Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
If you’ve ever wished your grilled cheese could feel equally at home at a cozy fall brunch or as a sweet-savory lunch treat, the Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese is your new best friend. Imagine buttery brioche or tangy sourdough kissed with cinnamon sugar, hugging molten, creamy Brie and crisp apple slices—total melt-in-your-mouth magic! The playful drizzle of honey (optional, but encouraged) tugs all the flavors together for a sandwich that’s rich, gently spiced, sweet, and just a little bit fancy. This is comfort food with a grown-up twist, and you’ll find yourself craving it all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese is refreshingly simple, yet every element works hard to create a melt-worthy masterpiece. Each bite is a little dance of gooey, crunchy, creamy, and sweet.
- Brioche or sourdough bread: Choose a tender, rich bread like brioche for softness, or sturdy sourdough for a slight tang—the base of all that goodness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a golden, crisp crust that caramelizes with the cinnamon sugar.
- Granulated sugar: Gives the perfect sweetness and helps form that tempting, toasty exterior when cooked.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, elevating this from “just a sandwich” to a whole experience.
- Crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Thinly sliced apples bring a juicy, tart crunch—try to slice them evenly for the best texture.
- Brie cheese (rind removed, sliced): Rich, oh-so-creamy Brie melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with apple and cinnamon.
- Honey (optional, for drizzling): A little drizzle pulls the flavors together and creates pure sandwich magic. Substitute with maple syrup for a twist!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Butter
Start your adventure by combining softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until everything is lush, fragrant, and evenly blended. This magical butter will give your Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese that golden, caramelized crust everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare and Layer the Bread
Spread the luscious cinnamon sugar butter generously on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, on a cold skillet or griddle. This ensures they toast up perfectly as everything warms together. Now, layer on your sliced Brie and crisp apple over the bread, dividing both evenly for gooey, even sandwiches.
Step 3: Add Some Honey (Optional)
If you’re feeling a little fancy, drizzle that layer of apple and Brie with honey. It adds a fragrant touch of sweetness that makes every bite of Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese extra special. Maple syrup or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans also work wonderfully here!
Step 4: Top and Cook the Sandwiches
Cap each stack with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing up. With the sandwiches assembled, set the skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, using a spatula to peek underneath until you spot that irresistible golden-brown crust and the cheese melts into gooey ribbons.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Transfer your perfectly crispy Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese sandwiches to a cutting board. Let them rest for just a minute (if you can resist!), then slice in half and serve warm to fully appreciate the molten cheese and crunchy apple. The aroma alone might just draw a crowd!
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
Garnishes
Give your Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese a flourish by dusting the tops with extra cinnamon sugar, drizzling a bit more honey, or scattering finely chopped pecans for crunch. A few thin apple slices on the side look lovely and add brightness.
Side Dishes
This sandwich is quite the star on its own, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, a light lentil soup, or even roasted sweet potato wedges make wonderful partners. If you’re leaning into brunch, try pairing with a citrusy fruit salad or some sparkling apple cider.
Creative Ways to Present
For a shareable party platter, slice the sandwiches into fingers or triangles and spear them with cute toothpicks—perfect for a fall brunch board. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a roasted beet salad with walnuts. Or create a deconstructed version with open-faced Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese toasts arranged artistically on a rustic wooden board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese holds up surprisingly well in the fridge. Simply let the sandwiches cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 days, though the texture is best on the first day.
Freezing
Freezing these sandwiches is possible, but for best results, assemble the sandwiches (without cooking) and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the cheese fully melts.
Reheating
To reheat and regain that perfect crispy exterior, place leftover sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat and cover loosely with foil. Warm for about 3–4 minutes per side until heated through and the Brie is melty again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread soggy and ruin the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie is buttery and melty, Camembert, mild goat cheese, or even a creamy Havarti could stand in for a similar richness. Each cheese will change the flavor profile, but the spirit of the Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese will still shine.
What apples work best?
For the ultimate bite, go with apples that are crisp and slightly tart, like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Softer apples can become mushy as they heat, so try to use firm varieties for that fresh crunch.
How do I keep the bread from burning?
The cinnamon sugar butter caramelizes quickly, so keep your heat at medium and monitor the bread closely. Starting with a cold skillet and not rushing the process ensures the inside melts nicely while the outside turns golden, not burnt.
Can I make Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread and follow the same instructions. All of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss any flavor or texture.
Is honey necessary, or can I skip it?
Honey is optional and totally customizable. It lends a floral sweetness that really complements the Brie, but you can leave it out, use maple syrup, or even a drizzle of agave for a vegan-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe everyone deserves to experience the sheer delight of a warm, gooey Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese at least once. The combination just works—comforting, playful, and a little bit elegant. So grab those ingredients, get comfy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to a sandwich you’ll be thinking about long after the last bite!
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Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese. Buttery brioche or sourdough bread is slathered with a cinnamon sugar butter, then layered with creamy Brie cheese, thinly sliced apples, and a drizzle of honey for a decadent twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices of brioche or sourdough bread
Cinnamon Sugar Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling:
- 1 crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, thinly sliced)
- 4 ounces Brie cheese (rind removed, sliced)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the cinnamon and sugar until well combined.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread the cinnamon sugar butter on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices, buttered side down, on a skillet or griddle. Layer with sliced Brie and apple, dividing evenly between the sandwiches. Drizzle with honey if using. Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crunch, try adding chopped pecans.
- Swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Use a mandoline for uniformly thin apple slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 75mg