Brie cheese is a creamy, soft cow’s milk cheese that originated in France. With its rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture, it’s no wonder brie is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. The velvety rind that encases the cheese adds an extra layer of flavor when melted between slices of bread.
I love a good brie grilled cheese as I find it’s the perfect way to spruce up this timeless classic. It’s easy to make, but tastes luxurious.
So how do you make the perfect brie grilled cheese? Follow these tips for constructing a sandwich that is ooey-gooey cheesy perfection.
Can You Eat Brie Rind?
Before assembling your grilled cheese, you first need to prepare the brie. Brie is wrapped in an edible rind, which is the outer layer that protects and ripens the cheese. The rind forms as penicillium candidum mold grows on the exterior. While some people prefer to cut off the rind, it is completely edible and safe to consume.
The rind has a stronger, earthier flavor compared to the interior of the cheese. It also has a firmer, chewier texture. Whether you eat the rind or not is a matter of personal preference. Some enjoy the extra kick of flavor it provides, while others find it too strong.
If you want to incorporate the rind into your grilled cheese, make sure to trim off any excess dried bits or mold. Then you can slice or wedge the cheese as desired, rind and all. The melting and browning process helps tame the intensity of the rind’s flavor.
If you’d rather not eat the rind, simply use a sharp knife to slice it off before slicing or cutting the brie. Discard the rinds or save them to make brie broth.
How to Cut Brie for Grilled Cheese
Once you’ve decided whether or not to eat the rind, it’s time to cut the brie. There are several ways to slice brie for melted sandwiches:
- Wedges: Cut the brie wheel into small wedges or triangles. The wedge shape helps the soft cheese hold its form better when cooking.
- Slices: For a more traditional grilled cheese shape, cut thin slices of brie from the wheel. Aim for slices around 1/4-inch thick.
- Cubes: For an even cheese distribution, cut the brie into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes. The cubes melt nicely when grilling the bread.
Make sure your knife is sharp to get clean, straight cuts through the creamy cheese. Avoid shredding or crumbling the brie, as it may ooze out of the sandwich as it cooks. Neat slices, wedges, or cubes will melt nicely inside.
Brie Grilled Cheese Calories
One of the benefits of a brie grilled cheese is that it tends to have fewer calories than sandwiches made with processed cheese. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a standard brie grilled cheese:
- 2 slices country white bread: 160 calories
- 2 oz brie cheese: 240 calories
- 1 tbsp butter: 100 calories
Total calories: About 500 (before adding any additional toppings)
This compares to nearly 700 calories for a grilled cheese made with two slices of American cheese. Of course, you can further customize the nutrition profile by choosing different bread, butter, and cheese options.
Some ways to lighten up your brie grilled cheese:
- Use whole grain or sourdough bread instead of white.
- Try a lower-fat butter or reduced-fat brie.
- Stick to 1 ounce of cheese per sandwich.
- Serve with tomato soup versus fries for dunking.
No matter what ingredients you choose, just be mindful of portion sizes as the buttery brie and toast can add up calories wise! Enjoy your grilled cheese as an occasional indulgent treat.
With its decadent flavor and creamy texture, it’s no surprise brie has inspired so many tasty dishes like grilled cheese. Whether melted into a sandwich, baked with fruit, or simply sliced as is, brie is the star of any dish.
The next time you want to add a little richness to a meal or snack, turn to this buttery French classic. Your tastebuds are sure to thank you! And if you need even more brie inspiration, try it crumbled over salads, stirred into dips, or even eaten for breakfast with jam on toast. When it comes to brie, there are no limits.
Grilled Brie and Apples: An unconventional pairing for grilled cheese
While the below recipe I’ve included is for a more traditional grilled cheese with brie recipe that includes red onion, my personal favorite is a sweeter take on the sandwich by mixing it up with some grilled brie and apples. The creamy texture of the cheese along with the hint of sweetness from the apples are a delectable pairing – definitely play around with combos and try it out if you are feeling adventurous!
Brie Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 slices of your favorite bread sourdough, French, or whole-grain
- 8 oz of Brie cheese rind removed and sliced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brie: Start by removing the rind from the Brie cheese. The rind can be a bit tough, and removing it ensures that you'll enjoy the full creaminess of the cheese. Slice the Brie into thin, even pieces.
- Butter the Bread: Take each slice of bread and generously spread softened butter on one side. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
- Add Dijon Mustard: On the unbuttered side of 4 of the bread slices, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard. This will add a subtle tangy kick that complements the rich Brie.
- Layer the Brie: Place the Brie slices on the Dijon-covered bread slices. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed to ensure each bite has that luscious Brie flavor.
- Add Red Onions: On top of the Brie, distribute the thinly sliced red onions. They add a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch to the sandwich.
- Arugula Addition: Sprinkle a handful of arugula over the red onions. The peppery arugula will provide a lovely contrast to the creamy Brie.
- Season: Season the sandwiches with a pinch of salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Top It Off: Place the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, on top of each sandwich to form a complete sandwich.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted. You may want to use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches to help them cook evenly and ensure the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve: Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is oozing, remove them from the heat. Let them cool for a minute before cutting in half. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to handle.
- Enjoy: Serve your Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwiches immediately while they are still warm and gooey. You can pair them with a fresh green salad, tomato soup, or enjoy them on their own.