Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese is a sweet-and-savory masterpiece that blends creamy brie, crisp apples, and a buttery cinnamon sugar crust into one unforgettable sandwich. It’s the perfect indulgence for fall, brunch, or anytime you’re craving a cozy, gourmet twist on classic grilled cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy in every bite
- Perfect for fall or apple season
- Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Elegant enough for brunch, simple enough for lunch
- Great way to use up extra apples or leftover brie
- Crispy, caramelized exterior thanks to cinnamon sugar butter
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Delicious as a snack, dessert, or light meal
- Tastes like a grown-up grilled cheese meets apple pie
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bread slices (brioche, sourdough, or white bread work well)
- Brie cheese, rind removed if preferred
- Apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- Butter, softened
- Sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Optional: honey or fig jam for extra sweetness
directions
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Spread the cinnamon sugar butter on one side of each bread slice.
- On the non-buttered side of one slice, layer brie and apple slices. Add a drizzle of honey or a thin spread of jam if desired.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the sandwich for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Let rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Variations
- Use pear slices instead of apple for a softer, more delicate flavor
- Swap brie for camembert or cream cheese
- Add crushed walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Use cinnamon raisin bread for extra spice
- Add a pinch of sea salt for sweet-salty balance
storage/reheating
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crust and make the sandwich soggy.
FAQs
What kind of apple works best for this sandwich?
Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet, juicy bite.
Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?
It’s optional—some prefer the smoother texture without it, but the rind is edible and flavorful.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, camembert, cream cheese, or even mozzarella can work with apples and cinnamon sugar.
What bread is best for this grilled cheese?
Soft but sturdy bread like brioche, sourdough, or French bread holds up well and crisps nicely.
Can I make this sandwich in advance?
It’s best served warm and fresh, but you can prep it and cook just before serving.
Is this a dessert or a meal?
It can be either! It’s sweet enough for dessert, but also works as a brunch or light lunch.
Can I add protein to this sandwich?
Yes—add a slice of prosciutto or ham for a sweet-savory upgrade.
What spreads go well with this grilled cheese?
Honey, fig jam, or apple butter pair beautifully with the apples and brie.
Can I use pre-sliced apples?
Yes, just make sure they’re thinly sliced and patted dry to avoid sogginess.
How do I get the sandwich extra crispy?
Use plenty of cinnamon sugar butter and cook slowly over medium heat until deeply golden.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese is a warm, melty, sweet-savory treat that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. With its crispy cinnamon sugar crust and gooey brie center, it’s a sandwich that feels indulgent, elegant, and oh-so-comforting. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite fall comfort food.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cinnamon sugar Brie and apple grilled cheese is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crisp. With gooey Brie, thinly sliced apples, and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar, all toasted between golden, buttery bread, it’s a cozy twist on the classic grilled cheese – great for brunch, lunch, or a sweet-savory snack.
Ingredients
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4 slices bread (brioche, sourdough, or white sandwich bread)
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2 tbsp butter, softened
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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6 oz Brie cheese, sliced (rind on or off based on preference)
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1 small apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
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Optional: drizzle of honey or fig jam for extra sweetness
Instructions
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Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
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Butter the Bread: Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Lightly sprinkle the buttered sides with cinnamon sugar.
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Assemble: On the non-buttered side of two slices, layer sliced Brie and apple slices. Add a drizzle of honey or a swipe of jam if using. Top with the other bread slices, cinnamon sugar side facing out.
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Grill: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Serve: Let sit for 1–2 minutes before slicing. Serve warm!
Notes
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Brie melts best at room temperature, so let it sit out for 10 minutes before using.
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
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Swap in pears for the apple for a delicious variation.
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This sandwich pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or cider.