Save to Pinterest The first time I saw chili crisp on grilled cheese, I honestly thought it was weird. Then I tried it at a tiny sandwich shop in Portland and completely understood. The heat cuts through all that rich brie in ways I never expected. Now I make these at least twice a month, usually when I want something fancy but dont actually want to cook.
My roommate walked in while I was making these once and immediately demanded one for herself. We ended up standing at the counter eating them straight from the pan, burning our fingers because we couldnt wait. That might also be because we opened a bottle of wine and stopped caring about proper meals.
Ingredients
- Rustic sourdough or country bread: The sturdy texture holds up to all that melting cheese without getting soggy, and those big air holes catch pockets of chili crisp
- Brie cheese with the rind on: I used to trim the rind off until I realized it adds this earthy depth that balances the spice
- Unsalted butter softened: Room temperature spreads so much more evenly and you wont tear the bread trying to force cold butter across the surface
- Chili crisp: Start with less than you think, the oil content makes it go farther than you expect and you can always add more
Instructions
- Butter your bread slices:
- Spread a thin even layer on one side of each slice, getting all the way to the edges so every bit gets golden and crisp
- Build the first layer:
- Place two slices butter side down and arrange your brie slices across the bread, overlapping slightly for even coverage
- Add the spicy element:
- Spoon about a tablespoon of chili crisp over the cheese, spreading it gently so some oil soaks into the brie
- Close it up:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out, and press down lightly to help everything adhere
- Get your pan ready:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat, you want it hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that the bread burns before the cheese melts
- Cook to golden perfection:
- Place sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula until the bread is deeply golden and you can see the brie oozing out the sides
- The hardest part:
- Let them rest for a full minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly, then slice diagonally and serve while still warm
Save to Pinterest These became my go to for dinner parties because people lose their minds over them. I set up a little toppings bar with apples and arugula and let everyone customize their own. Something about building your own fancy grilled cheese makes adults just as excited as kids.
Bread Choice Matters
Sourdough is ideal because the tang plays beautifully with the rich brie and the structure holds up under the weight of all that cheese. Avoid super soft sandwich bread or you will end up with a soggy mess that falls apart when you flip it.
Cheese Substitutions
Camembert works beautifully if you want something slightly funkier and more intense. For a milder option, try double crème brie which melts even more luxuriously though you might want to reduce the chili crisp slightly.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. A cup of tomato soup turns this into nostalgic comfort food with an adult upgrade.
- Slice sandwiches diagonally for easier handling and prettier presentation
- Extra chili crisp on the side for dipping if you love heat
- Serve immediately while the cheese is at its molten best
Save to Pinterest Sometimes the simplest combinations are the most revelatory. This sandwich taught me that comfort food can be elevated without becoming pretentious.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best?
Rustic sourdough or country bread provide a sturdy base and crisp texture when grilled.
- → Can I substitute the brie?
Yes, camembert is a great alternative offering similar creaminess and melt.
- → How spicy is the chili crisp?
The chili crisp adds a moderate heat with a savory crunch; adjust amount to taste.
- → What cooking tools are needed?
A skillet or griddle with a spatula works best to achieve an even golden crust.
- → Any tips for extra flavor?
Adding arugula or thin apple slices before grilling adds freshness and balance.