Name: 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 9 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 slices sourdough bread; 2 tablespoons salted butter; ¼ ounce brie cheese; 2 tablespoons honey; ½ large green apple, cored and thinly sliced; 1 handful fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 93 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a grilled cheese that feels both comforting and a little fancy—that’s exactly why this 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe quickly became a go-to in my kitchen. The creamy, buttery brie paired with the crisp sweetness of fresh apple slices, all drizzled with honey, creates a harmony of flavors that’s unexpected yet utterly delicious. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes lunch feel like a treat without hours of effort.

What I love most about this 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe is how versatile and quick it is. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a busy weekday or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips I’ve picked up to help you get that perfectly golden crust and melty cheese every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy & Satisfying: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The honey and apple add a lovely contrast to rich brie and buttered bread.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Uses pantry staples and a few fresh items for a gourmet twist.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite bread or add-ins like herbs or nuts.

Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese, quick gourmet grilled cheese, easy apple and cheese sandwich, savory fruit grilled cheese, 15-minute fancy grilled cheese A close-up view of a grilled cheese sandwich stacked in two halves on white marbled paper with printed text. The sandwich has two layers of toasted golden-brown bread with a crunchy texture, melted creamy white cheese oozing out between the bread layers, and thin slices of green apple inside. There are fresh green rosemary sprigs placed on top of the sandwich and scattered around. The background is dark brown, with whole and sliced green apples placed beside the sandwich.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe plays a special role to create a perfectly balanced flavor and texture. Choosing good-quality sourdough and fresh, crisp apples really makes a difference, and a touch of rosemary can add a beautiful aromatic finish.

Sourdough bread: I love sourdough here because its tangy flavor complements the creamy brie beautifully and it crisps up nicely.
Salted butter: The saltiness enhances the overall flavor; though unsalted works too if that’s what you have on hand.
Brie cheese: Make sure it’s soft and creamy for that melty texture—remove the rind if you prefer a milder taste.
Honey: A drizzle adds sweetness that pairs so well with the tart apple slices.
Green apple: I recommend Granny Smith for its crisp texture and tartness, which cuts the richness.
Fresh rosemary (optional): Adds a lovely herbal note and looks beautiful garnished on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to experiment and make this 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or add your own twist—you might discover a new favorite.

Swap the bread: I’ve had success using rye or multigrain for a nuttier flavor and a bit of texture variation.
Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled inside add a wonderful crunch and depth.
Use different cheese: If you’re not a brie fan, creamy camembert or mild goat cheese works nicely too.
Seasonal fruit: In fall, swapping apples for pears or figs makes it feel even more special.

How to Make 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Butter and Assemble Your Sandwich

Start by generously spreading salted butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. This part is key for getting that golden, crispy crust. Once both slices are buttered, flip them so the buttered sides face down on your working surface.

Next, remove the rind from your brie if you want a smoother melt—trust me, it makes spreading easier and the flavor is still amazing. Spread the brie evenly across the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Drizzle the honey right over the brie for that sweet contrast.

Then, core and thinly slice half a green apple. I find slicing apples thin enough to layer evenly helps with texture and bite. Arrange the apple slices neatly over the honey-topped brie, and finally, place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.

Step 2: Grill It to Perfection

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cover it with a lid. Placing the sandwich in the pan and covering it helps melt the cheese without burning the bread. Grill the sandwich for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.

Carefully flip the sandwich, cover again, and cook another 2-3 minutes until the other side is equally golden and the Brie has melted glorious and gooey in the middle. The covered cooking method is a little trick I learned that guarantees melty cheese without rushing and burning the bread.

Step 3: Slice, Garnish, and Enjoy

Remove your grilled cheese from the pan and slice it in half immediately so the melty cheese doesn’t seize up. If you have fresh rosemary, sprinkle a few leaves on top for a touch of herbal freshness and an elegant look. Serve hot and enjoy that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tart, and crispy.

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Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe

Use Medium Heat: Cooking over medium heat ensures the bread crisps without burning while giving the cheese time to melt perfectly.
Butter Both Sides Generously: Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s what creates that rich, golden crust you want.
Thin Apple Slices Are Key: Thin slices layer nicely and soften slightly when cooked, blending with the creamy brie so well.
Cover While Cooking: Covering the pan traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly without drying out the bread.

How to Serve 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish with fresh rosemary because it adds a lovely piney aroma and looks inviting when scattered on top. Sometimes, I’ll add a thin drizzle of extra honey or a few chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous and want a sweet-heat kick.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this grilled cheese are a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or a warm bowl of tomato soup—both contrast the richness beautifully. For a casual lunch, some kettle-cooked chips or pickles on the side add a nice crunch and tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little extra flair, I’ve layered thin slices of prosciutto between the brie and apple to make it more substantial and fancy. Serving it on a wooden board with little ramekins of honey or fig jam alongside makes it perfect for casual dinner parties or weekend brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers—though in my house that’s rare!—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It’s best to eat within a day for the best texture because the bread can get a bit soggy otherwise.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze grilled cheese sandwiches because the crisp texture suffers, but if you want to, freeze it ungrilled, wrapped well, then grill it fresh when you’re ready. That way, it stays as crisp as possible.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat or a toaster oven to help the bread crisp up again without losing that melty cheese goodness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture nice and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in the 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While brie is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with camembert, goat cheese, or even a mild cheddar for a sharper taste. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the best results.
What kind of apples work best for this grilled cheese?

I recommend tart and firm apples like Granny Smith because their crispness balances the richness of brie and butter perfectly. However, sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can work if you prefer a sweeter sandwich.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use vegan butter and a dairy-free brie alternative (there are some excellent ones available) and swap honey for maple syrup or agave. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get that wonderful sweet-savory combo.
How can I prevent my grilled cheese from getting soggy?

Butter the bread generously and cook on medium heat with the pan covered to melt the cheese while crisping the bread. Avoid adding too much honey or fruit juice directly to the bread—slicing apples thinly helps reduce moisture as well.

Final Thoughts

This 15-Minute Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it combines simplicity with a touch of elegance effortlessly. It’s charming, fast, and feels indulgent—exactly what I want on hectic days or when I need a little comfort food boost. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own; I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!