Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese recipe combines the rich creaminess of double cream brie with a tangy, sweet homemade blackberry balsamic jam, layered between slices of buttery sourdough bread and finished with fresh thyme. Perfect for a gourmet twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich, it offers a harmonious balance of savory and fruity flavors, ideal for a comforting lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Grilled Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Blackberry Balsamic Jam
- 2 cups blackberries
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of kosher salt
Sandwich
- 300 g double cream brie cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- Butter, as needed for frying
Instructions
- Make the blackberry balsamic jam: In a saucepan, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to allow the berries to simmer. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to crush the berries as they cook.
- Simmer to thicken: Let the blackberry mixture simmer for 7 to 10 minutes until it reduces to a thick jam consistency. The jam will thicken further as it cools. Transfer it to a small bowl and set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the brie slices: Slice the double cream brie into ½ inch thick pieces to ensure even melting during cooking.
- Heat the skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Avoid overheating to prevent the bread from browning too quickly before the cheese melts. Depending on your skillet size, you may need to cook the sandwiches in two batches.
- Assemble base layer: Butter one side of four bread slices and place them butter side down in the heated skillet. Top each slice with the brie slices and allow the cheese to soften as the bread turns golden brown. Sprinkle the brie with chopped fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Add the jam layer: Spread a thick layer of the cooled blackberry balsamic jam on the unbuttered sides of the remaining four bread slices. Place these jam-covered slices jam side down over the brie on the bread in the skillet.
- Finish cooking the sandwiches: Butter the top side of the jam-covered bread slices, then carefully flip the sandwiches. Continue frying until the bottom side becomes golden brown and the brie is fully melted, ensuring even cooking on both sides.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled cheese sandwiches to a cutting board and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Cut each sandwich in half with a sharp knife and serve warm to enjoy the perfect blend of melted brie and sweet-tart blackberry jam.
Notes
- Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor and jam consistency.
- Control the skillet heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- The jam can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or basil for a different herbal note.
- Double cream brie provides a rich texture, but you can use regular brie if preferred.
