Gather ’round, my fellow food rebels, because we’re about to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level with this Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese! This epic sandwich is a flavor explosion of tangy cranberries, rich and creamy brie, and smoky, salty bacon – all sandwiched between buttery, golden-brown grilled bread. Prepare to have your taste buds dancing with joy, y’all. This is the ultimate in comfort food decadence, and I’m not even sorry about it.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese
This Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese is the ultimate flavor mashup, blending the classic Thanksgiving flavors of cranberry and brie with the salty, savory deliciousness of bacon. The combination of sweet, tart cranberries, creamy brie, and crispy, smoky bacon is nothing short of legendary. Plus, the grilled bread adds a satisfying crunch and buttery richness that ties the whole dish together. This sandwich is a true flavor explosion, and it’s sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition in your household.
Ingredients
To make this epic Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: thick-cut bacon, fresh cranberries, brie cheese, honey, and your choice of bread (I recommend a hearty sourdough or ciabatta). The key is to use high-quality, flavorful ingredients that will really make this sandwich shine.
- 8 slices – thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup – fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp – honey
- 8 oz – brie cheese, sliced
- 8 slices – sourdough or ciabatta bread
Ingredient Substitutions
- Brie: Camembert or Havarti (for a similar creamy, melty texture)
- Bacon: Turkey or crispy fried shallots (for a vegetarian option)
How to Make Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese
Alright, folks, let’s get this flavor fiesta started! I’m about to show you how to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into the most epic grilled cheese of your life.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy and delicious. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. In a saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, a drizzle of honey, and a splash of water. Simmer the cranberries until they burst and the mixture thickens into a tangy-sweet compote.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Slice the brie cheese and the bread. Spread a generous amount of the cranberry compote on one slice of bread, then layer on the brie slices and crispy bacon. Top with the other slice of bread to create a sandwich.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Melt a pat of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook until the bread is golden-brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip the sandwich carefully to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the sandwich is perfectly grilled, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute or two. Slice the sandwich in half and prepare to be blown away by the ooey-gooey, flavor-packed deliciousness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze to your Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese.
- Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some chopped pecans on top of the sandwich for a delightful crunch.
- Brioche or Whole-Grain Bread: Experiment with different types of bread, such as a buttery brioche or a nutty whole-grain.
- Cranberry Sauce: Add a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce for an even more elevated flavor profile.
- Fresh Thyme: Sprinkle some fresh thyme on the sandwich for an herbaceous note.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a side salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a steaming mug of apple cider.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Pop the sandwich in the oven or on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cranberry compote and cook the bacon in advance, but it’s best to assemble and grill the sandwich right before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
This Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese is a true indulgence, but it’s also packed with some pretty amazing nutrients. The cranberries provide a boost of antioxidants, the brie is a great source of protein and calcium, and the bacon adds a satisfying dose of savory, salty goodness. Moderation is key, but this sandwich is a delicious way to treat yourself this Thanksgiving.
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sandwich in advance?
While you can prepare the cranberry compote and cook the bacon ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and grill the sandwich right before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?
Absolutely! Canned cranberry sauce will work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to give it a good stir to incorporate any lumps before spreading it on the bread.
Is this sandwich suitable for vegetarians?
With a few simple swaps, you can easily make a vegetarian version of this Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese. Simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based cheese alternative, or try crispy fried shallots or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami-packed filling.
How can I make this sandwich even more indulgent?
If you really want to take this Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese to the next level, try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as a buttery brioche or a nutty whole-grain.
Can I freeze this sandwich?
While you can freeze the individual components (like the cranberry compote and cooked bacon), it’s best not to freeze the assembled sandwich. The texture and flavors won’t be the same after thawing. For best results, make and enjoy this Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese fresh.
Try These Next
- Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Peppers
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
- Spicy Honey Garlic Bacon Cheesecake Bites
Cranberry Brie & Bacon Thanksgiving Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Description
A delicious grilled cheese sandwich combining creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and crispy bacon. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy meal!
Ingredients
4 slices of sourdough bread
4 oz brie cheese, sliced
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place two slices, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Layer brie cheese, cranberry sauce, and crumbled bacon on top.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
6. Grill until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, until cheese is melted.
7. Remove from skillet, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg