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Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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I’ve made a lot of sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwiches over the years, but this one? It’s my absolute favorite. Made with golden, crispy sourdough, melty brie, a hint of honey, and thinly sliced green apple for an irresistible sweet-tangy crunch, it is ready in just 10 minutes. I guarantee it’ll become your next go-to gourmet sandwich.

Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich with apple and brie cut and stacked on a plate with fresh herbs.

As a mom of two and someone who thinks about nutrition and balance, I always try to find meals that are easy, satisfying, and made with real ingredients. This sourdough brie sandwich checks all the boxes, it’s filling, has protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and most importantly, it actually tastes good, much like my vegan egg salad sandwich.

I’ve always loved a good grilled cheese, but I swear by this version because it hits every craving, sweet, and savory all in one perfect bite. I’ve been making this for years, and every time I take a bite, I’m reminded why it’s one of my absolute favorite comfort foods.

For me, grilled cheese has always been a comfort food, something I grew up eating and now make for my own family. But my grilled cheese sandwich version is a little different, it’s an elevated twist that feels special without being complicated. The honey and apple add a fresh, bright contrast to the richness of the brie, making it feel a little more balanced than a traditional grilled cheese.

The sourdough bread is the key here, it’s tangy, sturdy, and toasts up beautifully, giving you that perfect crunch with every bite. It’s not greasy or heavy, just buttery, and full of flavor. And you know what? I can’t make this sourdough grilled cheese without making tomato soup too. I’ve tried. I really have. But the second I start buttering the bread, my husband and kids immediately ask, “You’re making the soup too, right?” At this point, it’s a non-negotiable in my house.

What this is not is just another basic grilled cheese. It’s for anyone who loves comfort food but wants something a little extra, something that tastes like a café-style sandwich but is easy enough to make at home. It’s great for busy weekdays, casual weekend lunches, or even as a quick dinner when I don’t feel like cooking something complicated. It’s kid-approved, adult-loved, and endlessly customizable. If you try it, let me know what you think! I’d love to hear how you make it your own.

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🥘 Ingredients

I don’t need anything fancy to make this gourmet sourdough grilled cheese, just a few simple, high-quality ingredients that work together perfectly.

Ingredients for sourdough grilled cheese sandwich recipe on a cutting board.

Butter: I use butter for that golden, crispy crust and rich, buttery flavor.

Sourdough Bread: Tangy sourdough is my go-to because it pairs perfectly with the sweet honey and rich cheese.

Brie Cheese: Brie is creamy, mild, and melts beautifully, making it perfect with the crisp apple.

Honey: A drizzle of honey takes this grilled cheese to the next level.

Green Apple: I always use a tart, thinly sliced green apple for the perfect contrast to the melty cheese.

Substitutions

No butter? Swap it for olive oil or mayo for a different but equally crispy crust.

Not a sourdough fan? Try whole grain, my homemade buckwheat bread, or even a sturdy gluten free bread.

Cheese: Sometimes I use Gruyère or sharp cheddar both melt good and taste amazing.

Want a twist on the honey? Use hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick or skip it for a more savory bite.

Apple: Pears or a sweet red apple will work too, but I prefer the tart contrast.

🔪 How to Make

My sourdough grilled cheese sandwich recipe is a breeze to make! You don’t need a sandwich press, just a hot skillet and a little know-how. Here’s how to get the that perfectly crisp exterior and melty inside.

Butter Bread: I lay the pieces of bread on a cutting board. Then, I spread the softened butter over one side of each slice of bread. Flip the slices over so the butter faces down. You want the buttered sides to touch the hot pan.

Butter spread on slices of sourdough bread on a cutting board.

Add Cheese: I lay down 2 to 3 slices of brie on two slices of the prepared bread, making sure every bite will be perfectly melty and creamy.

Brie added to slices of sourdough bread on a cutting board.

Add Toppings: I top each with a drizzle of honey and apple slices.

Apple slices stacked on top of sourdough bread slices for sourdough melt sandwiches.

Finish Toppings: Then, I add more brie cheese slices.

Apple and brie slices added to sourdough bread on a cutting board.

Top With Bread: finally, I top each grilled cheese sourdough bread sandwich with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

Brie and apple grilled cheese sandwiches prepped and ready to be grilled in a skillet.

Cook Sandwiches: I heat a large skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in once it’s hot. I cover with a lid and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and crispy.

Brie and apple grilled cheese cooking in a skillet.

Flip Sandwiches, Slice & Serve: I carefully remove the lid and use a wide spatula to flip the sandwiches without losing any of that melty goodness. I cover again and let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is perfectly melted. Once done, I take them off the pan, slice with a serrated knife, and serve them hot, because grilled cheese is always best fresh!

Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich with apple and brie being grilled in a pan.

My #1 Secret Tip for making the best grilled cheese is to always use a pan with a lid, it traps just enough heat to melt the cheese perfectly while keeping the bread crisp. I used to make the mistake of cooking on too high of heat, and I’d end up with burnt bread and barely melted cheese.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Keep the heat low: I always cook on medium-low heat so the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts. A little patience makes for the perfectly gooey, golden sandwich.
  • Butter on the outside: I always butter the outside of the bread, it’s the secret to getting that crispy, golden crust we all love.
  • Use the right pan: A nonstick or cast iron skillet is my go-to because it gives the bread a crispy exterior without burning.
  • Lighten it up: If I want a lower-calorie version, I just cut the butter and cheese in half, it still turns out delicious!

