I absolutely love creating unique takes on classic grilled cheese sandwiches. This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The rich, creamy brie melts beautifully, while the tangy, slightly sweet blackberry balsamic jam adds a burst of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an indulgent lunch, a light dinner, or even a fun twist on a comfort food favorite, this recipe is sure to impress. Let me walk you through the steps for creating this delightful grilled cheese.
The key to this sandwich lies in the blackberry balsamic jam, which is incredibly easy to make and enhances the brie in the most flavorful way. With just a few ingredients—blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice—you’ll create a jam that’s both tart and sweet, a perfect complement to the creamy richness of the brie.
Now, let’s dive into how you can bring this delicious recipe to life. You’ll start by simmering the blackberries with balsamic vinegar, sugar, and a little lemon juice to create that irresistible jam. While that’s simmering, you’ll slice your brie and get your skillet ready for the grilled cheese action. It’s important to cook these sandwiches on medium heat to ensure that the bread doesn’t brown too quickly before the cheese melts completely. Once you’ve got the perfect golden-brown crunch, the final step is layering the jam, and you’ll have a decadent grilled cheese sandwich that’s ready to be devoured.
Now that you’re eager to get started, let’s move on to the ingredients and the step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients + How to Bake the Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese
To make this mouthwatering Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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2 cups blackberries
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3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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6 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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Kosher salt (to taste)
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300 g double cream brie cheese
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1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
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8 slices sourdough bread
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Butter (as needed for grilling)
How to Bake the Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese:
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Make the Blackberry Balsamic Jam: Start by creating the star ingredient of this recipe—blackberry balsamic jam. In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it begins to boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer. You’ll want to crush the blackberries with a wooden spoon or potato masher to help them break down into a thick, syrupy jam. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes of simmering.
As the jam cooks, it will thicken up. Remove the pan from the heat once the consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Transfer the jam to a small bowl and set it aside to cool. Don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first; it will thicken further as it cools.
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Prepare the Brie Cheese: While the jam is cooling, slice the double cream brie cheese into ½-inch thick slices. Make sure your slices are uniform in size so they melt evenly on the sandwich.
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Grill the Sandwiches: Now it’s time to assemble and grill the sandwiches. Heat a skillet over medium heat—ensure it’s not too hot, or you’ll end up with burnt bread before the cheese has melted. Spread butter on one side of four slices of sourdough bread. Place these buttered slices, butter-side down, in the skillet.
Next, layer each slice of bread with a generous amount of brie cheese. Let the bread cook slowly in the skillet until the brie begins to soften and melt, and the bread turns a lovely golden brown. While the cheese is melting, sprinkle some freshly chopped thyme over the cheese for a burst of herby flavor.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: On the remaining four slices of bread, spread a thick layer of the blackberry balsamic jam. Once the cheese has melted and the bread is golden, place the jam-covered side of the bread onto the melty brie. Butter the top side of the bread, then carefully flip the sandwich. Continue to cook the other side until it’s golden brown and crispy, and the brie is completely melted.
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Finish the Sandwiches: Once the grilled cheese sandwiches are ready, transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute or two to ensure the cheese sets slightly before cutting them in half with a sharp knife. This step makes the sandwich much easier to eat without all the cheese oozing out!
Now, your delicious Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is ready to serve. You’ve got the perfect balance of rich brie, tangy blackberry balsamic jam, and herby thyme on crispy, buttery sourdough bread. The next step will guide you on how long to bake, how to store leftovers, and some tips for the perfect sandwich!
How Long to Bake… How to Store Leftovers… Tips for Perfect Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese
How Long to Bake:
Although this grilled cheese is more about frying than baking, it’s crucial to know the right cooking time to ensure the bread is golden and crispy, and the brie melts perfectly. The key is to cook the sandwiches on medium heat, which allows the bread to brown slowly without burning. Each side of the sandwich should take about 3-4 minutes to cook, depending on your skillet’s heat. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t cook too fast.
