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

Scale

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

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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