Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich

The Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is a sweet, savory, and gooey delight, perfect for a quick lunch, cozy dinner, or holiday treat. The creamy brie and melty mozzarella pair beautifully with tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled between golden, crispy bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet & savory balance – The tangy cranberry pairs perfectly with rich, creamy cheeses.
  • Melty & gooey – Brie and mozzarella create the ultimate cheese pull.
  • Crispy & buttery – Toasted bread makes every bite crunchy and golden.
  • Quick & easy – Ready in just 10 minutes!
  • Perfect for the holidays – A great way to use leftover cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Bread (sourdough, brioche, or rustic bread)
  • Brie cheese, sliced
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
  • Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Butter (or olive oil)
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Assemble the Sandwich

  1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
  2. On the non-buttered side, layer Brie slices, mozzarella, and cranberry sauce.
  3. Drizzle with honey (if using) and add a pinch of fresh thyme.
  4. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 2: Grill the Sandwich

  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
  3. Flip when golden brown and cook until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from heat and let sit for 1 minute before slicing.
  2. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce for dipping!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 2
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Savory Twist – Add crispy bacon or turkey slices.
  • Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle in toasted pecans or walnuts.
  • Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Gourmet Upgrade – Use fig jam instead of cranberry sauce.
  • Vegan Option – Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.
  • Reheating: Toast in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side or use an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the cheese and cranberry sauce may change texture.

FAQs

Can I use different bread?

Yes! Sourdough, ciabatta, brioche, or whole wheat all work great.

What cheese works best with Brie?

Mozzarella, Gruyère, or goat cheese complement Brie beautifully.

Can I make this sandwich in a panini press?

Absolutely! Press for 3-4 minutes until golden and melted.

How do I prevent soggy bread?

Use thicker bread slices and toast over medium heat to crisp properly.

Can I use jam instead of cranberry sauce?

Yes! Fig, raspberry, or apricot jam all work well.

What pairs well with this sandwich?

Try tomato soup, arugula salad, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Can I add meat?

Yes! Turkey, ham, or crispy bacon make a delicious addition.

How do I make the cheese melt faster?

Cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to trap heat and melt the cheese.

Can I use frozen cranberries to make sauce?

Yes! Cook frozen cranberries with sugar and orange juice until soft and jam-like.

What butter works best?

Salted butter adds flavor, but you can also use garlic butter or olive oil.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy—everything you want in a gourmet grilled cheese. Whether you’re using leftover cranberry sauce or making it from scratch, this quick and delicious sandwich will be a new favorite. Try it today!

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Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Lunch, Snack
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired

Description

This Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is a sweet, savory, and ultra-melty combination of flavors. Creamy Brie, stretchy mozzarella, and tart cranberry sauce come together between buttery, crispy bread for the ultimate gourmet grilled cheese. Perfect for a cozy lunch, holiday leftovers, or an indulgent snack!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices of rustic bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche work great)
  • 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading)
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 oz Brie cheese (sliced, rind on or off depending on preference)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for an herby touch)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Pinch of salt & black pepper (to balance flavors)

Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the Sandwiches

  1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
  2. On the unbuttered side, spread a layer of cranberry sauce.
  3. Add Brie slices evenly across, followed by shredded mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
  4. Sprinkle with thyme or rosemary and a pinch of salt & black pepper.
  5. (Optional) Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a sweet contrast.
  6. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 2: Grill the Sandwiches

  1. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
  3. If needed, lower the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts completely.

Step 3: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping!

Serving Suggestions

  • With Soup: Pairs beautifully with tomato soup or butternut squash soup.
  • With a Salad: Serve with an arugula or spinach salad for a fresh balance.
  • As an Appetizer: Cut into small squares and serve at a holiday gathering!

Notes

  • Extra Crunch? Add toasted walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich.
  • More Savory? Add crispy bacon or turkey slices.
  • Tangier Flavor? Swap cranberry sauce for fig jam or balsamic glaze.
  • Gluten-Free? Use gluten-free bread or a low-carb wrap.

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