Description

A quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich with caramelized apples and creamy brie on crispy sourdough. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough recommended)
4–6 ounces brie, sliced
2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Pinch of flaky sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: handful of arugula or baby spinach

Instructions

Core the apples and slice them thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. No need to peel.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apple slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Add fresh thyme leaves in the last minute. Transfer to a plate and wipe out the skillet.
Lay out 4 slices of bread. Butter one side of each slice with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Place bread butter-side down on a cutting board.
On two slices of bread (unbuttered side), layer half the brie, then all the caramelized apples, then the remaining brie. Top with the other bread slices, buttered side up. Press down gently.
Heat the same skillet over medium-low heat. Place both sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and cheese is melted. Adjust heat if browning too fast.
If using greens, add a handful to the skillet in the last minute to wilt, then tuck inside the sandwich before serving.
Let sandwiches rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing diagonally. Sprinkle with more flaky salt.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature brie and cook on medium-low heat. Caramelized apples can be made up to 2 days ahead. To reheat, use a skillet or air fryer; avoid the microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 480
Sugar: 16
Sodium: 620
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 4
Protein: 18

Keywords: apple brie grilled cheese, caramelized apple grilled cheese, brie sandwich, easy grilled cheese, fall sandwich