Description

This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic grilled sandwich, featuring a rich and creamy double cream brie paired with a tangy blackberry balsamic jam. The homemade jam is simmered to perfection, combining fresh blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice for a sweet and tart flavor explosion. Each sandwich is cooked to golden perfection with fragrant thyme adding an herbal note, creating a gourmet grilled cheese experience that’s perfect for a comforting lunch or elegant snack.

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 the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let the berries simmer. Crush the berries gently with a wooden spoon or potato masher to break them down.
Simmer the jam: Continue simmering the blackberry mixture for 7 to 10 minutes until it thickens into a jam consistency. Note that it will thicken further as it cools. Transfer the jam to a small bowl and set aside to cool.
Prepare the brie and skillet: Slice the brie cheese into ½ inch thick slices. Heat a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is not too hot to prevent the bread from browning prematurely before the cheese melts. Depending on your skillet size, cook the sandwiches in batches if needed.
Assemble and begin frying the sandwiches: Butter one side of four slices of sourdough bread and place them butter-side down in the skillet. Top each with brie slices and let them cook slowly until the brie starts to soften and the bread turns golden brown. Sprinkle the cheese with the chopped fresh thyme.
Add the blackberry jam and finish grilling: Spread a thick layer of the cooled blackberry jam on the remaining bread slices, placing the jam side down over the brie. Butter the top side of these slices. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook until the second side is golden brown and the brie has fully melted.
Serve: Transfer the grilled cheese sandwiches to a cutting board and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Cut each sandwich in half with a sharp knife. Serve warm and enjoy your gourmet grilled cheese with a fruity twist!

Notes

Ensure the skillet is heated to medium and not too hot to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Use ripe and fresh blackberries for the best flavor in the jam.
Double cream brie provides a creamy texture—if unavailable, a milder brie can be substituted.
Butter the bread slices generously for a crispy, golden crust.
The jam can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This sandwich pairs well with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg