Swap In Cinnamon Raisin Bread For An Elevated Brie Grilled Cheese

Many of us already reach for cinnamon raisin bread to make fast French toast; there's no need to add sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to the custard when they're already in the bread. (Not to mention all those tasty little raisins.) The same shortcut strategy can be applied to make an easy, elevated grilled cheese sandwich with soft, buttery Brie cheese melted between layers of toasted cinnamon raisin bread. With only those two ingredients, you have everything you need to bring in the flavors and textures that make the most of Brie — but without all the effort.

Brie is frequently served at gatherings, accompanied by fruit or sweet jams and preserves that complement its rich, savory taste; sometimes baked into a pastry en croûte or served at room temperature alongside bread or crackers that offer up the crunch to offset Brie's smooth creaminess. It's tasty party food, to be sure, but when you make a grilled cheese with cinnamon raisin bread, you're bringing the food pairing principle that "opposites attract" into an everyday sandwich. 

The raisins in the bread bring sweet, fruity notes in much the same way as fresh grapes on a cheese board or figs in this baked Brie recipe. Then, the sugary cinnamon swirl throughout the bread also complements Brie's earthy, somewhat nutty taste, balancing out the overall flavor profile.

Brie is an excellent melting cheese, ideal for making grilled cheese sandwiches, due to its high fat and moisture content. High levels of moisture mean that its milk proteins separate more easily when heated, becoming creamy rather than oily, which is what happens to low-moisture cheeses when exposed to heat. Many factors play into whether a cheese melts well, including its age, acidity, fat, and moisture content. 

Brie cheese is so naturally soft that, even at room temperature, it seems partially melted and, thus, can be easily spread onto bread or crackers. In a grilled cheese, it becomes almost custard-like, creating a rich, gooey, satisfying mouthfeel. While the rind on Brie does not melt, many people like its earthy taste; removing or leaving it on is up to you. When approaching a Brie grilled cheese, consider adding sweet elements to complement the Brie and cinnamon raisin bread. Some choices include pear and cinnamon preserves, fig jam, sliced fresh pears or apples, or a drizzle of honey.

The secret to making a good grilled cheese of any kind is to avoid making mistakes with the heat level. A "low and slow" approach is generally a good idea: Keep the heat on a low to medium setting and take your time with the process. Given Brie's low melting point, it won't take long to get the desired results, so focus on toasting the bread to its optimal golden brown.