Discover the delicious combination of creamy Brie cheese, sweet pear slices, and crispy grilled bread with this recipe for a Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich. Find out the pros and cons of making this flavorful and customizable sandwich, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack.
About
Brie is a cheese that is often associated with France, but it can be found all over the world. It is a soft, spreadable cheese that pairs perfectly with pears. Today, we will learn how to make this grilled Brie and Pear sandwich recipe.
This sandwich is simple to make and takes just a few minutes to prepare. First, you will need some brie cheese, and you can either buy it pre-made or create your own using traditional methods. Next, you will need some pears. You can use any pear, but Granny Smith apples work well in this recipe. After you have assembled the ingredients, it’s time to grill them! Grilling transforms brie cheese into something special, and the smoky flavour pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pears. If you enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, try this recipe out!
This barbecued Brie and pear sandwich are committed to Public Barbecued Cheddar Sandwich Day, which happens each April 12. It is much appreciated mainly by bored food bloggers and cheese-industry marketing cartels. I’m looking at you, Wisconsin.
You can also see Recipe of Chicken and Bean Quesadilla
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or your preferred choice)
- 4 ounces (about 120 grams) of Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Arugula or spinach leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat a panini press, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- On the non-buttered side of two bread slices, layer the Brie cheese slices. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the pear slices on top of the cheese. Drizzle honey over the pears.
- If desired, add a layer of arugula or spinach leaves on top of the pears.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining two bread slices, buttered side facing up.
- Place the sandwiches on the preheated panini press, grill pan, or skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Cut the sandwiches in half or quarters, if desired, and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich!
Tips for making the best Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich
Certainly! Here are some tips to make the best Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich:
- Choose ripe but firm pears: Opt for pears that are ripe but still firm. This will ensure that they hold their shape and provide a pleasant texture to the sandwich.
- Use good quality Brie cheese: Select a good quality Brie cheese that is creamy and flavorful. It will make a significant difference in the taste of your sandwich.
- Consider adding greens: Adding arugula or spinach leaves to the sandwich not only adds freshness but also balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the pear.
- Experiment with bread choices: While traditional sandwich bread works well, you can also try using other bread varieties like sourdough, whole wheat, or a crusty baguette. These breads can add extra flavour and texture to the sandwich.
- Butter the bread evenly: Make sure to spread the butter evenly on the bread slices. This will help in achieving a nice golden and crispy exterior when grilled.
- Adjust the heat level: When grilling the sandwich, it’s important to adjust the heat level. Cooking over medium heat is generally a good starting point, but you may need to adjust it based on your specific equipment and preferences. The aim is to melt the cheese while ensuring the bread doesn’t burn.
- Let the sandwich rest: After grilling, allow the sandwich to rest for a few minutes before cutting and serving. This helps the cheese to set and prevents it from oozing out immediately when sliced.
- Customize with additional ingredients: Feel free to experiment with other complementary ingredients like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These additions can take your sandwich to another level of flavour.
- Serve it warm: Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwiches are best enjoyed while still warm. The cheese will be gooey and the flavours well balanced.
Pros and Cons of Making a Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delicious flavour combination | Requires ripe but firm pears |
| Creamy and gooey melted Brie | Can be messy to eat |
| Versatile—can be customized | Cheese can be difficult to handle when melting |
| Provides a balance of sweet and savoury flavours | Bread can burn easily if heat is too high |
| Quick and easy to prepare | May not be suitable for those with dairy allergies |
| Can be made with various bread choices | Pear slices may need to be thinly cut to ensure even cooking |
| Can be enjoyed as a light lunch or snack | Grilling equipment (panini press or grill pan) is needed |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich offers a delicious combination of flavours with its creamy melted Brie cheese and sweet, firm pear slices. It provides a balance of sweet and savoury elements that can be further customized with additions like greens, caramelized onions, or bacon. The sandwich is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it a convenient option for a light lunch or snack. However, it’s important to handle the cheese carefully when melting to avoid any difficulty, and the sandwich can be messy to eat. Additionally, ripe but firm pears are required, and the bread can burn easily if the heat is too high. Overall, if you enjoy the flavour combination and take care when grilling, the Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich can be a delightful treat.
