Description
This Blackberry Balsamic & Brie Grilled Cheese recipe combines creamy brie cheese with a sweet and tangy blackberry balsamic mixture, sandwiched between buttery, toasted rustic bread. Perfect for a quick gourmet lunch or light dinner, this sandwich balances fruity, savory, and rich flavors with a crispy texture from the griddled bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Butter
- 4 slices of rustic bread (such as sourdough or ciabatta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Filling
- 6 ounces brie cheese, rind removed, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat to prepare for toasting the sandwiches evenly.
- Make Blackberry Balsamic Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, gently mashing the blackberries with a spoon or fork, until the mixture thickens and becomes syrupy, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Butter Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of rustic bread to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer sliced brie evenly over the unbuttered side of the bread, then spoon the blackberry balsamic mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Complete Sandwich: Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, to enclose the filling.
- Grill Sandwiches: Place sandwiches on the preheated skillet or griddle. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the brie melts. Adjust heat to avoid burning.
- Rest and Slice: Remove sandwiches from skillet and let cool slightly to allow cheese to set. Then slice each sandwich in half.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the rustic bread with your favorite artisan bread such as ciabatta or sourdough for different flavors and textures.
- If brie rind flavor is undesirable, ensure to fully remove the rind before slicing the cheese.
- For a vegan or dairy-free option, try replacing brie with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey in the blackberry mixture according to taste.
- Serve with a light salad or soup for a complete meal.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a herbaceous note that complements the sweetness of the blackberries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