📖 Variations

You can make my sourdough grilled cheese with any fillings you love! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Spices: For extra flavor, I sometimes sprinkle on oregano, garlic powder, rosemary, or red chili flakes.

Different Kinds of Cheese: A good melt is key! I like using gruyere, sharp cheddar, gouda, havarti, or provolone, but if I add vegan parmesan, I always pair it with a gooey cheese.

Fillings: The right fillings make all the difference! I’ve tried caramelized onions, pesto without pine nuts, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, fig jam, and even pickled jalapeños, and they all take grilled cheese to another level.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This sourdough grilled cheese sandwich is crispy, buttery, and perfectly melty that I absolutely love serving with these dishes:

Soups: Nothing beats dunking this crispy, melty sandwich into a warm bowl of instant pot tomato soup, it’s my go-to pairing. When I want something heartier, I serve it with my vegan chicken noodle soup for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Salads: I love pairing this sandwich with a refreshing pasta salad, or with my Hawaiian macaroni salad for a fun twist.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: If I have leftovers, I let the sandwich cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that grilled cheese is always best fresh.

Freezing: I don’t usually freeze grilled cheese, but if I need to, I wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 1 month. It’s best reheated in the oven to bring back that crispy texture.

Reheating: Never use the microwave! It makes the bread soft and greasy. Instead, I reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid or bake it at 325°F until the cheese is melty and the bread is crisp again.

❓ Recipe FAQs

Is sourdough grilled cheese healthy?

The answer? It depends! As a nutritionist, I believe balance is key. If you overload it with butter and cheese, it can be high in calories and fat. But when made in moderation (like my recipe) and paired with a side salad, soup, or roasted vegetables, it can absolutely be part of a balanced meal. Plus, sourdough bread is easier to digest than regular white bread, making it a better choice for many people.

Is sourdough better than regular bread for grilled cheese?

I think so! Sourdough is sturdy, has great texture, and crisps up beautifully without getting soggy. But if you prefer, whole grain, French bread, or even a sturdy gluten-free bread will work too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend it, grilled cheese is best fresh when the bread is crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted. If you need to prep ahead, you can assemble the sandwich and grill it when you’re ready to eat.

Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich with apple and brie cut and stacked on a plate with fresh herbs.

Love this sandwich recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

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Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich with apple and brie cut and stacked on a plate with fresh herbs.
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I’ve made a lot of sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwiches over the years, but this one? It’s my absolute favorite. Made with golden, crispy sourdough, melty brie, a hint of honey, and thinly sliced green apple for an irresistible sweet-tangy crunch, it is ready in just 10 minutes. I guarantee it’ll become your next go-to gourmet sandwich.
Prep Time4 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Bread, Brunch, Main Course, mains
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 693kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Spread the softened butter over one side of each slice of bread. Flip the bread over so that the butter is facing down.
  • Arrange 2-3 slices of brie on 2 pieces of prepared bread.
  • Top with a drizzle of honey and apple slices.
  • Add sliced brie and top with remaining bread, buttered side up.
  • Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the sandwiches and cover with a lid, cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is slightly golden in color.
  • Remove the lid, flip the sandwiches, cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
  • Remove, slice in half, and serve hot.

Notes

  • My #1 Tip for making the best grilled cheese is to always use a pan with a lid, it traps just enough heat to melt the cheese perfectly while keeping the bread crisp. I used to make the mistake of cooking on too high of heat, and I’d end up with burnt bread and barely melted cheese.
  • Keep the heat low: I always cook on medium-low heat so the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts. A little patience makes for the perfectly gooey, golden sandwich.
  • Butter on the outside: I always butter the outside of the bread, it’s the secret to getting that crispy, golden crust we all love.
  • Use the right pan: A nonstick or cast iron skillet is my go-to because it gives the bread a crispy exterior without burning.
  • Lighten it up: If I want a lower-calorie version, I just cut the butter and cheese in half, it still turns out delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 693kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 1218mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g

25 responses to “Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich”

  1. I love experimenting with my grilled cheese too! Sometimes, I use tomatoes or corn or apples. I have never used peaches or pear though! This post is super fun to read because you have thrown so many health tips here and there – loved it!

    • I’ve used tomatoes and apples before, but not corn! I’ll have to try that next time! I’m so glad you liked this post too! 🙂

  2. This grilled sandwich looks delicious. I’ve never added pear or apple to a sandwich but I will try it next time.

  3. I made this grilled cheese sandwich with pear for my wife and I. It was so delish. I recommend stone-ground mustard. I used some of my brothers local honey! Yum.5 stars

  4. Thank you! Entries like this really encourage me. I’m a nervous cook, but when everything is laid out as you have it, I’m motivated to give it a try. And I LOVE grilled cheese!

5 from 8 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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