This open-faced sandwich combines a medley of autumnal flavors. Chipotle caramel sauce pairs with caramelized onions and tart apple to cut through the buttery brie. Perfect for a holiday party or even as a Thanksgiving appetizer 🍂
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Peel and chop yellow onion into quarters, then slice each quarter into very thin, long pieces.
Start with high heat with a bit of oil and salt (salt draws out the moisture and gets better browning). Stir for about 3 minutes.
Turn down the heat once the onions start browning, continue stirring for 10 minutes. Refresh the oil as needed if the onions look a bit dry or are about to start burning.
Add a teaspoon of sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of water once the onions are very soft. Continue stirring until onions are a medium brown.
While occasionally stirring the caramelized onions, peel the green apple.
Using a mandolin, cut the apple into very thin, short slices. I set my mandolin to level 3 thickness, which is barely thick enough that the apple slice is firm and has a bit of crunch without being bulky (level 1 thickness would be paper thin and folding over, for reference). If you don't have a mandolin, you can do this by hand, just try to make the slices fairly even. Put them in a bowl once you're done.
Cut a few inches of the rind off of the triple creme brie, and generously cover the slice of sourdough with pieces of the creamy brie. You don't have to spread it, it doesn't have to look pretty, just lay out globs of 2-3 inches of brie and they'll melt and spread out while the bread is being toasted. If you aren't familiar with different types of brie, double creme is more creamy, buttery, and spreadable than regular brie, and triple creme is even more so.
Place the apple slices evenly across the bread (maybe 6 pieces, 1-2 inches each).
Now that the caramelized onions are done (hopefully), fill in the gaps on the bread with as many onions as you want.
Generously drizzle the chipotle caramel sauce all over the bread.
On medium low heat, melt a sliver of salted butter on the pan. Carefully move the sourdough with all of the toppings onto the pan, and toast for a few minutes until the brie and caramel sauce is melted, and the bottom of the toast is slightly browned. Keep a close eye on the bottom to avoid burning it, since the second round of toast goes much faster if you're making multiple servings. Usually I toast two slices of bread at a time.
While the caramelized onions add a touch of sophistication, they are by far the thing that takes the most time in this recipe. Feel free to leave them out and make this in half the time, especially if you're making a quick snack for yourself or for kids - the recipe is still very good in its simplicity!
Honestly, my favorite easy snack is just 1. Microwave a slice of sourdough for 20 seconds. 2. Place globs of triple creme brie across the bread and let them soften naturally. It's like bread and butter, but... better?
The recipe calls for one onion, but feel free to use as much or as little of this as you want - they store in the fridge for a week, so you can make this again a few days later with leftover caramelized onions in half the time.
If you have leftover apple slices, feel free to drizzle them with the Salted Caramel Sauce (order it from Caramel Kitchen at the same time as the Chipotle Caramel Sauce). It makes a great snack as a deconstructed caramel apple!
How do I store leftover Caramel Apple Brie Melt?
To store leftover Caramel Apple Brie Melt, allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a toaster oven or a skillet over low heat until warmed through, ensuring the bread stays crispy.
Can I make substitutions for the ingredients in the Caramel Apple Brie Melt?
Yes! If you can't find triple creme brie, you can use regular brie or even goat cheese for a tangy twist. For the sourdough bread, any crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette works well. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can substitute the chipotle caramel sauce with regular caramel sauce, but it will lack the spicy kick.
What dietary restrictions does the Caramel Apple Brie Melt accommodate?
The Caramel Apple Brie Melt is not suitable for vegans due to the use of brie and butter. However, you can make it vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based cheese alternatives and vegan butter. Always check the labels to ensure the sauces are free from animal products if you're catering to dietary restrictions.
What can I pair with Caramel Apple Brie Melt for a complete meal?
For a complete meal, consider pairing the Caramel Apple Brie Melt with a fresh arugula salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The peppery greens complement the sweetness of the caramel and apples beautifully. You could also serve it alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup for a cozy autumn dinner.
What is the best way to caramelize onions for the Caramel Apple Brie Melt?
To caramelize onions effectively, start by slicing them thinly and cooking them over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil and salt. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and once they begin to brown, reduce the heat to medium-low. Adding a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water helps enhance the sweetness and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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