Melty Brie and Brandied Apple Grilled Cheese

Grilled cheese, that American diner classic, turns elegant when Brie meets apples simmered with brandy and brown sugar. A swipe of whole-grain mustard and fresh thyme on sourdough make this melt a cozy dinner showstopper.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 25 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 18g protein
• 48g carbs
• 28g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 2 medium firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 1/3 cup brandy
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt
• 8 slices sourdough or country bread
• 8 oz Brie cheese
• 2 Tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 Tbsp extra butter for grilling

Instructions

1. 1Core and thinly slice the apples. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, then add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes until the apples begin to soften and release juices.
2. 2Pour in the brandy carefully (it may flame briefly) and continue cooking over medium-low heat for another 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the apples are tender-crisp and the liquid reduces to a fragrant, glossy syrup that coats the fruit. Remove from heat and keep warm.
3. 3Spread a thin layer of whole-grain mustard on one side of each bread slice. Cut the Brie into generous slices or thick pieces, removing the rind if preferred, and divide evenly among four of the bread slices on the mustard side.
4. 4Spoon a hearty portion of the warm brandied apples and their syrup over the Brie on each sandwich, letting some syrup soak into the bread. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, then top with the remaining bread slices, mustard-side down.
5. 5Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Butter the outsides of each sandwich generously. Place the sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed) and cook slowly for 4-5 minutes until the underside is deep golden brown and crisp.
6. 6Flip carefully with a spatula, press gently, and cook the second side another 3-5 minutes until the bread is equally golden and the Brie has fully melted into the brandied apples. Lower the heat if the bread browns too fast before the cheese melts.
7. 7Transfer the finished sandwiches to a cutting board, let rest 1 minute so the filling settles, then slice diagonally. Serve immediately while the brandied apple syrup still glistens and the cheese stretches.