This Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy! With melty brie and mozzarella cheese, a touch of tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery golden-brown bread, this sandwich is pure comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Perfect for holiday leftovers, a cozy lunch, or an easy dinner, this grilled cheese is quick to make and bursting with rich, gooey goodness. Letβs get grilling! π₯ͺπ₯
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
βοΈ Easy & Quick: Ready in 10 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
βοΈ The Ultimate Flavor Combo: Buttery, crispy bread + creamy cheese + tangy cranberry = perfection.
βοΈ Perfect for Holiday Leftovers: Use extra cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving!
βοΈ Restaurant-Quality at Home: A fancy yet simple grilled cheese upgrade.
What Does It Taste Like? π€€
Imagine creamy, rich brie melting together with stretchy mozzarella, all perfectly balanced by the sweet-tart cranberry sauce. The crispy, buttery bread adds the perfect crunch, making every bite warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying. Itβs like a holiday feast in a sandwich! ππ₯ͺ
Ingredients Youβll Need
- 2 slices sourdough or artisan bread π₯ (or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter π§ (for a crispy, golden crust)
- 3 oz brie cheese, sliced π§ (melts beautifully & adds creaminess)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese π§ (adds stretch & mild flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce π (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional) π― (adds a touch of extra sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional) πΏ (balances the flavors)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- Thinly sliced turkey or ham π (turns it into a hearty meal)
- Toasted walnuts or pecans π° (adds a little crunch)
- Fresh arugula or spinach πΏ (for a peppery, fresh contrast)
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg π (to enhance the cranberry sauce)
Tools Youβll Need
βοΈ Skillet or grill pan
βοΈ Spatula for flipping
βοΈ Sharp knife for slicing bread & cheese
How to Make a Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Bread & Cheese
1οΈβ£ Butter one side of each slice of bread. This helps create that crispy, golden crust when grilled.
2οΈβ£ On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer brie slices and shredded mozzarella.
Step 2: Add Cranberry Sauce
1οΈβ£ Spread the cranberry sauce evenly over the cheese.
2οΈβ£ Drizzle a little honey and sprinkle black pepper for extra depth (optional but delicious!).
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
1οΈβ£ Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-low heat.
2οΈβ£ Place the sandwich in the pan, buttered side down. Press gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt.
3οΈβ£ Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully until both sides are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
1οΈβ£ Remove from heat and let it rest for 1 minute before slicing (this helps the cheese set slightly).
2οΈβ£ Slice in half, serve warm, and enjoy gooey, melty perfection!
Tips for the Best Grilled Sandwich
βοΈ Use Low Heat: This ensures the bread gets crispy without burning, while the cheese melts perfectly.
βοΈ Choose the Right Bread: Sourdough, ciabatta, or artisan bread work best for a sturdy, crispy sandwich.
βοΈ Layer Cheese on Both Sides: This creates a cheese barrier to hold in the cranberry sauce.
βοΈ Donβt Overfill: Too much cranberry sauce can make the sandwich soggyβ2 tablespoons is just right!
βοΈ Press Lightly While Cooking: Helps the bread crisp up and the cheese melt evenly.
Variations & Fun Twists
π Thanksgiving Leftovers Version: Add sliced turkey and stuffing for a post-holiday feast!
π₯ Gourmet Twist: Add sliced avocado for a creamy contrast.
π₯ Spicy Kick: Spread a little hot honey or chili flakes for sweet-heat perfection.
π Apple & Brie: Add thinly sliced apples or pears for extra crunch and sweetness.
What to Serve with Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese
π₯£ Tomato Soup: The classic grilled cheese pairing!
π₯ Simple Green Salad: A fresh contrast to the rich, gooey sandwich.
π· A Glass of Wine: Pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or RosΓ©.
π₯ Sweet Potato Fries: The perfect crispy, slightly sweet side dish.
How to Store & Reheat
βοΈ Refrigerate: Wrap leftovers in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days.
π₯ Reheat: Toast in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side or bake at 350Β°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp.
π§ Freeze: Not recommended, as brie and cranberry sauce can change texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, then store in the fridge for a few hours before grilling.
2. Whatβs the best cheese substitute for brie?
Try Camembert, Havarti, or Fontina for a similar creamy melt.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew brie.
4. Can I use a different jam instead of cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Fig jam, raspberry preserves, or apricot jam all work beautifully.
5. Whatβs the best bread for this sandwich?
Sourdough, ciabatta, or a French baguette hold up best to the melty cheese.
Wrapping It Up π₯ͺπ§π
This Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is warm, gooey, sweet, and savory, making it the ultimate comfort food with a touch of gourmet flair. Whether youβre using leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays or just craving something unique and delicious, this sandwich is quick, easy, and always a hit!
If you try this recipe, Iβd love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or InstagramβI canβt wait to see your melty, cheesy creations! πβ¨
More Delicious Sandwiches to Try:
π₯ͺ Caprese Grilled Cheese with Basil Pesto
π Turkey & Cranberry Panini
π₯ Bacon, Brie & Fig Jam Toastie
Happy cooking, and enjoy every melty, crispy bite! ππ₯π₯ͺ