Ultimate Brioche Grilled Cheese with Decadent Dijon Herb Butter
Prepare to transport your taste buds straight to a charming Parisian cafe with this exquisite Brioche Grilled Cheese with Dijon Butter. Far from your everyday grilled cheese, this sophisticated sandwich combines the rich, sweet embrace of buttery brioche bread with the nutty depth of melting Gruyère cheese, all elevated by a truly decadent Dijon herb butter. It’s an elegant, satisfying, and utterly irresistible culinary experience, perfect for anyone who adores French flavors and the comforting allure of a perfectly melty sandwich.
The inspiration for this magnificent brioche grilled cheese comes directly from the heart of French culinary traditions. From the subtly sweet and incredibly tender brioche bread (a distant cousin to brioche French toast) to the choice of authentic French cheeses like Gruyère or Comté, and finally, the secret weapon – the Dijon herb butter – every element is carefully selected to deliver an unforgettable taste experience. This unique combination isn’t just a meal; it’s a symphony of flavors that will undoubtedly make your taste buds sing with delight.
Who can resist the comforting embrace of a perfectly melty sandwich? While I often use my panini maker for quick grilled cheese creations, this brioche version proves that gourmet doesn’t mean complicated. It’s incredibly easy to achieve culinary perfection using just a simple pan. The true star, however, is the homemade Dijon butter. Do not, under any circumstances, skip this step! It infuses the brioche with an irresistible sweet tanginess and aromatic depth that beautifully complements the rich cheese and buttery bread, transforming a simple sandwich into something truly extraordinary.
This recipe is not just about making a grilled cheese; it’s about elevating a classic comfort food to an art form. The brioche, with its rich egg and butter content, crisps up to a golden perfection, offering a tender interior that cradles the warm, gooey cheese. The Dijon herb butter creates an unparalleled exterior, boasting a savory, slightly pungent, and herbaceous crust that’s utterly addictive. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but sophisticated enough to impress any guest.
Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s gather our ingredients and transform humble components into a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. You’re just minutes away from enjoying the best grilled cheese you’ve ever tasted!
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Essential Ingredients for Your Parisian Grilled Cheese
One of the beauties of this brioche grilled cheese recipe is its simplicity. You won’t need an arsenal of gourmet tools or obscure ingredients. The components are readily available, and with just a good non-stick pan (or a grill pan or panini press), you’re well on your way to creating a masterpiece. Quality ingredients, thoughtfully combined, are key to this sandwich’s success.
- Brioche Bread: This is the foundation of our gourmet grilled cheese. Its tender crumb, slight sweetness, and rich buttery flavor are unmatched. You can opt for a fresh loaf from a local bakery for an artisanal touch, or a good quality store-bought brioche. I personally love using Trader Joe’s packaged brioche slices for their consistent thickness and delightful texture. If brioche isn’t available, Challah bread, another sweet and eggy loaf, makes an excellent substitute.
- Gruyère Cheese: A cornerstone of French cuisine, Gruyère offers a distinct nutty, earthy, and slightly fruity flavor profile that melts beautifully into a creamy, luxurious layer. For the best melt and flavor, always buy a block and shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. For an even more authentic French experience, look for Comté cheese, which is very similar to Gruyère and equally delicious.
- Nutmeg: This might seem like an unusual addition to a savory sandwich, but a tiny sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg (or ground nutmeg) truly brings the Gruyère to life. It’s a classic pairing in many French cheese dishes, adding a subtle warmth and aromatic complexity that elevates the cheese’s natural flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: The base for our magical Dijon herb butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the spread. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy blending – this is crucial for a smooth, uniform butter mixture.
- Dijon Mustard: Not just any mustard, Dijon mustard is characterized by its sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor, traditionally made with white wine or verjuice. It cuts through the richness of the brioche and cheese beautifully, adding a sophisticated zest to the butter. Choose a high-quality Dijon for the best results.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme is a fantastic choice, offering earthy and slightly floral notes that complement both the cheese and mustard. Sage is another wonderful option, providing a robust, savory aroma. Feel free to use a mixture of both, or even experiment with finely chopped fresh rosemary or chives for varied flavor profiles. Fresh herbs are essential here for their vibrant taste and aroma.
