Indulge in a truly unique and delightful treat with this **Honey Banana Grilled Cheese Sandwich**. More akin to a gourmet dessert than a traditional savory grilled cheese, this recipe elevates simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. Imagine luscious mascarpone cheese spread over rich, buttery brioche bread, generously topped with sweet banana slices, a golden drizzle of pure honey, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Grilled to perfection, the brioche achieves a beautiful golden crust, while the bananas caramelize, creating an explosion of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. This is the ultimate sweet sandwich, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a decadent dessert.

Looking for more innovative sandwich ideas? Explore our collection of easy grilled cheese recipes, like the classic Grilled Cheese Margherita Sandwiches or the savory French Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, for inspiration that stretches beyond the ordinary.

The Ultimate Sweet Grilled Cheese: Honey Banana Perfection

Every bite of this sweet grilled cheese sandwich tells a story, a culinary tribute to my roots in Utah, famously known as “The Beehive State.” Our state’s emblem proudly features a beehive, symbolizing industry and, of course, our abundant, high-quality honey. It was only natural to weave this golden nectar into a unique grilled cheese creation that truly captures the spirit of my home. And what better companions for honey than the luscious sweetness of bananas and the warm, inviting spice of cinnamon? This trio creates a flavor symphony that is simply unmatched.

But a grilled cheese wouldn’t be complete without the “cheese” component. For this sweet rendition, we turn to mascarpone, an Italian cream cheese that transforms the sandwich into an unbelievably creamy and decadent experience. If you’ve yet to discover mascarpone, prepare to be captivated. Its flavor is wonderfully mild and inherently sweet, lacking the tangy zest often found in regular cream cheese. The secret to its unparalleled richness and velvety texture lies in its high heavy cream content, making it far smoother and more luxurious. Mascarpone doesn’t just add creaminess; it acts as a subtle, sweet canvas, allowing the honey and banana flavors to truly shine. This grilled Honey Banana Sandwich might sound unconventional, but trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a new favorite dessert or gourmet breakfast indulgence.

The Magic of Brioche Bread: Why It’s Perfect for Your Sweet Sandwich

At the heart of this extraordinary honey banana sandwich are two slices of truly unforgettable brioche bread. While there are many breads suitable for sandwiches, brioche holds a special place, especially when it comes to grilling. Its inherent richness and delicate sweetness are amplified by the grilling process, transforming it into a golden, buttery marvel that perfectly complements the sweet fillings.

Brioche is far from your everyday bread. Hailing from France, this pastry-like bread is distinguished by its high content of butter and eggs, which contribute to its signature qualities: a deeply rich flavor, an incredibly soft, tender crumb, and a beautiful golden hue. The generous fat content gives brioche a light, almost flaky texture that melts in your mouth, making it distinctly different from standard loaves. It also tends to be sliced thicker, which is an absolute must for a truly satisfying grilled cheese, providing a robust structure to hold the creamy mascarpone, sweet bananas, and sticky honey.

Crafting Your Gourmet Honey Banana Grilled Cheese

Assembling this dessert-worthy sandwich is surprisingly simple, yet the results are incredibly impressive. The key lies in layering the flavors and textures precisely to achieve that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and caramelized goodness. Follow these steps for a flawless gourmet experience.

How To Make A Honey Banana Grilled Cheese Sandwich

1. Prepare Your Bread: Lay two slices of thick brioche bread flat. On one slice, generously spread the mascarpone cheese, ensuring an even layer from edge to edge.
2. Add Fruit and Flavor: On the other slice of brioche, arrange thick banana slices. Aim for slices roughly ½ to ¾-inch thick; this thickness prevents them from becoming too mushy during grilling and allows them to caramelize beautifully.
3. Sweeten and Spice: Drizzle a generous amount of honey over the banana slices. Adjust to your sweetness preference (we recommend about 2 teaspoons for a rich flavor). Finish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon, adding a warm, aromatic note that perfectly complements the honey and banana.
4. Assemble and Butter: Gently press the mascarpone-covered brioche slice onto the banana-and-honey slice, creating your sandwich. Now, butter the top exterior of the assembled sandwich. This outer layer of butter is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden, crispy crust when grilled.
5. Grill to Golden Perfection: Heat a skillet or electric griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the sandwich butter-side down. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and caramelized. While the first side is cooking, butter the unbuttered exterior of the sandwich, preparing it for the flip. Use a large spatula for easy turning.
6. Serve Immediately: Once both sides are golden and the filling is warm and gooey, remove from heat. Slice the sandwich in half diagonally for an inviting presentation, and enjoy this delightful creation while it’s fresh and warm!

