Introduction

Apple Butter Brie Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Combining creamy Brie, sweet apple butter, and crisp apple slices creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s an easy recipe that impresses any time of day.

A close-up image of a stacked sandwich showing three layers of toasted seeded bread with a golden brown, crispy texture. Between each bread slice, there are thick, melted white cheese slices and gooey, amber-colored caramelized onion jam dripping slightly on the sides. The sandwich stack is garnished with fresh green thyme sprigs on top and placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices sourdough bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons apple butter
4 ounces Brie cheese, rind trimmed and sliced
1 small apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for cooking.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Step 3: On the unbuttered sides of two bread slices, spread 1 tablespoon of apple butter evenly on each.
Step 4: Lay sliced Brie cheese evenly over the apple butter on each slice.
Step 5: Top the Brie with thin apple slices and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
Step 6: Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered sides facing outward, to form sandwiches.
Step 7: Transfer the sandwiches to the preheated skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 8: Remove from heat, slice if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich before grilling.
Try using different types of apples such as Fuji or Pink Lady for varying sweetness and texture.
If you prefer, substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or omit herbs for simplicity.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a double grilled cheese sandwich stacked in two layers on a white plate, each made with thick golden-brown toasted bread showing a crispy texture. Inside each sandwich, there is a layer of creamy melted white cheese oozing out and topped with a glossy orange-brown jam or chutney that drips slightly down the sides. Small green herb leaves, possibly thyme, are scattered on top and around the sandwiches, adding a fresh touch. The background features a soft white marbled texture, giving a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?

Yes, you can use any bread that grills well, such as sourdough, French bread, or even whole wheat. Just ensure it’s sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.

Is it necessary to trim the rind from the Brie cheese?

Trimming the rind is optional. Some people enjoy the texture and flavor of the rind, but removing it results in a smoother melt and milder taste.

Apple Butter Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 91 reviews

This Apple Butter Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich combines the rich creaminess of Brie cheese with the sweet, fruity flavor of apple butter and fresh apple slices. Enhanced with fragrant thyme, it’s a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for a cozy lunch or snack.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 slices sourdough bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons apple butter
4 ounces Brie cheese, rind trimmed and sliced
1 small apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

Preheat Cooking Surface: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.
Prepare Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened unsalted butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread thoroughly to ensure crisply toasted golden edges when cooked.
Layer Spread and Cheese: On the unbuttered sides of two slices of bread, spread 1 tablespoon of apple butter evenly on each slice.
Add Brie and Optional Ingredients: Place the sliced Brie cheese evenly over the apple butter on each slice. Then arrange the thin apple slices on top, followed by sprinkling the fresh thyme leaves for a subtle herbal aroma.
Assemble Sandwiches: Place the remaining bread slices on top of the prepared slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward for perfect grilling.
Cook Sandwiches: Transfer the sandwiches to the preheated skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to encourage even browning and to help melt the Brie cheese inside.
Finish and Serve: Once the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted to a creamy texture, remove from the skillet. Slice as desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use sourdough bread for a hearty texture and tangy flavor complementing the sweet apple butter.
Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast while Honeycrisp lend extra sweetness; choose based on your preference.
Softened butter spreads more easily and helps achieve an even, crispy crust.
Fresh thyme is optional but adds a wonderful aromatic note to the sandwich.
Press sandwiches gently during cooking to ensure even melting of the Brie and a compact sandwich.
Serve warm immediately after cooking to enjoy the Brie in its melty state.

Keywords: Apple Butter, Brie, Grilled Cheese, Sourdough, Comfort Food, Sandwich, Fall Recipe