Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich

Sara

Writer & Blogger

Breakfast & brunch
April 9, 2025

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Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich: A Gourmet Twist on a Classic Comfort Food 🧀🍓🔥

1. Introduction

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this irresistible Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich! This gourmet twist on a classic comfort food combines creamy brie, melty mozzarella, and tart cranberries for a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or when you simply crave something extraordinary, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a grilled cheese enthusiast or looking for a festive appetizer, this recipe is a must-try!

If you love creative sandwich ideas, you’ll definitely want to check out our breakfast and brunch recipes for more morning inspiration. This sandwich also makes a fantastic addition to any holiday spread alongside our Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup.

2. Ingredients

4 slices of artisan bread (sourdough or brioche work great)
4 oz brie cheese, sliced
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

For those who enjoy working with cheese in their cooking, our baking recipes section features several cheesy delights that would complement this sandwich perfectly.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Slice the brie cheese into thin pieces and shred the mozzarella. If using fresh cranberries, prepare your cranberry sauce by simmering them with a bit of sugar and water until they burst and thicken. Choose a high-quality bread that will hold up well to grilling and provide a nice texture contrast to the creamy cheeses.

This preparation step is similar to what you’d do for our Quick and Easy Chicken Empanadas, where proper ingredient prep makes all the difference in the final dish.

Fresh cranberries and brie cheese prepared for making Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. The key to perfect grilled cheese is cooking it slowly to allow the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread. While the skillet heats up, butter one side of each bread slice with softened butter – this will create that golden, crispy exterior we all love in a grilled sandwich.

This cooking technique works wonders for many of our dinner recipes as well, where proper heat control is essential for perfect results.

Butter melting in a skillet for grilling the Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Sandwich.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Place two slices of bread butter-side down in the skillet. Layer with brie slices, followed by a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if using. The combination of brie and mozzarella creates the perfect melt while the cranberries add a delightful tartness that cuts through the richness. Complete the sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.

For more delicious sandwich ideas that use creative cheese combinations, browse our chicken recipes section where you’ll find several cheesy chicken dishes.

Assembling Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich with bread, cheese, and cranberries.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If needed, cover the skillet briefly to help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread. The sandwich is ready when the cheese is oozing out slightly and the bread has achieved that perfect crispiness. Remove from heat, let rest for a minute, then slice diagonally for beautiful presentation.

This same grilling technique can be applied to many of our beef recipes, especially when making steak sandwiches or pan-seared cuts.

Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich cooking to perfection in a skillet.

4. Cooking Tips

For extra flavor, try spreading a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bread before adding the cheese.
If your cranberry sauce is too thick, warm it slightly to make it easier to spread.
Add a handful of arugula or spinach for a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich cheeses.
For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich for crunch.
Use a panini press if you prefer your sandwich with more defined grill marks.

These tips can also enhance many of our salad recipes when you’re looking to add extra texture and flavor to your greens.

5. Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with tomato soup or butternut squash soup. It makes an excellent appetizer when cut into smaller portions for holiday parties. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir for the ultimate gourmet experience.

For dessert, consider following this savory sandwich with one of our delightful dessert recipes to complete your meal.

6. Nutritional Information

7. Variations

Turkey Cranberry Brie: Add sliced roasted turkey for a heartier sandwich.
Apple Brie: Substitute cranberry sauce with thin apple slices for a different fruity twist.
Spicy Version: Add a few slices of jalapeño for some heat.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Vegan Option: Substitute with vegan brie and mozzarella alternatives.

For more quick meal ideas that can be easily customized, check out our 30-minute Tuscan Chicken Soup recipe.

8. Storage and Reheating

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain crispiness – microwaving will make the bread soggy. For make-ahead options, you can prepare the components (slice cheese, make cranberry sauce) up to 3 days in advance.

9. Conclusion

This Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary experience that combines comfort with gourmet flavors. The creamy brie, stretchy mozzarella, and tart cranberries create a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, cozy dinner, or special occasion, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite. Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for entertaining, while its simple preparation makes it ideal for everyday indulgence. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s the ultimate upgrade to the classic grilled cheese!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on our Facebook page – we love seeing how our readers put their own spin on our recipes!

Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich

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Print Recipe

Elevate your grilled cheese game with this irresistible Cranberry Brie & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich! This gourmet twist combines creamy brie, melty mozzarella, and tart cranberries for a flavor explosion. Perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress with its harmonious balance of textures and flavors.

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices of artisan bread (sourdough or brioche work great)
4 oz brie cheese, sliced
4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

Prepare ingredients: Slice brie, shred mozzarella, and prepare cranberry sauce if making fresh
Heat skillet with olive oil over medium-low heat while buttering one side of each bread slice
Assemble sandwich in skillet: bread (butter-side down), brie, cranberry sauce, mozzarella, thyme, then top bread (butter-side up)
Grill 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted, pressing gently with spatula
Let rest 1 minute before slicing diagonally and serving