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Grilled Cheese

• Choose Ripe Bananas: Slightly ripe bananas (yellow with a few brown spots) are ideal. They’re naturally sweet and soften beautifully when heated. Overripe bananas can become too mushy.
• Quality Honey Matters: The type of honey you use will subtly impact the flavor. Local wildflower honey offers a unique regional taste, while clover or acacia honey provides a milder, classic sweetness. Don’t be shy with the drizzle!
• Don’t Rush the Grill: Medium-high heat is key. Too high, and the bread will burn before the interior warms through and the bananas caramelize. Too low, and you won’t get that desirable golden crust. Watch carefully and adjust heat as needed.
• Even Buttering: Ensure the outsides of the brioche are evenly coated with butter. This guarantees uniform browning and crispiness.
• Customize Your Spices: While cinnamon is classic, a tiny pinch of nutmeg or cardamom could also add an interesting twist.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Honey Banana Grilled Cheese is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Enjoy it for a luxurious breakfast alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a decadent dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, perhaps with an extra drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The contrast of the warm, sweet sandwich with cold ice cream is truly divine.

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:

• Nutty Twist: Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans over the bananas for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Tuck in a few mini chocolate chips alongside the bananas for a chocolate-banana fusion.
• Berry Blast: Swap out some banana for fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries before grilling.
• Tropical Touch: A thin slice of grilled pineapple could add a delightful tanginess.

No matter how you serve it, this sweet grilled cheese is sure to impress and satisfy, proving that comfort food can also be a gourmet delight.

Honey and Banana Grilled Cheese Sandwich

By Chelsea Lords

This Honey Banana Grilled Cheese is dessert-worthy! Buttery brioche, creamy mascarpone, sweet banana slices, golden honey, and warm cinnamon come together in a perfectly grilled, caramelized masterpiece.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 1 sandwich

Equipment

• Electric griddle or large pan/skillet

Ingredients

• 2 slices brioche bread (Sara Lee® Artesano™ Brioche recommended)
• 1-1/2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese
• 1/2 large banana, sliced thickly
• 2 teaspoons honey (adjust to taste)
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 4 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

1. Lay out the two pieces of brioche bread. Spread mascarpone cheese evenly on one side of one piece of bread.
2. Cut the banana into thick slices, about ½ to ¾-inch thick, and arrange them on the other piece of bread.
3. Generously drizzle honey all over the banana slices. Sprinkle with cinnamon to your preference (about 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon).
4. Carefully place the brioche slice with mascarpone cheese on top of the banana-covered slice, forming the sandwich.
5. Spread half of the unsalted butter evenly on the top exterior of the sandwich (the side facing outwards).
6. Preheat a griddle or pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the sandwich buttered-side down. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the bread is lightly browned and golden.
7. While the first side cooks, spread the remaining unsalted butter on the unbuttered side of the sandwich (the side currently facing up).
8. Using a large spatula, carefully flip the sandwich and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the second side is also golden brown and crispy, and the filling is warm and gooey.
9. Remove the sandwich from the heat, slice it in half diagonally, and serve immediately to enjoy its fresh, warm flavors.

Recipe Notes

Storage: This Honey Banana Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle. The brioche can become soggy if stored, and the banana may brown and lose its optimal texture. It’s recommended to make only what you plan to eat immediately for the best experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 sandwich

Calories: 648 kcal

Carbohydrates: 60g

Protein: 11g

Fat: 43g

Saturated Fat: 26g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 1g

Cholesterol: 185mg

Sodium: 336mg

Potassium: 256mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 20g

Vitamin A: 1458 IU

Vitamin C: 6mg

Calcium: 81mg

Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so it should only be used as an approximation.