- Salt: A pinch of Kosher or fine sea salt is needed to season the Dijon herb butter, balancing the flavors and enhancing the overall taste. Remember to adjust the amount if you’re using salted butter.
Crafting Your Gourmet Brioche Grilled Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a truly unforgettable brioche grilled cheese with our signature Dijon herb butter. Precision in preparation ensures perfection in every bite!
Step 1: Prepare the Dijon Herb Butter. In a small, mixing bowl, combine the softened room-temperature unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, finely chopped fresh thyme (or your chosen herbs), and a pinch of salt. Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature; this makes it incredibly easy to blend into a smooth, homogenous mixture. Use a fork or a small spatula to mash and mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly combined. The goal is a vibrant, fragrant, and spreadable butter. Once mixed, set this flavorful butter aside while you prepare the other components. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare Your Brioche Slices. Lay out your four slices of brioche bread on a clean work surface, such as a large cutting board or a clean countertop. Take care when handling brioche, as it’s a tender bread. Using a gentle hand, spread approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Dijon herb butter evenly over one side of each brioche slice. Ensure you spread the butter right to the edges for maximum flavor and crispiness. Be delicate to avoid tearing the soft brioche.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sandwiches. On two of the buttered brioche slices, generously pile the shredded Gruyère cheese. Distribute it evenly across the surface. Immediately after adding the cheese, sprinkle a little freshly grated nutmeg over the Gruyère on each sandwich. This subtle touch greatly enhances the cheese’s flavor. Finally, carefully place the remaining two buttered brioche slices on top, butter-side facing up, to complete your sandwiches. Press down gently to secure the layers.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection. Place a medium non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Once hot, add about 2 tablespoons of the Dijon butter to the pan. Let it melt and begin to sizzle slightly, indicating it’s ready. Carefully place your assembled sandwiches into the pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the brioche is beautifully golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is gloriously melted and gooey. If you find the cheese isn’t melting sufficiently, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two; this traps the heat and encourages a perfect melt. Once cooked, remove the grilled cheeses from the pan and serve them immediately for the best experience.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve. For an extra touch of elegance, you can optionally slice the grilled cheese sandwiches in half diagonally after cooking. This not only looks appealing but also makes them easier to eat and showcases the beautiful melted interior. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of soup or a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the irresistible aroma and flavors of your homemade gourmet brioche grilled cheese!
Step 6: Optional Slicing. Once your grilled cheese is perfectly golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted, transfer it to a cutting board. For ease of eating and a more appealing presentation, you can carefully slice the sandwich in half diagonally. This creates two triangular halves, perfect for showcasing the gooey, melted Gruyère and the wonderfully crisp brioche. Serve these sophisticated halves immediately to savor their warmth and rich flavors.
👩🍳 Expert Tip for the Perfect Melt
Cover your sandwich while it’s grilling to help melt the cheese more thoroughly and evenly, especially if using thicker slices of cheese or bread.
This expert tip is a game-changer for achieving that irresistibly gooey, fully melted cheese interior without burning your brioche exterior. When you cover the pan with a lid (even a large plate will do), you create a mini-oven effect. The trapped heat recirculates and gently warms the cheese from both the top and bottom, encouraging it to melt evenly and completely. This is particularly useful for Gruyère, which can be a bit more resistant to melting than some softer cheeses, or if your brioche slices are on the thicker side. Just remember to keep the heat at medium to medium-low to prevent the bread from browning too quickly.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Variations
Don’t have an ingredient on hand, or simply want to experiment? This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some fantastic substitutions and variations to help you customize your brioche grilled cheese:
- Bread Alternatives: While we adore brioche for its richness and tenderness, challah is an excellent sweet, eggy bread that performs beautifully in this recipe, yielding a similar luxurious texture. For a different profile, consider a high-quality milk bread for its softness, or even a classic sourdough if you prefer a tangy contrast to the sweet butter and cheese. A rustic country bread could also work, offering a chewier texture.
