Gourmet Grilled Camembert Sandwich: Melted Perfection with Sweet Apple Butter and Crunchy Walnuts
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience! This isn’t just another grilled cheese sandwich; it’s a delightful creation featuring creamy, melting Camembert, lusciously caramelized apple butter for a hint of sweetness, and a satisfying crunch from toasted walnuts. This recipe elevates a simple lunch into a gourmet treat that you’ll undoubtedly crave and make time and time again. Forget your ordinary routine and indulge in a sandwich that truly stands out – a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite!
The Story Behind This Camembert Apple Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Like many of my best culinary discoveries, this recipe was born out of a fortunate leftover. After a wonderful Sunday appetizer spread, I found myself with a pristine wedge of Camembert cheese in the refrigerator. Its creamy texture and distinctive, earthy aroma practically begged to be showcased in a special dish. Knowing it was almost lunchtime, inspiration struck: why not transform this elegant cheese into a comforting yet sophisticated sandwich?
The challenge was to find companions that would perfectly complement Camembert’s rich flavor profile without overpowering it. That’s when I had a “eureka!” moment. The sweetness of caramelized apple butter, with its deep, fruity notes, would provide a beautiful counterpoint to the cheese. And for that essential textural contrast? Crunchy walnuts. It was a golden combination, a trifecta of flavors and textures that promised to elevate a simple grilled cheese into something truly memorable. The result exceeded all expectations – a delightful fusion that makes this sandwich an instant favorite.
Mastering the Grill: Perfecting Your Camembert Toast
Once your sandwich is assembled with its luscious fillings, it’s time for the transformation – turning it into a golden, melty masterpiece. The easiest method, of course, is a trusty sandwich maker or panini press. These appliances create perfectly sealed edges and even heat distribution, ensuring your Camembert is beautifully melted and your bread is wonderfully crisp in just a few minutes. It’s a quick and effortless way to achieve that ideal grilled cheese.
However, if a dedicated sandwich maker isn’t part of your kitchen arsenal, fear not! You can easily achieve fantastic results the “holiday way,” as I often do when I’m traveling or on vacation, using a simple skillet or, even better, a grill pan if you have one on hand. Simply butter the outsides of your bread, place the sandwich in a preheated skillet or grill pan over medium heat, and cook until golden brown on one side. Remember this crucial step: flip it halfway through! This ensures both sides are equally crispy and the cheese melts uniformly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden hue.
As I savor each bite of this incredible Camembert sandwich, with its impossibly melted cheese, sweet apple butter, and satisfying crunch of walnuts, I’m already hoping there’s more Camembert left for next week. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it a frequent request in my household. I’m genuinely curious to hear what you think of this simple yet sophisticated lunch!
Why These Ingredients? A Symphony of Flavors
The magic of this grilled Camembert sandwich lies in the thoughtful combination of its core ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and utterly delicious experience:
- Camembert: This iconic French cheese is the star. Its rich, buttery, and slightly earthy flavor, coupled with its exceptionally creamy texture, makes it ideal for grilling. As it melts, it becomes wonderfully gooey and envelops the other ingredients, offering a luxurious mouthfeel that is simply irresistible.
- Apple Butter: Not just any jam, apple butter brings a concentrated, caramelized apple flavor that is both sweet and subtly tart. Its smooth consistency spreads beautifully, and its natural sugars caramelize slightly when heated, adding depth and a comforting sweetness that perfectly complements the savory tang of the Camembert.
- Walnuts: These provide the much-needed textural contrast. Their earthy, slightly bitter notes cut through the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the apple butter, while their crunch adds an exciting element to each bite. Toasted walnuts elevate their flavor even further, releasing their aromatic oils.
Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that transforms a simple sandwich into a truly gourmet affair. It’s a testament to how well-chosen ingredients can elevate a dish to new heights.
Choosing the Perfect Bread for Your Grilled Camembert
The foundation of any great grilled sandwich is, of course, the bread. For this Camembert masterpiece, the right bread can make all the difference. While regular sliced bread works perfectly well for convenience, opting for something a little more substantial can truly enhance the experience.
- Artisan Sourdough: Its slightly tangy flavor and sturdy crust hold up beautifully to the creamy filling, providing a fantastic chewy texture.
- Brioche or Challah: For a richer, slightly sweeter profile, these breads offer a tender crumb and toast to a magnificent golden brown.
- Whole Grain or Multigrain: If you prefer a healthier option, a good quality whole grain bread can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, complementing the walnuts.
- Country White Bread: A classic choice for grilled cheese, its soft interior and crisp exterior provide a comforting base.
Regardless of your choice, ensure your slices are thick enough to support the generous filling but not so thick that they become difficult to toast through. A good, even slice is key to a perfectly grilled sandwich.
Did you create this sensational recipe? We’d absolutely love to see your culinary masterpiece! Tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram to share your photos. I regularly feature the most beautiful creations from my community! And if this recipe brought a smile to your face, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback truly helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these dishes, and it means the world to me.
Hungry for more culinary inspiration?
- Explore a wide array of video recipes on my YouTube channel, where you can watch step-by-step guides.
- And don’t forget to save all your favorite recipes to your boards on Pinterest! It’s the perfect way to keep them organized and easily accessible for your next cooking adventure.
📖 Recipe
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- 4 oz. Camembert, in thick slices
- 2 tablespoons apple butter
- 6 walnuts, chopped coarsely
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
-
Arrange the thick slices of Camembert evenly on two slices of bread.4 slices bread, 4 oz. Camembert
-
Generously spread the apple butter directly on top of the Camembert slices.2 tablespoons apple butter
-
Sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts over the apple butter and Camembert.6 walnuts
-
Carefully place the remaining two slices of bread on top, completing your sandwiches.
-
Place the assembled sandwiches into a preheated sandwich maker or panini press for approximately 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the Camembert is beautifully melted and gooey. If using a skillet or grill pan, butter the outsides of the bread and cook over medium heat, flipping once, until golden and melted.
Notes
2. No Sandwich Maker? No Problem! Don’t let a lack of specialized equipment stop you. A simple skillet or a ridged grill pan on your stovetop will do the trick. Just ensure you butter the exterior of your bread slices for that perfect golden crust, and remember to flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure even melting and browning.
3. Bread Choices: While delicious with any good quality bread, consider artisan loaves that you slice yourself for an extra touch of gourmet. Hearty brown bread or even a rustic corn bread can also provide a delightful base for these rich fillings.
4. Storage & Serving: This grilled sandwich is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, when the cheese is warm and melty, and the bread is crisp. It is not recommended for storage as the texture will degrade. Serve hot for the ultimate experience!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
More Delicious Sandwich and Bun Inspirations
If you loved this gourmet grilled Camembert sandwich, you’re in for a treat! We believe that sandwiches and buns can be so much more than just a quick meal – they can be an exciting canvas for incredible flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a comforting snack, or something new to spice up your routine, these recipes offer a delightful array of options. Explore our other favorite creations:
- Flaky Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Croissants
- Decadent Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese with Honey & Pecans
- Flavorful Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Pesto