Save on Pinterest The idea for this sandwich hit me during spring when I bought way too much asparagus at the farmers market and needed to use it up before my weekend guests arrived.
My friend Sarah took one bite and literally stopped talking mid sentence which is saying something because she never stops talking.
Ingredients
- Asparagus: Thin spears work best here because they cook through quickly and get nicely tender without becoming mushy
- Brie cheese: Let it come to room temperature before slicing so it melts evenly and you do not end up with cold spots
- Sourdough bread: The tangy flavor and sturdy texture hold up perfectly to the weight of the cheese and vegetables
- Unsalted butter: Softening it ahead of time makes spreading so much easier and helps you get that even golden crust
- Olive oil: Just a tiny coating helps the asparagus char nicely instead of steaming in its own moisture
Instructions
- Grill the asparagus:
- Toss those trimmed spears with olive oil salt and pepper then let them sizzle in a hot pan for 3 to 4 minutes until they have gorgeous charred marks.
- Prep your bread:
- Butter one side of each slice generously because that buttery crust is what makes a grilled cheese truly spectacular.
- Build the sandwich:
- Layer half the Brie on the unbuttered side followed by your grilled asparagus then top with the remaining Brie before closing it up.
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side pressing gently until the bread turns golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to ooze out the sides.
Save on Pinterest Now every time spring rolls around this sandwich makes an appearance at least once a week and nobody in my house complains about it.
Making It Your Own
I have discovered that spreading Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread adds this wonderful sharpness that cuts through the rich cheese.
The Bread Choice Matters
Sourdough is my go to but a nice country loaf or even a hearty whole grain would work beautifully as long as the slices are thick enough to hold everything together.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette on the lighter side balances out the richness of the cheese and butter.
- A bowl of tomato soup makes this feel like the ultimate comfort meal
- A glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creaminess perfectly
- Serve it alongside some fresh fruit for a lighter lunch option
Save on Pinterest Hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again whenever you need something special but do not want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare the asparagus ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the asparagus up to 2 hours ahead. Store it at room temperature covered loosely, then assemble and cook the sandwiches fresh. This makes preparation easier when you're ready to serve.
- → What's the best way to keep the bread from getting too crispy?
Cook over medium heat rather than high heat, and watch carefully to avoid over-browning. Pressing gently with a spatula helps the cheese melt evenly without needing extended cooking time.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of Brie?
Absolutely. Camembert, Fontina, or even creamy goat cheese work wonderfully. Choose cheeses that melt easily for the best results.
- → How should I serve this sandwich?
Serve warm immediately after cooking for the best melted cheese texture. A crisp green salad, tomato soup, or light wine like Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent pairing.
- → What adds extra flavor to this sandwich?
A thin spread of Dijon mustard or fig jam on the bread before assembly elevates the flavors beautifully. The mustard adds tanginess while jam complements the creamy cheese and earthiness of asparagus.