My Debut Cookbook 'Comfy' Is Out Now. ORDER HERE!
Bacon/ Cheese/ Lunch

Cranberry Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese

December 26, 2018 (Last Updated: March 30, 2020) by Chris Collins

Cranberry Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese – The perfect combination celebrating the beauty of salty and sweet. The only way you’ll ever want to use up leftover cranberry sauce!

One toastie stacked on another, both wrapped in brown paper with a string bow

The ULTIMATE Brie Grilled Cheese

Another day, another grilled cheese recipe. And in answer to your question – no, these will never stop 🤣Today’s victim: Brie.

Brie is perfect for toasties for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it’s got a smooth, mellow and creamy flavour which invites a number of different ingredients to join the party (more on that in just a sec). Second, it’s got a really low melting point, which means it goes gooey very quickly when exposed to heat.

Brie, Bacon and Cranberry

Now here’s where things get intense. Brie, bacon and cranberry is one heck of a combo. We all know sweet and salt go together perfectly and this combo illustrates that to a tee.

The sweetness and slight tartness of the cranberry sauce takes on the flavours of the salty, streaky bacon so well. Then you chuck in some thick wedges a Brie and the whole thing just takes off. Subtle and creamy, the Brie completely marries the flavours together beautifully.

Chilli Flakes

I know you’re probably thinking ‘huh, chilli flakes!?’ Yup! Lemme explain..

When I first tested this recipe I didn’t add any spice and instantly knew something was missing. The cranberry sauce almost became overpowering and was a little too sweet for a grilled cheese. The chilli gives a much needed kick to the whole thing and balances out the sweetness of the cranberry perfectly. In fact, it goes further than just balancing the flavours, it’s adds a beautiful warmth that the cranberry takes on so well.

Even if you don’t do spice, just an incy sprinkle will do wonders. Give it a go, you’ll see what I mean.

3 grilled cheese slices stacked on each other on wooden board with fresh cranberries scattered around

Cranberry, Bacon & Brie Grilled Cheese

Bread

Every great grilled cheese recipe starts with a great loaf of bread. So pick your favourite bread! Most grilled cheese recipes suggest avoiding thick slices of bread, but I find that if you grill it low and slow the cheese melts perfectly. Tiger bread or Sourdough both work great!

Can I make this into a Panini?

Sure! Just grab some ciabatta and either use a panini grill or use a regular pan and rest a heavy pan on top of the ciabatta (to mimic a panini grill).

Leftover Cranberry Sauce

The other thing about this cranberry bacon brie grilled cheese recipe is that it’s a perfect opportunity to use up any leftover cranberry sauce. If you’re anything like me then you’ve always got a pot of cranberry sauce in the fridge just screaming to be used, but can never find the opportunity. Well, here’s your solution. And a delicious solution at that.

Can I use other jams?

Yep! Most fruity jams work great in this recipe, namely blueberry or blackberry if you have it. Even Caramelized Onions would work!

 How to make Brie Grilled Cheese - 6 step by step photos

Can I make these in advance?

You can certainly stacked them in advance and have them ready to cook, yes. I don’t recommend fully making them to reheat though!

If you’re looking for something as deliciously similar then check out my Brie, Blackberry and Bacon Stuffed Croissants!

If you’re looking for more toasties to get those taste buds tingling then check these beauties out: 

Creative Grilled Cheese Recipes

Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this brie grilled cheese shall we?!

brie toasties stacked on wooden board wrapped in paper parcels with string bow

How to make a Cranberry, Bacon & Brie Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)

3 grilled cheese stacked on each other on wooden board with glass pot of cranberry sauce by the side

Cranberry Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Cranberry Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich - The perfect combination celebrating the beauty of salty and sweet. The only way you'll ever want to use up leftover cranberry sauce!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Servings (click & slide): 2
Course: Brunch / Lunch
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 613kcal
Cost per serving: £2.50 / $3

Equipment:

  • Large Frying Pan & Turner
  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board

Ingredients (check list):

  • 4 large slices of Thick White Bread
  • 6-8 rashers of Streaky Bacon, cooked to desired texture
  • 6-8 wedges of Brie
  • 2 tbsp Cranberry Sauce
  • 2 pinches Chilli Flakes
  • 4 'spreads' Butter

Instructions:

  • Lightly spread butter over one side of each slice of bread. Place 2 of them (butter side down) into a pan, making sure the heat is OFF at this point.
  • Spread your Cranberry sauce first, then place your Brie, followed by Bacon topped with Chilli Flakes. Top with your final two slices of bread (butter side up).
  • Turn on heat to medium and fry each side until golden brown on the outside and gooey in the middle.

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Chilli Flakes - Even if you're not a fan of spice, I do encourage just a pinch of chilli flakes. The spice helps balance out the sweet and salty components of this recipe and adds a gorgeous heat to the cranberry sauce. I actually have a recipe for a Spiced Cranberry Sauce if you'd prefer!
b) Cranberry Sauce Sub - Most sweet jams will work great in this context. Blueberry and blackberry especially go well with bacon and brie.
c) Can I use Camembert? - Camembert has a slightly pour pungent flavour, but if you know you like it then it can be subbed for the brie. I just prefer brie for it's subtle and creamy flavour!
d) Calories - Per grilled cheese.

