crisp, juicy apples, all hugged by golden, buttery bread kissed with a touch of cinnamon sugar magic. It’s comfort food elevated, with a little sweet heat from a hot honey butter that perfectly balances every bite. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a quick indulgent lunch, this sandwich brings warmth, crunch, and smooth richness together in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds something unique—from texture to flavor to that beautiful visual appeal—making the final sandwich truly unforgettable.
- Hearty white country loaf or French bread: Sturdy enough to hold all the goodness without getting soggy, and perfect for toasting golden brown.
- Organic apples: Thinly sliced for a fresh crunch that contrasts the melted cheese wonderfully.
- Brie cheese: Creamy and mild, it melts beautifully to create that indulgent, velvety center.
- Butter for spreading: Essential for that crispy, golden crust and added richness.
- Hot honey butter: A luscious spread made with butter, honey, and chili flakes that gives a sweet-spicy finish.
- Salted butter: Used in the hot honey butter to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- Fireweed honey (or mild honey): Offers a delicate floral sweetness that complements the apples and brie.
- Hot chili flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat to balance the richness and sweetness.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Make the Hot Honey Butter
Start by mixing the softened salted butter with fireweed honey and chili flakes in a small bowl. This spread is your magic finishing touch that brings a wonderful warmth and sweetness to the sandwich once everything is cooked. Set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread regular butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of half the slices, arrange an even layer of brie slices followed by thin apple slices. The combination of creamy cheese and crisp apples is the heart of this Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat to gently toast the sandwiches without burning. Place each sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing slightly to encourage even crisping and melting. The goal here is golden brown bread and gooey melted brie nestled alongside those fresh apples.
Step 4: Finish with Hot Honey Butter
Right after you remove the sandwiches from the pan, spread or drizzle the prepared hot honey butter over the tops while they’re still warm. This final flourish not only adds a shiny glaze but also infuses each bite with a lovely balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate the presentation, consider a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top just after spreading the hot honey butter, echoing the flavors inside and enhancing that wonderful aroma. Fresh thyme leaves or a pinch of flaky sea salt can also add visual appeal and subtle flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or even a small bowl of butternut squash soup for that ultimate cozy vibe. Fresh fruit or roasted nuts also complement the sweet and savory profile without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwich into triangles and serving with colorful toothpicks for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. You could also serve the Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe alongside a small ramekin of extra hot honey butter for dipping, inviting guests to customize each bite to their liking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because of the fresh apples, the sandwich is best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
While you can freeze assembled, uncooked sandwiches by wrapping them well, note that the apples may lose some crispness after freezing and thawing. If you decide to freeze, use within one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as usual.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly cooked taste, reheat leftovers on a skillet over low-medium heat rather than using a microwave. This will help maintain the crispy exterior and melt the brie nicely, while preventing the bread from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie is perfect for its creamy melt and mild flavor, you could also try camembert or even a soft goat cheese for a slightly tangier twist. Just make sure it melts well.
Which apple varieties work best for this recipe?
Crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape and add a nice contrast to the rich cheese and sweet honey butter.
Is the chili flakes ingredient necessary?
Not at all! The chili flakes add a subtle warmth that complements the sweet and savory, but if you prefer to keep things mild, simply omit them. The sandwich will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, substitute the brie with a plant-based cheese that melts well, use vegan butter, and replace the honey with a drizzle of maple syrup infused with a pinch of cayenne to mimic the hot honey butter’s sweetness and spice.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf. Just keep in mind that gluten-free bread sometimes toasts differently, so watch your grill time carefully to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
Making the Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe at home is like a warm hug wrapped in bread with a drizzle of honeyed spice. Its unique blend of textures and flavors never fails to impress and comfort all at once. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself wanting to share this little delight at every gathering or quiet afternoon snack. Go ahead, treat yourself to this easy and utterly delicious sandwich—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful twist on classic grilled cheese featuring creamy brie, sweet and crisp apple slices, and a unique cinnamon sugar hot honey butter drizzle, perfect for a cozy and indulgent snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Bread and Filling
- 8 slices hearty white country loaf or French bread (sourdough or rye also work well)
- 2 organic apples, thinly sliced
- 250 g brie cheese, cut into 12–16 thin slices (about 1 cup)
- 3 tbsp butter (for spreading on bread)
Hot Honey Butter
- 2 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tbsp fireweed honey or other mild honey
- ¼ tsp hot chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Hot Honey Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the softened salted butter, honey, and optional chili flakes until smooth and well mixed. Set the mixture aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread regular butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices of bread buttered side down on a clean surface, and layer evenly with thin brie slices followed by the thin apple slices. Cover each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Cook the Sandwiches: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches onto the skillet and cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, pressing slightly to ensure even toasting and that the brie cheese melts thoroughly. The bread should turn golden brown and crisp.
- Finish with Hot Honey Butter: Immediately after cooking, spread or drizzle the prepared hot honey butter over the top of each sandwich while they are still warm to add a sweet, spicy, and buttery finish. Serve right away for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Use a sturdy bread like country loaf or sourdough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes in the hot honey butter according to your spice preference or omit if desired.
- For a more decadent sweetness, try dusting the exterior bread with a pinch of cinnamon sugar before grilling.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the brie melted and the bread crispy.
