See how the simple grilled cheese sandwich has evolved into this flavor-packed Toasted Brie Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Raisins.

As the kids get bigger, their snacks get bigger, too. My kids have evolved from a simple cheese stick or box of raisins to a full blown sandwich or bowl of soup – all as an afternoon snack. Ah, the joys of tweens.
And with these growing appetites come an ever evolving repertoire of food likes and dislikes. The once distrusted and disdained mushroom, becomes sought after and requested.
Plain noodles is now bathed in pesto sauce. Even plain burgers are now fully loaded. It certainly is keeping this mom on her toes.
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Recipe highlights
- Simple: When the grilled cheese sandwich was born during the Great Depression, it was economical and delicious meal. Today the grilled cheese sandwich has morphed into gourmet meals. You can use a whole variety of delicious cheeses like havarti, gouda, swiss or even brie. Which brings me to todays sandwich, a toasted brie sandwich.
- Texture: Crispy baguette makes the perfect vessel for melty brie! You want a hearty bread that can hold everything.
- Flavor: Brie by itself is full of flavor. But this sandwich also has caramelized onions, raisins and rosemary. I love adding raisins to savory dishes. Serve it with some soup and it makes a delicious meal for a cozy meal.
Ingredients you need
- Baguette: You can use any bread, but since we are talking about brie, I suggest a baguette or rustic bread of your choice.
- Brie: Any kind of brie from regular to double cream can be used. You can also use camembert cheese.
- Onion: You can use brown onions, red onions or sweet Vidalia onions. When they are caramelized they get sweet and delicious.
- Raisins: You can use red or green raisins. You can also mix in any other dried fruits like chopped apricots, cranberries or cherries.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add tremendous flavor. I suggest rosemary, thyme, basil or chives.
- Cinnamon: I added a dash of cinnamon to compliment the sweet raisins and caramelized onions. You can omit it if you do not want it.
- Extra virgin olive oil: I cook primarily with olive oil and use it to caramelize the onions. You can also use butter.
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-step directions
- Caramelize the onions. In a small pan over medium high heat add olive oil. Once oil is hot add onion slices and sauté until softened. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking the onions until they are browned and caramelized, about 20-30 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add raisins. Stir in raisins seasonings and herbs and set aside.
- Cut the bread. Cut the baguette into 4 equal pieces. Then cut each piece in half lengthwise. Place each baguette piece cut side up on a baking sheet.
- Add brie. On the bottom pieces of the baguette add slices of brie. Toast under the broiler until brie melts, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add toppings. Remove from the oven and begin plating the sandwiches. Divide raisin mixture evenly and spoon over the brie. Top with bread and serve immediately.
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Recipe tips and FAQs
You can use any kind of bread for your grilled brie sandwich from simple white toast to sourdough, whole wheat or even rye bread. You can heat it up in a cast iron grill pan with butter or toast it in the oven.
If you are a soup and sandwich fan, serve up your grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of roasted acorn squash soup or some cajun spiced tomato soup. Total comfort food that you grill up with, but with a gourmet makeover your taste buds will love.
Love brie as much as I do? Try it in these other unique recipes:
- Whipped brie with raspberry compote
- Pomegranate Brie en Croute (Baked Brie)
- Whole Wheat Pesto Pizza with Tomatoes and Brie
- Puff Pastry Tomato Tart
Storing Instructions
TO STORE: Grilled cheese sandwiches, in any form, are best served fresh. Leftovers don’t quite reheat the same. But you can keep store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 days.
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Toasted Brie Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Raisins
Ingredients
- 1 baguette or rustic bread of your choice
- 6 oz brie cut into slices
- 1 medium size onion
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs chopped (like rosemary, thyme, basil or chives)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small pan over medium high heat add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once oil is hot add onion slices and sauté until softened. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking the onions until they are browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in raisins seasonings and herbs and set aside.
- Preheat broiler.
- Cut the baguette into 4 equal pieces. Then cut each piece in half lengthwise. Place each baguette piece cut side up on a baking sheet.
- On the bottom pieces of the baguette add slices of brie.
- Toast under the broiler until brie melts, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and begin plating the sandwiches. Divide raisin mixture evenly and spoon over the brie. Top with bread and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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Written by Laura Bashar
Hi, I’m Laura, a certified professional cook and cookbook author living in San Diego. I have been sharing my family’s favorite recipes inspired from all over the world since 2008. Let’s cook up something fun!
Laura what a fantastic sandwich. It’s great that your kids are expanding their culinary tastes.
Thank you, Nancy! Yes, it’s been so much fun seeing my kids transform as they get older!
Now THAT is my kinda sandwich! And yes, my teen son can eat an entire dinner when he gets home from school, followed by another dinner at the regular time.