An elevated grilled cheese sandwich stuffed with tangy blackberry balsamic jam and creamy, gooey melted brie!
Jump to Recipe
Golden brown, fried in butter and bursting with oozy melted cheese! It’s no wonder that the grilled cheese is one childhood treat that always remains a favourite. The beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich is that it is endlessly customizable. You can stick with the classics, white bread and cheddar cheese; or make it retro with a slice of Kraft singles! You can also elevate your grilled cheese into something a bit more elegant, like this blackberry balsamic and brie grilled cheese. Fresh blackberries are simmered with a splash of balsamic vinegar to create a sweet and tangy jam that is the perfect contrast to rich, melty brie cheese in this grilled sandwich that is sure to become a favourite!
Ingredient Notes
Double cream brie cheese: I recommend using a double cream brie cheese in this recipe. The first time I tested this grilled sandwich I used a fabulous triple cream brie which I already had on hand. Unfortunately, due to its higher fat content, the cheese nearly melted away after grilling. If you do use a triple cream brie, then keep an eye on it and remove from the heat just as it begins to melt.
Blackberries: The combination of sweet, tangy fruit and creamy brie is what makes this sandwich irresistible. I used fresh blackberries to make the jam but you could use frozen. Frozen berries can have a higher water content but just continue to simmer the jam and the excess water will reduce.
Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of good quality balsamic vinegar of Modena adds a delicious depth of flavour to the blackberry jam.
Fresh thyme: I added chopped fresh thyme to this sandwich and really enjoyed its herbaceous flavour. I recommend sticking with fresh thyme. You could use dried thyme but be sure to use it sparingly. I personally would omit the thyme altogether if fresh time wasn’t available.
Sourdough bread: My preferred bread for this grilled cheese sandwich is a loaf of chewy sourdough. I really like the flavour of sourdough and thought it paired well with the cheese and blackberries. It also added another dimension of flavour to the sandwich. Feel free to use your favourite bread instead.
How to Make Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese
Prepare the blackberry balsamic jam
In a small sauce pan, combine the blackberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil over medium high heat then turn down the heat and allow the berries to simmer. Crush the berries to help them break down using a potato masher or a wooden spoon.
Simmer the blackberry jam for 7 to 10 minutes until it thickens into a thick jam. Keep in mind that it will thicken more as it cools. Transfer the jam to a small bowl and set aside to cool. I prefer to cool the jam completely before using.
Assemble and grill the sandwich
Slice the brie cheese into ¼ inch thick slices. Heat a side skillet on medium heat. You don’t want the pan too hot or the outside will brown before the cheese has melted. Depending on the size of your skillet you may need to do this in two batches.
Spread butter on one side of four of the bread slices. Place butter side down in the pan. Top the bread with the brie slices. Let the bread slowly fry until the brie begins to soften and the bread is golden brown. Sprinkle the cheese with the chopped thyme.
Spread a thick layer of blackberry jam on the remaining bread slices and place jam side down over the brie cheese. Butter the top side of the bread and then carefully flip. Continue to fry the sandwich until the bottom piece of bread is golden brown and the brie is melted.
Transfer the grilled cheese sandwiches to a cutting board. Let cool for a couple of minutes before cutting in half with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese sandwich makes a terrific snack or lunch. It also works exceptionally well as a cheese course.
Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, so here are my top picks for a wine pairing:
- Riesling – fruity and with high acidity to cut the richness
- Chardonnay – a full-bodied buttery Chardonnay will match the rich creaminess of the brie
- Pinot Noir – a lighter, fruity red wine with high acidity helps to mellow the richness of the cheese
Make it a Meal
- A Spring Thyme Cocktail – the fresh thyme in this cocktail will pick up the herbaceous notes in this sandwich
- Asparagus Egg Salad with Shallot Champagne Vinaigrette – pair this sweet, jammy grilled brie sandwich with a fresh, tangy salad to cut the richness and cleanse the palate
Do you have any favourite twists on the classic grilled cheese sandwich? Let me know in the comments!
If you made this recipe, I would love to see! Tag @rhubarbandlavender on Instagram.
Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups blackberries
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- kosher salt
- 300 g double cream brie cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- butter as needed
Instructions
- Begin by making 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 turn down the heat and allow the berries to simmer. Break down the berries by crushing with a wooden spoon or potato masher.
- Simmer the blackberries for 7 to 10 minutes until it reduces into a thick jam. It will thicken even more as it cools. Transfer the jam to a small bowl and set aside to cool.
- Slice the brie cheese into ½ inch thick slices. Heat a side skillet on medium heat. Do not let the pan get too hot or it may brown the bread before the cheese has melted. Depending on the size of your skillet you may need to do this in two batches.
- Spread butter on one side of four of the bread slices. Place butter side down in the pan. Top the bread with the brie slices. Let the bread slowly fry until the brie begins to soften and the bread is golden brown. Sprinkle the cheese with the chopped thyme.
- Spread a thick layer of blackberry jam on the remaining bread slices and place jam side down over the brie cheese. Butter the top side of the bread and then carefully flip. Continue to fry the sandwich until the bottom piece of bread is golden brown and the brie is melted.
- Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a cutting board. Let cool for a couple of minutes before cutting in half with a sharp knife. Enjoy!
This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Hi Vanessa! You can definitely make the blackberry balsamic jam ahead of time. I would make the sandwich itself just before serving for the best quality 🙂
This looks fantastic! I’d love to serve it at an upcoming brunch but one pwerson is diabetic. What can I substitute for the sugar? Thank you!
Hi Holly! You could use a sugar substitute instead of the sugar, such as Splenda, Swerve, or stevia. Jam made without sugar won’t be as thick so you may need to cook it a little longer. Use the conversion amounts recommended on the package of whichever sugar substitute you choose. Hope that helps!
what protein would you add for those who want a meat or poultry with their sandwich?
Hi Susan! I think some bacon or prosciutto would be perfect in this sandwich 🙂
Similar to Holly’s question, I would like to substitute honey for sugar. Have you tried this? Does it work just as well?
Hi Elspeth, thanks for reaching out 🙂 I haven’t actually tried making this with honey, however, I think it should work. Honey is sweeter than sugar so I would reduce the amount. Start with 3 or 4 tablespoons and taste as you go. Let me know how it goes!
Wonderful combination of flavors! Couldn’t wait to try and it did not disappoint!
Thanks Rebekah! I’m so happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Wondering …. can the blackberries be sub’d out with blueberries??
Hi Karen, I haven’t actually tried that but I think the flavours would work well together. Let me know if you give it a try! 🙂