Your Private Notes:

Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
Cranberry Bacon Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Amount Per Serving
Calories 613 Calories from Fat 367
% Daily Value*
Fat 40.8g63%
Saturated Fat 11.983g60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.409g
Monounsaturated Fat 5.775g
Cholesterol 62mg21%
Sodium 995mg41%
Potassium 423mg12%
Carbohydrates 37.42g12%
Fiber 1.8g7%
Sugar 7.74g9%
Protein 23.75g48%
Vitamin A 900IU18%
Calcium 160mg16%
Iron 2.3mg13%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
Tried this recipe?Show me how you got on by tagging @dontgobaconmyheart_ on IG and #dontgobaconmyheart
Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

If you loved this Brie Grilled Cheese recipe then be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!

DINNERS

YOU'LL NEVER STOP MAKING

A FREE EMAIL SERIES, FROM ONE FOODIE TO ANOTHER

5 KNOCKOUT

Leave a Reply

Recipe Rating




22 Comments

  • Reply
    Judith Simpson
    November 27, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    5 stars
    My husband really fancied a bacon and brie sandwich for breakfast this morning, so I had a quick search for a recipe, having never made one before (!). Unfortunately, I didn’t have any cranberry sauce and given the weather (Storm Arwen) no way was I going to go out and buy some, but this recipe gave me a perfect basic method and I’ll definitely try it again, but next time with all of the ingredients!

    • Reply
      Chris Collins
      November 28, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      Great to hear, Judith! Hope you get to try it with the cranberry sauce 🙂

  • Reply
    Carole
    January 18, 2019 at 3:55 pm

    Oh my! I may have to go shopping today just to try this out! Brie AND bacon AND cranberry sauce all on a grilled sandwich?!!! Oooooh I’m just DYING to try it! It can’t possibly be anything but wonderful! Thank you for you creativity!

    • Reply
      Chris
      January 18, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      Carole! You’ve so got to try it! It’s better than you’d ever imagine

  • Reply
    Simonette
    November 15, 2017 at 10:51 am

    OMG it looks good!

    • Reply
      Chris
      November 15, 2017 at 4:02 pm

      Thanks!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Kate
    November 3, 2017 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    Brie and cranberry are such a winning combo – but I love that you’ve added chilli as well!

    • Reply
      Chris
      November 3, 2017 at 5:11 pm

      Chilli is the key!

  • Reply
    Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
    November 3, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    Loving everything about this grilled cheese! I’ve had cranberry and brie and it’s absolutely fantabulous together!

    • Reply
      Chris
      November 3, 2017 at 2:53 pm

      The best combo ever right!?

  • Reply
    Sarah
    November 3, 2017 at 1:52 pm

    OMG, total comfort food right here! I’m such a sucker for brie… beautiful photos!

    • Reply
      Chris
      November 3, 2017 at 2:18 pm

      Thanks, Sarah! Isn’t Brie just the best!?

  • Reply
    Gabriel
    November 3, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow… This is going on my list of things to try on my next cheat day! Bacon, brie and cranberry jam with a spicy kick? I say pure genius. Thank You!

    • Reply
      Chris
      November 3, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      Yes! Definitely book it in for your next cheat day! Thanks for your kind words 🙂

  • Reply
    Shashi at Savory Spin
    November 3, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    Happened on your blog through FBC today and you sure have a fine collection of delicious yet simple recipes – like this gorgeously wrapped AND scrumptious cranberry and bacon(YEAH!) grilled brie cheese!
    Happy weekend – hoping you get to sleep on some rocks during it 🙂

    • Reply
      Chris
      November 3, 2017 at 2:16 pm

      Thank you for your kind words, Shashi! Have a fantabulous weekend too 🙂

  • Reply
    Linda
    June 20, 2017 at 11:03 pm

    Grilled cheese sandwiches are my absolute favorite, and it couldn’t get better than with these ingredients.

    • Reply
      Chris
      June 21, 2017 at 7:25 pm

      Thanks, Linda! Grilled cheese sandwiches can do no wrong for me!

  • Reply
    Donna L Clark
    June 20, 2017 at 9:03 pm

    Firstly I love the name dontgobaconmyheart . at 6:59 am this post made my mouth drool and if I had everything on hand I would be making this for breakfast!

    • Reply
      Chris
      June 21, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      Thanks, Donna! No matter what time of the day, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches have the same effect on me!! Glad I’m not alone!

  • Reply
    Chloe
    June 20, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    Your food is always thought out, it looks colorful, and tasty will definitely be trying out this grilled cheese sandwhich! Yum yum

    • Reply
      Chris
      June 21, 2017 at 7:24 pm

      Thank you for your support clocks, I mean Chloe.

    5 KNOCKOUT

    DINNERS

    YOU'LL NEVER STOP MAKING!

    A FREE EMAIL SERIES, FROM ONE FOODIE TO ANOTHER