Does the cheese need to be at room temperature?

No - you can use brie and mozzarella that are straight out of the fridge! We actually prefer cold brie in this recipe: when it's cold, it's easier to cut into thin slices.

Can I make this grilled cheese in the oven?

Yes! Grilled cheese is easy to make in the oven if you don't want to use the stove - it's our favorite way to prep these sandwiches for a crowd! Butter your bread slices, assemble each sandwich as directed, then lay sandwiches on a large sheet pan and bake at 400° F for 5-7 minutes (or until the tops are lightly toasted), then flip the sandwiches over with a spatula and bake another 5-7 minutes or so until browned.

What kind of bread should I use?

We love using sourdough or homemade crusty bread here. These sandwiches are also incredible with homemade cranberry pecan bread !

Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese

Description

These cranberry brie grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!

Ingredients

Scale

8 slices sourdough or crusty bread
1/4 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces brie cheese, thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
(optional) ½ teaspoon flakey sea salt

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Instructions

Spread butter over one side of each bread slice. Tip: We like to use a large cutting board to assemble these sandwiches since the butter can be a little messy!
Flip half of the bread slices over, so they’re butter-side down. Spread each of these slices with a layer of cranberry sauce. Reserve the remaining slices for the top of your sandwiches.
Layer brie and mozzarella on top of the cranberry sauce, dividing cheeses evenly between each sandwich, then add a pinch of flakey salt (optional), and top each sandwich with a remaining slice of bread (butter-side up).
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully place sandwiches in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

Notes

Additions and Substitutions. Swap the cranberry sauce for sliced apples or pears, apple butter, or a bit of whole grain mustard. Add leftover turkey, crispy bacon, or prosciutto for some extra protein. Add fresh arugula, kale, or spinach if you’d like some greens. Use white cheddar, goat cheese, gruyere, or havarti in place of some or all of the cheeses here. Use flour tortillas or leftover rolls in place of sliced bread if you like.

Still have leftovers to get through? Check out our Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipe Collection!