Once both sides of the sandwich are golden brown, check the cheese by pressing gently with a spatula. If the cheese is soft and gooey, then your sandwich is ready to go!
How to Store Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), this sandwich can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While the sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, reheating it is possible. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid to trap the heat, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until heated through. Alternatively, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, to restore the crispiness of the bread.
Tips for Perfect Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese:
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Control the Heat: The most important tip for making this sandwich is to cook it on medium heat. If the skillet is too hot, the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. So, don’t rush the process—low and slow is the way to go!
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Use Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a fragrant, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the blackberry balsamic jam and the richness of the brie. Don’t skip this herb, as it’s essential for the flavor balance!
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Make the Jam Ahead of Time: If you want to save time during the sandwich assembly, you can make the blackberry balsamic jam in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to warm it up slightly before using.
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Try Other Breads: While sourdough is an excellent choice for this sandwich, feel free to experiment with other types of bread, like ciabatta or a rustic baguette, to change up the texture and flavor.
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Get Creative with Add-ins: If you want to add more flavor, consider adding a thin layer of turkey bacon or chicken ham to your sandwich for an extra savory element. You can also experiment with other cheeses, like goat cheese or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
By following these tips, you’ll have the perfect grilled cheese every time—crispy on the outside, melty and gooey on the inside, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Now that we’ve covered the baking times, storing, and tips, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about this delicious recipe!
Print
Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese sandwiches are a perfect blend of savory and sweet. The creamy brie pairs wonderfully with the tangy blackberry balsamic jam, and the crispy sourdough bread adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is ideal for a light lunch, a comforting dinner, or a fun twist on a classic grilled cheese. Let’s dive into making this delicious sandwich!
Ingredients
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2 cups blackberries
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3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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6 tbsp sugar
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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Kosher salt (to taste)
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300 g double cream brie cheese
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1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
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8 slices sourdough bread
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Butter (as needed for grilling)
Instructions
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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 low and simmer for 7-10 minutes. Mash the blackberries as they cook, breaking them down into a thick, syrupy jam. Let the jam cool.
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Prepare the Brie Cheese: Slice the brie into ½-inch thick pieces and set aside.
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Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of four slices of sourdough bread and place butter-side down in the skillet. Top with slices of brie cheese and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to soften. Sprinkle with chopped thyme.
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Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a thick layer of blackberry balsamic jam on the remaining four slices of bread. Place the jam-covered side down on top of the melted cheese. Butter the top side of the bread, then carefully flip the sandwich. Cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Finish the Sandwiches: Let the sandwiches cool for a couple of minutes before cutting in half. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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You can make the blackberry balsamic jam in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
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Substitute the brie with other creamy cheeses like camembert or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
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For a twist, try adding turkey bacon or chicken ham for an extra savory element.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Yes! While sourdough bread adds a nice tangy flavor and a sturdy texture, you can easily swap it out for other types of bread. A baguette or ciabatta would both work wonderfully, giving the sandwich a different crunch. For a lighter option, whole wheat or multigrain bread can also be used. Just keep in mind that the bread you choose should hold up well to the melting brie and the blackberry balsamic jam.
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Can I make the blackberry balsamic jam in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the jam ahead of time is a great way to save time when preparing the grilled cheese sandwiches. You can make the blackberry balsamic jam up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat before spreading it on the bread.
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Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?
If you’re not a fan of brie or want to try something different, there are several cheeses you can use as a substitute. Creamy cheeses like camembert or goat cheese would be excellent choices, as they have a similar richness and meltability. For a firmer texture, you could also try sharp cheddar or Gruyère. However, be mindful that the flavor will change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.
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Is this sandwich suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is entirely vegetarian, as it doesn’t contain any meat products. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a flavorful, meat-free option. If you’d like to make it vegan, simply substitute the brie with a vegan cheese and use plant-based butter for grilling the bread.
Now that we’ve covered the most common questions, it’s time for the final part: the easy printable recipe page, so you can save this delicious dish and share it with others!