Save A festive and indulgent twist on classic grilled cheese, featuring creamy Brie, crisp apples, and a drizzle of honey, styled to resemble a Christmas candle—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This grilled cheese quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, making our gatherings extra special.
Ingredients
- Bread: 4 slices sourdough or brioche bread
- Cheese & Filling: 120 g Brie cheese, sliced; 1 small crisp apple (such as Granny Smith), thinly sliced; 2 tbsp honey
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Garnish (for candle effect, optional): 2 small strips roasted red bell pepper (for flame); 2 thin chive stems (for wick)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Step 2:
- Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
- Step 3:
- Place two slices, buttered side down, onto a clean surface. Layer Brie slices evenly, followed by apple slices. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over each.
- Step 4:
- Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, pressing gently.
- Step 5:
- Grill sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula to seal.
- Step 6:
- To style as Christmas candles, trim the sandwiches edges for a clean rectangle, then stand each upright. Use a roasted pepper strip as the flame and a chive as the wick.
- Step 7:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Save This recipe brings warmth and joy to our family holidays, often inspiring smiles and seconds.
Notes
Pair with a crisp winter salad or mulled wine to complete your festive meal.
Required Tools
Large skillet or griddle, spatula, sharp knife, small spoon (for honey)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread) and Milk (Brie, butter). May contain Tree nuts if optional walnuts are added. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save Enjoy the blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite of this festive grilled cheese.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or brioche bread provide the best texture and flavor, offering a sturdy base and a pleasant crust when grilled.
- → Can I substitute the apple variety?
Yes, crisp apples like Granny Smith are recommended for tartness and crunch, but other firm apples can work as well.
- → How do I get the sandwich to resemble a Christmas candle?
After grilling, trim the edges into a clean rectangle, stand the sandwich upright, and garnish with roasted red pepper strips as flames and chive stems as wicks.
- → Is it possible to add a nutty crunch to the sandwich?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts between the cheese and apple layers adds texture and enhances flavor complexity.
- → What alternatives can be used instead of honey?
Fig jam is a great alternative that complements the Brie and apple with a different sweetness and depth.