Brie and Ham Cranberry Grilled Cheese with Arugula Recipe

Introduction

This Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Layers of Swiss and brie cheese, savory ham, tangy cranberry sauce, and fresh arugula come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 slices white bread
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 slices Swiss cheese (cut in halves for 8 portions)
• 4 slices ham
• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce
• 4 slices brie cheese
• 1/2 cup rocket leaves (arugula), plus extra for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Butter one side of each bread slice using a butter knife. Then, pair up the slices by stacking the buttered sides together, creating two sandwich bases.
2. Step 2: On the non-buttered side of each bread base, place 2 halves of Swiss cheese evenly.
3. Step 3: Fold the ham slices and arrange 2 on top of the Swiss cheese for each sandwich. Spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the ham using the butter knife.
4. Step 4: Add a layer of rocket leaves on top of the cranberry sauce.
5. Step 5: Top the rocket leaves with 2 more halves of Swiss cheese on each sandwich.
6. Step 6: Place the second piece of bread on top of each sandwich, buttered side facing up.
7. Step 7: Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Place both sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Carefully flip the sandwiches using a silicone turner and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese melts.
9. Step 9: Transfer the grilled cheeses to a chopping board using the turner. Slice each sandwich in half and serve topped with additional rocket leaves.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, press the sandwiches gently with a spatula while grilling.
• Substitute arugula with baby spinach or watercress for a milder green.
• Add a drizzle of honey over the brie before closing the sandwich for a subtle sweetness.
• Use whole grain bread for a nuttier flavor and added texture.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crisp, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap Swiss and brie for other meltable cheeses like mozzarella, Havarti, or Gruyère depending on your taste preferences.

Is cranberry sauce necessary in the sandwich?

While cranberry sauce adds a lovely tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the cheeses and ham, you can omit it or substitute with fig jam or mustard for a different flavor profile.

Brie and Ham Cranberry Grilled Cheese with Arugula Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

This Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich combines creamy brie, Swiss cheese, savory ham, and tangy cranberry sauce layered between buttered white bread, grilled to golden perfection and topped with fresh rocket leaves for an elegant twist on a classic comfort food.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Butter

• 4 slices white bread
• 1 tbsp butter

Cheese

• 4 slices Swiss cheese (cut in halves, yielding 8 portions)
• 4 slices brie cheese

Meat and Spread

• 4 slices ham
• 2 tbsp cranberry sauce

Greens

• 1/2 cup rocket leaves (arugula), plus extra for topping

Instructions

1. Butter bread: Lay 4 slices of bread on a chopping board and use a butter knife to butter one side of each slice. Then pair the bread slices by stacking the buttered sides together, preparing for the sandwich base.
2. Add Swiss cheese: On the non-buttered side of each bottom bread slice, place 2 half slices of Swiss cheese evenly, forming the first cheese layer.
3. Layer ham and cranberry sauce: Fold and place 2 slices of ham on top of the Swiss cheese. Next, spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the ham using the butter knife to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
4. Add rocket leaves: Distribute a layer of rocket (arugula) leaves evenly over the cranberry sauce for a fresh, peppery bite.
5. More Swiss cheese: Add 2 more half slices of Swiss cheese atop the rocket leaves to create a final cheesy layer before closing.
6. Close the sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top of the sandwich, buttered side facing upward.
7. Grill the sandwiches: Heat a large frying pan on the stovetop over high heat. Place the sandwiches into the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Use a silicone turner to flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
8. Serve: Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a chopping board and slice each sandwich in half with a knife. Plate the halves and garnish with additional rocket leaves before serving.

Notes

• Use a silicone turner to avoid scratching your frying pan.
• Control the heat to avoid burning the bread; medium-high heat can work well after the pan is hot.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham or substitute with roasted vegetables.
• Brie can be slightly soft and creamy; ensure your bread slices are thick enough to hold fillings without falling apart.

Keywords: Brie grilled cheese, ham sandwich, Swiss cheese sandwich, cranberry sauce, rocket leaves, comfort food, easy sandwich