- Cheese Exploration: Gruyère is exquisite, but feel free to explore other cheeses. The key is to select a milder, good-melting cheese that harmonizes with the Dijon butter. Excellent choices include:
- White Cheddar: Offers a sharp, tangy bite and melts wonderfully.
- American Cheese: For classic melty perfection and a mild flavor.
- Provolone: A slightly sharper, savory option with great melting qualities.
- Gouda: Provides a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor, especially smoked gouda.
- Havarti: Known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery taste.
- Swiss Cheese: Similar to Gruyère with its nutty notes, but often milder.
- Fontina or Taleggio: For an even more pungent and luxurious, incredibly gooey melt.
- Heartier Add-ins: Transform your sandwich into a more substantial meal with these delicious additions:
- Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked onions bring incredible sweetness and depth. Add them directly on top of the cheese layer.
- Crispy Bacon: A few strips of perfectly cooked bacon provide a smoky, salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the sweet brioche and tangy Dijon.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms cooked with a touch of garlic can add a savory umami boost.
- Spinach or Arugula: For a fresh, peppery counterpoint, wilt some spinach or add a handful of fresh arugula after grilling.
- Vegetable Enhancements: Boost flavor and nutrition with carefully chosen vegetables:
- Oven-Roasted Tomatoes: Sneak in some flavorful slow-roasted beefsteak tomatoes for a burst of concentrated sweetness and umami.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred or homemade roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky element.
- Thinly Sliced Pears or Apples: For a sweet-savory twist, add a few thin slices of fruit, which pair beautifully with Gruyère.
- Butter Flavor Swaps: The Dijon herb butter is incredible, but you can also experiment with other flavored butters. Try swapping it out for a savory smoked chive butter for a different aromatic experience, or a garlic-herb butter for an Italian-inspired twist.
Storage and Preparation Tips
While grilled cheese is undeniably at its peak when enjoyed fresh off the pan, we understand that sometimes leftovers happen, or you might want to get a head start on prep. Here’s how to handle storage and prep for both your sandwiches and the incredible Dijon butter:
- Storing Leftover Grilled Cheese: If you find yourself with any leftover brioche grilled cheese sandwiches (a rare but possible occurrence!), allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or foil, and place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the brioche can start to become a bit dry.
- Reheating Leftover Grilled Cheese: To bring your refrigerated sandwiches back to life, avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy. The best method for reheating is in an oven or a toaster oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the wrapped or unwrapped sandwiches directly on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is re-melted and the brioche is crisp again. An air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 5-7 minutes also works wonders for crispiness.
- Storing Dijon Butter: The Dijon herb butter is fantastic to have on hand! Store any leftover butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. I recommend shaping it into a log, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can easily slice off a portion whenever you need a burst of flavor.
Delectable Serving Suggestions
This brioche grilled cheese is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired thoughtfully. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your gourmet meal:
- Classic Soup Pairing: A warm bowl of soup is the quintessential partner for any grilled cheese. Serve this brioche delight with a side of creamy roasted butternut squash soup with crispy sage, a classic tomato soup, or even a rich French onion soup to lean into the Parisian theme. The contrast of the hot, savory soup with the rich, melty sandwich is simply divine.
- Fresh Salad Companions: For a lighter accompaniment, a simple side salad can balance the richness of the sandwich. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a refreshing fruit-forward salad, works beautifully. Consider a summery burrata caprese salad with fresh peaches for a seasonal touch, or a classic Caesar salad for a savory crunch.
- Creative Uses for Leftover Dijon Butter: Don’t let any of that incredible Dijon butter go to waste! Its versatile flavor profile makes it perfect for a variety of other dishes:
- Savory Baked Goods: Slather it generously on these savory cheddar and sage biscuits or these cheesy smoked gouda and chive scones for an extra layer of flavor.
- Meats: Melt a pat over grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or pan-seared pork chops to add a gourmet touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss it with your favorite roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or potatoes for an elevated side dish.
