Fig Brie Arugula Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Classic American Desserts

This dish combines creamy Brie cheese with sweet fig preserves and peppery arugula, layered between slices of buttery sourdough bread. Cooked in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted, it offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures. Ideal for a quick, gourmet meal that is vegetarian-friendly and easy to prepare, it can be customized by swapping fig preserves or adding prosciutto. Serve warm, optionally with freshly ground black pepper for an extra touch.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:09:00 GMT
Golden-brown Fig, Brie & Arugula Fancy Grilled Cheese, oozing melted Brie, ready to eat. Save
Golden-brown Fig, Brie & Arugula Fancy Grilled Cheese, oozing melted Brie, ready to eat. | epicurestates.com

A gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese, featuring creamy Brie, sweet fig preserves, and peppery arugula, all melted to perfection between crispy buttery slices of bread.

A gourmet classic that I love to serve for a quick yet elegant lunch or snack.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Dairy: 4 slices sourdough bread 4 oz (115 g) Brie cheese sliced 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • Fruits & Greens: 2 tbsp fig preserves 1 cup (30 g) fresh arugula
  • Optional (for serving): Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter.
Step 2:
Lay two slices butter side down on a clean surface Spread 1 tablespoon fig preserves evenly on each.
Step 3:
Layer sliced Brie evenly over the preserves followed by a generous handful of arugula.
Step 4:
Top each with the remaining bread slices butter side up.
Step 5:
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium low heat.
Step 6:
Place the sandwiches in the skillet Cook 3 4 minutes per side pressing gently until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Step 7:
Remove from heat let rest 1 minute then slice and serve Top with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Crispy sourdough encasing melted Brie and sweet fig preserves in a Fancy Grilled Cheese sandwich. Save
Crispy sourdough encasing melted Brie and sweet fig preserves in a Fancy Grilled Cheese sandwich. | epicurestates.com

This sandwich always brings a smile to my family when I make it on weekends.

Notes

Try substituting fig preserves with apricot or raspberry jam for a different flavor Add thinly sliced prosciutto for a non vegetarian option Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir.

Required Tools

Nonstick skillet or griddle Spatula Bread knife Cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 44 g Protein 13 g

Imagine this: A beautifully melted Fig, Brie & Arugula Fancy Grilled Cheese, full of flavor! Save
Imagine this: A beautifully melted Fig, Brie & Arugula Fancy Grilled Cheese, full of flavor! | epicurestates.com

This recipe makes for an effortless gourmet meal any day of the week.

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough bread is preferred for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which complements the creamy cheese and sweet figs.

Can I substitute fig preserves?

Yes, apricot or raspberry jam are great alternatives to bring a different sweetness and flavor profile.

How do I get the cheese perfectly melted?

Cook over medium-low heat, pressing gently, for 3–4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the Brie softens.

Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the dish uses no meat, but prosciutto can be added for a non-vegetarian variation.

What pairing complements the flavors?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir balances the rich and sweet notes well.

Fig Brie Arugula Grilled Cheese

Creamy Brie, fig preserves, and arugula melded between crisp sourdough slices for a gourmet treat.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
18 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American Fusion

Output 2 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Bread & Dairy

01 4 slices sourdough bread
02 4 oz Brie cheese, sliced
03 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Fruits & Greens

01 2 tbsp fig preserves
02 1 cup fresh arugula

Optional

01 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Phase 01

Butter the bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice.

Phase 02

Assemble the base: Place two bread slices, butter-side down, on a clean surface and spread 1 tablespoon of fig preserves evenly on each.

Phase 03

Add cheese and greens: Layer sliced Brie evenly over the preserves, then add a generous handful of fresh arugula.

Phase 04

Complete the sandwich: Cover each with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.

Phase 05

Heat cooking surface: Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.

Phase 06

Cook the sandwiches: Place sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Phase 07

Rest and serve: Remove sandwiches from heat, allow to rest for 1 minute, then slice and garnish with freshly ground black pepper as desired.

Necessary tools

  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten (bread) and dairy (Brie cheese, butter).
  • Fig preserves may have nut cross-contamination; verify labels if allergic.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Protein: 13 g