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 recipe has become my go-to holiday treat, bringing warmth and festive spirit to every gathering.
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
- Preheat:
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Butter Bread:
- Lightly butter one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble Sandwich:
- 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.
- Top Sandwich:
- Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up, pressing gently.
- Grill:
- 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.
- Style as Candles:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pin it This sandwich always brings smiles at family holiday dinners and sparks conversations around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this grilled cheese with a crisp winter salad or a warm cup of mulled wine for a complete festive meal.
Ingredient Variations
Swap honey for fig jam to experiment with a different sweet note that complements the Brie and apples.
Storage Tips
Prepare sandwiches fresh for best taste but store assembled sandwiches wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to one day.
Pin it This grilled cheese combines festive charm with irresistible flavors, perfect for making holidays memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What bread works best for this grilled sandwich?
Sourdough or brioche are ideal for their sturdy texture and slight sweetness, complementing the creamy and fruity fillings.
- → How can I achieve the candle effect on the sandwich?
Trim the sandwich edges into clean rectangles, stand upright, then use a roasted red pepper strip as the flame and a chive stem as the wick.
- → Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?
Yes, fig jam makes a delicious alternative, adding a different fruity sweetness to the savory layers.
- → What is the best way to melt the Brie evenly?
Grill the sandwich on medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side and press gently with a spatula to encourage even melting without burning.
- → Are there any suggested additions for extra texture?
Adding chopped walnuts between the Brie and apple layers provides a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor contrast.