Imagine biting into a grilled sandwich that’s a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet—all sandwiched between perfectly crisp, buttery bread. That’s exactly what you get with this Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich. It’s like a warm, melty, gourmet experience that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a cozy café, but without the wait.
Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or a cozy snack, this grilled sandwich hits all the right notes. The rich, buttery Brie, the tangy cranberry sauce, and the stretchy mozzarella come together in the most deliciously satisfying way. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich
Simple Yet Gourmet: This sandwich is a total upgrade from your average grilled cheese. It combines simple ingredients to create something special, perfect for impressing your family or just treating yourself.
Sweet and Savory Bliss: The combination of sweet cranberry sauce and creamy Brie with the gooey mozzarella is a match made in flavor heaven. Every bite is like a little celebration.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need any fancy skills or a ton of ingredients to pull this off. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into this decadent creation in no time.
Comforting and Satisfying: There’s something so comforting about a grilled sandwich, and this one has the added bonus of layers of cheesy goodness and sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s the perfect cozy dish for a chilly day.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich:
For the Sandwich:
- Bread: Choose a hearty, thick-cut bread like sourdough, brioche, or a rustic white loaf. It’s the perfect foundation for all that cheesy, gooey goodness.
- Brie Cheese: The star of the show! Brie melts wonderfully and adds a rich, creamy texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is best for that delicious, melt-in-your-mouth stretch.
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries is a perfect contrast to the richness of the cheese.
- Butter: For that crispy, golden crust on the outside of the bread. Nothing beats the flavor of butter-grilled bread.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious sandwich ready!
Step 1: Assemble the Sandwich
Start by laying out your bread slices. Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce on one slice of bread, making sure it covers the entire surface. Then, add a few slices of Brie and a good amount of shredded mozzarella on top of the cranberry sauce. Place the second slice of bread on top, pressing it down gently.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Spread butter evenly on the outside of both slices of bread. The butter will give the sandwich that golden, crispy texture and enhance the flavor as it grills.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, place the sandwich in the pan. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on one side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling. Once the bread is golden brown and crispy, flip the sandwich over and grill the other side until it’s also golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once both sides are beautifully crispy and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute before slicing it in half—this helps the cheese set just a bit. Serve warm and enjoy the melty, cheesy, cranberry-filled goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 600mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich
With a Side Salad
Pair this sandwich with a simple green salad, maybe with some arugula or spinach, for a fresh contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
With Soup
A cup of tomato soup or butternut squash soup would be an amazing pairing with this sandwich. The creamy texture and flavors will complement each other perfectly.
On Its Own
Sometimes, a delicious sandwich like this is perfect all on its own. No need for sides, just enjoy every melty, crispy bite!
Additional Tips
Go Crazy with Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Try adding a little bit of goat cheese or Gruyère for an extra layer of flavor.
Make It a Panini
For an extra-crunchy finish, try using a panini press. The press will give you that crispy, pressed texture and even melty cheese throughout.
Use Homemade Cranberry Sauce
If you’re feeling extra, homemade cranberry sauce takes this sandwich to the next level. It’s easy to make, and you’ll have extra to use for other recipes or as a topping for meats.
Don’t Overstuff
While it’s tempting to load up your sandwich with a lot of cheese and cranberry sauce, too much filling can cause the sandwich to spill out. Just use enough to make it ooey-gooey without the mess.
For Extra Flavor, Add Herbs
You can sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary on the inside of the sandwich for a little added herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the Brie and cranberry sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! While Brie and mozzarella work wonderfully here, you can also try camembert, gouda, or cheddar for a different twist.
Q2: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A2: This sandwich is best served fresh, but you can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Grill it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: Can I use a different type of bread?
A3: Absolutely! Brioche, sourdough, or even a crusty baguette works great. Choose a bread that will hold up to the melted cheese and cranberry sauce.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat in a pan or on a griddle for the best crispy texture.
Q5: Can I add meat to this sandwich?
A5: Yes, you could add some cooked turkey or chicken for an extra layer of protein and flavor.
Q6: Is there a way to make this sandwich healthier?
A6: You could use a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella or even whole-grain bread to make it a bit lighter.
Q7: Can I freeze this sandwich?
A7: Freezing is not recommended for this sandwich, as the texture may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Q8: Can I make this sandwich without cranberry sauce?
A8: Yes, you could substitute the cranberry sauce with a fig jam or even a balsamic glaze for a different, but equally delicious, flavor.
Q9: How can I make this more savory?
A9: Try adding some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to the sandwich for a savory twist that complements the Brie and mozzarella.
Q10: Can I use pre-sliced Brie cheese?
A10: Yes, pre-sliced Brie cheese works just fine! Just make sure to use enough slices to cover the bread.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make treat that will quickly become your new favorite go-to for a cozy meal. The combination of creamy Brie, gooey mozzarella, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce is a total flavor win. Pair it with a side or enjoy it on its own, and you’ve got yourself a sandwich that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying!
PrintCranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This Cranberry Brie and Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory. The rich brie cheese, paired with gooey mozzarella and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creates a deliciously unique twist on the classic grilled cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (preferably sourdough, ciabatta, or whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 ounces brie cheese (rind removed, sliced)
- 2 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish or added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sandwich:
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the brie cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cranberry sauce. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out. - Grill the Sandwich:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down slightly with a spatula to ensure the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Cook until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese has fully melted. - Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet. If desired, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top for added flavor. - Slice and Enjoy:
Slice the sandwich in half and serve warm, either on its own or with a side of soup or salad.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, you can add some caramelized onions or spinach to the sandwich.
- You can use other types of cheese like cheddar or goat cheese if preferred.
- If you like your cranberry sauce extra tart, consider using fresh or homemade cranberry sauce with less sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg