Grilled Brie, Turkey & Pear Sandwiches Recipe

Grilled Brie, Turkey & Pear Sandwiches

No, this isn't the grilled cheese of your childhood—it's better. Brie stands in for Cheddar and the turkey and pear are a nod to fresh fall flavors. Don't have turkey? Chicken will work just fine. If you have a panini maker, this sandwich is a great excuse to use it. Serves 4

To learn more, read the article:
The Rules of Melting Cheese
One-half ripe pear, cored and thinly sliced
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1-1/2 cups (about 8 oz.) shredded cooked turkey or chicken
1-1/2 tsp. lightly chopped fresh thyme leaves
Eight 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick slices artisan-style whole-grain sandwich bread
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
8 oz. Brie, sliced
4 tsp. unsalted butter, softened

In a small bowl, toss the pear slices with the lemon juice. Heat a large skillet or griddle over low heat.

Meanwhile, toss the turkey and thyme in a medium bowl. Spread each bread slice with mustard. Arrange half of the Brie on four slices of the bread. Layer the pears over the Brie. Mound the turkey mixture on top of the pears, layer on the remaining Brie, and top with the remaining bread slices mustard side down.

Lightly spread the tops of the sandwiches with half of the butter and set them, buttered side down, in the heated skillet (if necessary, cook the sandwiches in two batches). Set a large heavy skillet right on top of the sandwiches and put 2 lb. of weights (canned goods work well) in the empty skillet. Cook the sandwiches until golden brown on one side, about 4 minutes.

Remove the weights, butter the sandwich tops, and turn the sandwiches over. Replace the skillet and weights and continue to cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is oozy, about 4 minutes longer. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve.

Serving Suggestions

A grown-up grilled cheese should have a grown-up soup to go along with it. Try Wild Mushroom Soup with Sherry & Thyme.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 490; Fat (g): 27; Fat Calories (kcal): 240; Saturated Fat (g): 14; Protein (g): 33; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 8; Carbohydrates (g): 29; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5; Sodium (mg): 115; Cholesterol (mg): 840; Fiber (g): 4;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 91 , pp. 86a
January 16, 2008


user reviews

Star Star Star Star Star I did not care for this. I thought it was bland and a poor use of my Brie.
Star Star Star Star Star Easy and awesome. I emailed this one to my husband and he put the whole thing together himself before I got home. It is so simple but has such elegant flavours, you'll feel like you're having something more special than just a sandwich made with leftovers! We have a panini grill and used that to crisp it up; slightly more healthy than grilling as described but who's counting calories when you're eating brie anyway!
Star Star Star Star Star I really liked this sandwich. I spread mustard on both bread slices and sprinkled the turkey with dried thyme (didn't have fresh). Served with a simple mixed baby greens salad. Yum!
Star Star Star Star Star I didn't like the thyme -- too overwhelming.
Star Star Star Star Star

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