If you love the idea of mixing sweet, tangy, and creamy into a single sandwich, then you are going to absolutely adore this Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe. It’s one of those creations that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. I first tried this combination on a whim, and now it’s a go-to whenever I want a grilled cheese with a vibrant flavor punch—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Blend of Flavors: The tartness of blackberries with balsamic vinegar beautifully complements the creamy brie and toasted sourdough.
- Impressively Simple: Despite the gourmet feel, it comes together quickly with easy pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak it with different herbs or add nuts for extra crunch, making it your own.
- Great for Entertaining: This grilled cheese wows guests as an appetizer or a fun weekend lunch that feels special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe is carefully chosen to create that balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. When you pick blackberries, if you can find fresh ripe ones, that’s ideal for the best flavor. I also prefer sourdough for its crusty texture and mild tanginess that pairs so well with brie.
- Blackberries: Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch—just thaw and drain first.
- Balsamic vinegar: Use a good quality balsamic for that rich, deep flavor that really shines through in the jam.
- Sugar: Helps balance the tartness of the berries and vinegar, feel free to adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the jam and enhances the berry flavor beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to round out all the sweet and tangy notes.
- Double cream brie cheese: Go for a creamy, soft brie rather than a firm variety to melt perfectly.
- Fresh thyme: Adds an herby aroma and subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the brie.
- Sourdough bread: I love thick slices with a good crust for that satisfying crunch.
- Butter: Use real butter to get that golden, crispy exterior on your grilled cheese sandwiches.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. It’s very forgiving, so feel free to make it your own!
- Variation: Adding thinly sliced apple or pear gives a crunchy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the brie.
- Variation: Swap out the thyme for rosemary or basil if you want a different herbal twist.
- Variation: Use a gluten-free or whole grain bread for dietary preferences—just toast it lightly first to avoid sogginess.
- Variation: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans inside the sandwich before grilling.
How to Make Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Make the Blackberry Balsamic Jam
Start by combining your blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer while you gently mash the berries with a wooden spoon or potato masher. This helps release their juices and create that luscious jam texture. After about 7 to 10 minutes, it should thicken nicely. Remember, it’ll continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit loose at first. Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Brie and Bread
Slice the brie into roughly half-inch thick pieces. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your brie just right in a sandwich, cutting it thick enough ensures it melts beautifully without oozing out too much. Meanwhile, get a skillet heating over medium—medium heat is key here to toast the bread evenly without burning it before the cheese gets melty.
Step 3: Assemble and Grill the Sandwich
Butter one side of four bread slices and place them butter-side down on the skillet. Add the brie slices on top and sprinkle fresh chopped thyme over the cheese. Spread a generous layer of your cooled blackberry balsamic jam on the other four slices—this is where all the magic happens! Put the berry jam side down onto the brie, then butter the now-top side of the sandwich. Carefully flip it over and cook until the bread is golden brown and the brie has melted. Depending on your skillet size, you may need to do this in batches, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, transfer your sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This pause lets the melted brie set slightly, so you avoid a gooey mess when slicing. Then, cut in half with a sharp knife and get ready to enjoy a grilled cheese unlike any you’ve tried before!
Pro Tips for Making Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Low and Slow is Key: Keep the skillet at medium or slightly lower heat to melt the brie perfectly without burning the bread.
- Jam Thickness: If your blackberry jam looks watery after cooking, just stir and cook a bit longer—it thickens as it cools.
- Choose the Right Bread: Sourdough is my go-to for its sturdy texture and flavor, but any good sandwich bread will do as long as it holds up to grilling.
- Mess-Free Slicing: Let the sandwich rest a few minutes before cutting to avoid that molten cheese spill all over the place.
How to Serve Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these sandwiches with a sprinkle of extra fresh thyme or even a few whole blackberries on the side for a pretty presentation and a fresh burst of flavor. A tiny drizzle of extra balsamic glaze right on top adds a nice touch too. It’s all about making every bite feel a little special.
Side Dishes
Serve this grilled cheese with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for classic comfort. If you want to get fancy, a side of roasted beets or a crisp arugula salad with toasted pecans complements the berry and cheese wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For small gatherings or brunches, I like slicing the sandwiches into quarters and securing each piece with a pretty toothpick topped with a fresh thyme sprig. It makes for a charming appetizer platter. You can even layer the sandwiches on a wooden board with matching bowls of blackberry jam for dipping—it’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare around here!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. The textures might soften a bit overnight, but the flavors definitely hold up well.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these sandwiches after grilling by letting them cool completely, wrapping individually, and freezing in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy one, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on a skillet over low heat for that fresh-grilled taste.
Reheating
To reheat without sogginess, heat your skillet on low heat, add the sandwich, cover with a lid to gently melt the brie again, and flip once the bottom is golden. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the bread nice and crisp.
FAQs
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Can I make the blackberry balsamic jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! The jam can be prepared a day or two in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling your grilled cheese.
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What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme really shines here, but dried thyme or other herbs like rosemary can be used sparingly. If you use dried, add it earlier in the cooking process to release its flavor.
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Can I substitute brie with another cheese?
While brie is ideal for its creamy texture, you can try camembert or triple cream cheeses. Just avoid very firm or aged cheeses—they won’t melt in the same delightful way.
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How do I prevent soggy grilled cheese with jam inside?
Make sure your jam is thick and not too runny, and cook the sandwich on medium-low heat so the bread crisps up nicely before it softens. Also, don’t over-spread the jam—thin, even layers work best.
Final Thoughts
This Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe is a treasure in my kitchen repertoire. It’s that perfect blend of flavors that surprise and delight every time I serve it—whether it’s a quick lunch or a fun way to impress guests. I hope you have as much joy making and eating it as I do. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself to a grilled cheese that’s anything but ordinary.
Print
Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Fresh blackberries simmered with balsamic vinegar and sugar create a rich jam that perfectly complements the creamy double cream brie cheese. Sandwiched between buttery, toasted sourdough bread and garnished with fresh thyme, this grilled cheese offers a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort food, making it an irresistible treat for any time of day.
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
Instructions
- Make the Blackberry Balsamic Jam: In a saucepan, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to allow the berries to simmer. Crush the berries with a wooden spoon or potato masher to break them down.
- Simmer the Jam: Continue simmering for 7 to 10 minutes until the mixture reduces into a thick jam consistency. Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl to cool; the jam will thicken further as it cools.
- Prepare the Brie: Slice the brie cheese into ½ inch thick pieces. Preheat a skillet over medium heat without overheating to prevent the bread from browning too quickly before the cheese melts. You may need to cook in batches depending on skillet size.
- Assemble and Cook the Sandwiches (First Side): Butter one side of four bread slices and place them butter-side down onto the skillet. Top each with brie slices. Cook slowly until the brie starts to soften and the bread turns golden brown. Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme over the cheese.
- Add Jam and Finish Cooking: Spread a thick layer of blackberry jam on the remaining bread slices and place them jam side down over the melted brie. Butter the top side of these bread slices and carefully flip the sandwiches. Continue cooking until the bottom side is golden brown and the brie is fully melted.
- Serve: Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let cool slightly for a couple of minutes. Cut each sandwich in half with a sharp knife and serve warm. Enjoy your gourmet grilled cheese!
Notes
- Use double cream brie for a rich and creamy texture.
- Simmer the jam on medium-low heat to avoid burning the sugar.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste depending on berry sweetness.
- Cook sandwiches on medium heat to ensure cheese melts before bread burns.
- For added texture, fresh thyme adds an herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
