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 my holiday favorite because it combines sweet and savory flavors effortlessly.
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 Sharing this treat with my family has become a cherished holiday tradition we look forward to each year.
Notes
For extra crunch, add a few chopped walnuts between the cheese and apple. Swap honey for fig jam for a different flavor. Pair with a crisp winter salad or mulled wine.
Required Tools
Large skillet or griddle, spatula, sharp knife, small spoon (for honey)
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread), Milk (Brie, butter). May contain Tree nuts if optional walnuts are added. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This grilled cheese is both elegant and easy, making it a perfect holiday snack or meal.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough or brioche bread provides a sturdy yet soft base that crisps nicely during grilling.
- → Can I substitute the cheese?
Brie is ideal for its creamy texture, but soft cheeses like Camembert could work as alternatives.
- → How to achieve the candle effect?
Trim the sandwich edges for a neat rectangle, then use roasted red pepper strips and chive stems to mimic a flame and wick.
- → Is there an option to add crunch?
Adding chopped walnuts between layers adds texture and complements the sweetness of the honey and apple.
- → How should I cook the sandwich?
Grill in a buttered skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes each side until bread is golden and cheese is melted.