- Sandwich Spreading: Use it as a gourmet spread for other sandwiches or even on toast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While you don’t absolutely have to, it is highly recommended to shred your cheese (as opposed to slicing a block or using pre-packaged slices) when making grilled cheese. Shredding the cheese significantly increases its surface area, which helps it melt more evenly and quickly. This prevents the bread from burning before the cheese inside is perfectly gooey. Plus, shredding your own cheese from a block generally offers superior flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded options.
For grilled cheese, thicker slices of brioche work best as they hold up well to the heat and cheese filling. Bakery-fresh brioche loaves are wonderful, but good quality store-bought, pre-sliced brioche (like Trader Joe’s) is also excellent. The key is to choose bread that feels rich and somewhat firm, yet still tender, so it toasts well without becoming too delicate.
Absolutely! The Dijon herb butter can be prepared several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors of the Dijon, herbs, and salt to meld and deepen, enhancing the taste of your grilled cheese. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on your brioche slices for easy application.
The secret to a beautiful golden crust is cooking at the right temperature: medium to medium-low heat. This allows the brioche to toast slowly and evenly, developing a rich color and crisp texture, while giving the cheese ample time to melt inside. Don’t rush it! Using a generous amount of the Dijon butter also contributes to that gorgeous golden-brown finish.
More Delightful Cheesy Recipes
Cheese, please! If you love this brioche grilled cheese, you’ll adore these other cheesy and comforting recipes:
- Broccolini Frittata with Bacon and Parmesan
- Cream Cheese Avocado Toast
- Lemon Ricotta Raspberry Toast
- Smoked Gouda and Chive Scones
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖 Recipe: Brioche Grilled Cheese with Dijon Butter
Brioche Grilled Cheese with Dijon Butter
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Pin Recipe
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
Brunch, Lunch, Main Course
American
2
sandwiches
421
kcal
Equipment
-
1 non-stick pan, grill pan, or panini press
Ingredients
-
4
ounces (1 stick)
unsalted butter, room temperature
(if using salted butter, omit the salt below) -
3
teaspoon
Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon) -
2
teaspoon
fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped -
¼
teaspoon
Kosher or fine sea salt -
4
slices
brioche bread -
5-6
ounces
Gruyère cheese, shredded
(buy a block and shred yourself for best melt) -
¼
teaspoon
freshly grated nutmeg, or ground nutmeg
Instructions
-
1. Make the Dijon herb butter: In a small bowl, add the room-temperature unsalted butter, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, and Kosher or fine sea salt. Mash with a fork until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the butter is smooth and spreadable. Set aside.4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature,
3 teaspoon Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon),
2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves,
¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine sea salt -
2. Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out four slices of brioche bread on a work surface. Gently spread about 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Dijon butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, ensuring full coverage. Take two of these buttered slices and top them generously with the shredded Gruyère cheese. Sprinkle each cheese-topped slice with a little freshly grated nutmeg. Carefully place the remaining two buttered brioche slices on top to form two sandwiches, with the buttered side facing outwards.4 slices brioche bread,
5-6 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded,
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, or ground nutmeg -
3. Grill to perfection: Heat a medium non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add an additional 2 tablespoons of the Dijon butter to the hot pan and allow it to melt and slightly sizzle. Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, or until the brioche is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwiches and continue to cook the other side until it’s also golden, and the Gruyère cheese is completely melted and gooey. If the cheese is not melting quickly enough, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two to trap heat and encourage melting. Remove from heat and serve immediately, slicing diagonally if desired.
Notes
- Grilled cheese is best when eaten right away. If you happen to have leftover sandwiches, allow them to cool completely, then store them wrapped well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftover Dijon butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s excellent on savory biscuits, cheesy scones, or melted over steaks and roasted veggies.
Nutrition*
Serving:
1
grilled cheese
Calories:
421
kcal
Carbohydrates:
20.6
g
Protein:
13.4
g
Fat:
31.2
g
Saturated Fat:
18.7
g
Cholesterol:
84
mg
Sodium:
196
mg
Potassium:
32
mg
Fiber:
0.1
g
Sugar:
0.2
g
Calcium:
360
mg
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
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