Cranberry Grilled Cheese is a delightful sweet and savory sandwich that captures comforting melted cheese and the festive tartness of cranberry sauce. It’s a warm, melty, tangy treat that’s perfect for holiday lunches, cozy dinners, or anytime you want a quick yet special meal. Balancing creamy cheese with vibrant cranberry makes this sandwich irresistible and easy to prepare.
You will love the combination of gooey, mild cheddar or mozzarella paired with dollops of tart cranberry sauce and soft, creamy Brie or goat cheese. The crunchy toasted bread wrapped around these layers rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sturdy bread
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature or spreadable
- 2-3 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup shredded mild melty cheese like white Cheddar Jack or Mozzarella
- A few slices of soft cheese like Brie, Camembert, or goat chèvre
- About 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil for frying
How to Create Your Cranberry Grilled Cheese
Step 1: Butter the Bread
Spread approximately ½ tablespoon of butter on both sides of each bread slice evenly.
Step 2: Preheat Pan and Start Frying
Heat 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Place both bread slices in the pan and lightly fry until golden. Flip both slices over in the pan.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Cranberry
Pile shredded cheddar or mozzarella on one slice of bread. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce on top. Add slices of the soft cheese like Brie or goat cheese.
Step 4: Complete the Sandwich
“Cover” with the other slice of bread, toasted side facing inward. Press down on the sandwich and cook for about 3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melting.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Using a flat spatula, carefully lift the sandwich and add more oil if needed. Flip the sandwich gently and cook the other side until dark golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the sandwich from the pan, cut in half, and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
My Best Tips for This Sandwich
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Use sturdy bread like sourdough or artisan loaves for good structure and toasting.
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Use a combination of shredded melty cheese and soft cheese for flavor contrast.
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Moderate heat ensures bread toasts without burning before cheese melts.
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Spread butter evenly for crispy balanced toasting.
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Serve immediately for the best melty texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
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Add fresh arugula or sliced jalapeños for peppery or spicy contrast.
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Use cranberry-orange sauce for a citrus twist.
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Swap grapeseed oil for butter for richer flavor.
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Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness and acidity.
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Use mozzarella or havarti as the melty cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bread is best for cranberry grilled cheese?
Thick-sliced, crusty breads like sourdough or country loaves work best.
Can I use frozen cranberry sauce?
Yes, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
What if I don’t have Brie?
Soft goat cheese or Camembert are excellent substitutes.
How do I prevent burnt bread and unmelted cheese?
Cook on medium-low heat, cover pan briefly to retain heat and melt cheese.
Can I make this ahead?
Best made fresh but can be assembled and refrigerated; reheat in skillet gently.
Are there vegan options?
Use plant-based cheese and butter alternatives with vegan bread and sauce.
Print
Cranberry Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy fusion of savory, sweet, and creamy flavors with tart cranberry sauce and melty cheeses sandwiched in crispy buttery bread perfect for festive lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
2 slices crusty bread (sourdough or artisan loaf)
1 tbsp butter, room temperature
2–3 tbsp cranberry sauce
1/4 cup shredded cheese (white cheddar, Jack, or mozzarella)
A few slices of Brie, Camembert, or goat cheese
2 tbsp grapeseed oil (or butter for toasting)
Instructions
Butter the bread: Spread 1/2 tbsp butter on both sides of each slice.
Toast first side: Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet on medium-low. Toast bread on one side until golden, then flip.
Layer filling: On one slice, layer shredded cheese, cranberry sauce, slices of Brie or goat cheese.
Assemble sandwich: Top with second slice, toasted side inward. Press gently.
Grill: Cook 3 minutes per side, adding oil if needed, until cheese melts and bread is golden.
Serve warm, sliced in half.
Notes
Use sturdy bread for structure.
Combine varied cheeses for texture contrast.
Cook medium-low to melt cheese without overbrowning.
Spread butter evenly for crispness.
Serve fresh for gooey, melty perfection.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch, Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Holiday Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (1/1 recipe)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: cranberry grilled cheese, brie cranberry sandwich, holiday leftover recipe, savory sweet grilled cheese, gourmet sandwich
