See how the simple grilled cheese sandwich has evolved into this flavor-packed Toasted Brie Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Raisins. This post is sponsored by Sun-Maid 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.
Why this recipe is so awesome
When the grilled cheese sandwich was born during the Great Depression, it was economical and delicious meal. In its simplest form, it was made with American or cheddar cheese typically in a grill pan.
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.
But this is m ore than just bread and cheese. I have also added caramelized onions, raisins and rosemary. Raisins are just for desserts and I love using them in savory ways. This sandwich is so full of flavor and really quite delicious.
Dressed up or simplified, this is a meal that works perfectly if you want a warm meal to go with good book. Serve it with some soup and it makes a delicious meal for a luncheon.
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
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-step directions
1. 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.
2. Stir in raisins seasonings and herbs and set aside.
3. 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.
4. On the bottom pieces of the baguette add slices of brie. Toast under the broiler until brie melts, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and begin plating the sandwiches. Divide raisin mixture evenly and spoon over the brie. Top with bread and serve immediately.
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
- Tomato Brie Puff Pastry Tart
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Toasted Brie Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Raisins
See how the simple grilled cheese sandwich has evolved into this flavor-packed 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 TBS 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
You can also use a hearty wheat or sourdough bread.
Fresh herbs taste so much better than dried, but you can use dried herbs if you don't have any fresh.
Serve alone or with your favorite soup!
You can also cook the grilled brie sandwiches in a grill pan over the stove instead of the oven.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 451Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 938mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 19g
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Disclosure: As part of the Kitchen PLAY Community, I was paid a stipend to develop a recipe for Sun-Maid. All of the opinions I expressed here are my own. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t blog about it.
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.