Bacon & Brie Sandwich with Caramelised Herby Peaches

Recipe and photo from Orchard by James Rich.

This Bacon & Brie Sandwich with Caramelized Peaches (or your favorite seasonal fruit) is all about smoky bacon, buttery fruit slices, and melty brie, all on sourdough. I didn’t even know I wanted this until I tried it, but now I can’t unthink it. Plus, it all comes together in one pan, so you’re left with fewer dishes and more time to savor.

Here’s the plan: Start by melting butter with fresh thyme leaves in a skillet. Toss in slices of your fruit of choice—peaches if they’re still around, but pears, apples, or even figs if they’ve taken over the shelves. They’ll caramelize into little golden bites, just sweet enough, with hints of thyme that make them feel perfect for a cozy day. Add in the bacon, which crisps up right alongside, picking up those same sweet, herby notes.

Once everything’s golden and crispy, pile it onto a slice of sourdough, top with a few slices of brie, and add some fresh watercress for brightness. Eat it as an open-face, or top with a second slice of bread for a more classic sandwich.

This recipe is from Orchard, a cookbook packed with seasonal inspiration for those days when you crave something simple and absolutely delicious.

“Warning: this sandwich is seriously addictive! So simple, yet utterly delicious. Frying the peaches in butter results in salty-sweet caramelisation on their edges, which goes so well with the brie.”

Excerpted with permission from Orchard: Sweet and Savoury Recipes from the English Countryside by James Rich, published by Hardie Grant.