30-Minute Grilled Cherry Cream Cheese Sandwiches
These indulgent grilled sandwiches combine sweet cherry pie filling with creamy melted cream cheese between buttery toasted bread. Perfect for outdoor cooking or when you want a warm, comforting treat with minimal prep. The contrast of tangy cream cheese with sweet cherries creates a delightful dessert-like sandwich that's ideal for camping trips, backyard gatherings, or cozy evenings. The golden, crispy exterior gives way to a warm, gooey center that's irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
- 8 slices white sandwich bread
- ⅓ cup cherry pie fillingfresh cherries with sugar1:1fresher
more prep required
- 3 ounces cream cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat
- 2
Spread butter on one side of two slices of bread
- 3
Place one slice butter side out on sandwich press
- 4
Spoon one-fourth of cherry pie filling onto center of bread
- 5
Top with one-fourth of cream cheese slices
- 6
Top with second slice of bread butter side out
- 7
Close press and trim excess bread
- 8
Grill 4 to 6 inches from medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until bread is golden brown and cream cheese is melted
- 9
Sprinkle with sugar if desired
- 10
Repeat with remaining ingredients
- 11
Serve warm
Tips
Use a sandwich press or wrap in foil if you don't have one to help seal the edges and prevent filling from leaking out.
Let the sandwiches cool for a minute or two before eating as the cherry filling will be very hot.
Try other pie fillings like apple or blueberry for variety in flavors.
Good to Know
Best served immediately while warm. Leftover sandwiches can be stored covered in refrigerator for 1 day and reheated.
Can assemble sandwiches up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated before grilling.
Serve immediately while warm for best texture and melted cheese consistency.
Common Mistakes
Don't overfill with cherry filling to avoid messy leaks during grilling.
Keep grill at medium heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
more prep required
FAQ
Can I make these without a sandwich press?
Yes, you can wrap the assembled sandwiches tightly in foil and grill them, or use a regular pan with a weight on top to press them down.
What if I don't have a grill?
You can make these in a skillet over medium heat, pressing down with a spatula, or use a panini press or George Foreman grill.
How long do these keep?
These are best eaten immediately while warm. They can be refrigerated for a day but the bread will become soggy.