This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese offers a luxurious upgrade to a classic comfort food. Creamy Brie pairs beautifully with tart, juicy blackberries and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, all toasted between slices of golden, buttery artisan bread. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors in a simple, elegant sandwich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a sophisticated spin on grilled cheese, this recipe delivers with minimal effort. The richness of Brie, brightness of blackberries, and tangy sweetness of balsamic glaze create a flavor profile that feels gourmet but comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for a quick lunch, an elegant brunch offering, or even a light dinner paired with a green salad or soup.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Artisan bread
- Brie cheese, thinly sliced
- Fresh blackberries, lightly crushed
- Balsamic glaze
- Unsalted butter
directions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Lay out the bread slices and butter one side of each.
- Flip two slices over (butter side down) and layer with Brie cheese.
- Spoon lightly crushed blackberries over the Brie.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the berries.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Grill the sandwiches in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Let sit for 1 minute before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 2 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 365 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Prosciutto: For a savory touch, add a slice or two of prosciutto between the cheese and berries.
- Use Goat Cheese: Substitute Brie with creamy goat cheese for a tangier twist.
- Berry Blend: Mix raspberries or blueberries with blackberries for a medley of flavors.
- Herbed Butter: Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the butter before spreading.
- Honey Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of honey with or instead of the balsamic glaze for added sweetness.
storage/reheating
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. If you must store it, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until warmed through and the bread is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, goat cheese, Camembert, or even mozzarella can work well as alternatives to Brie.
How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Lightly crush the blackberries and avoid overloading to maintain texture. Toasting until golden helps maintain crispness.
What type of bread works best?
Artisan bread with a sturdy crust holds up well to the fillings and grilling.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well before using to prevent excess moisture.
Is balsamic glaze the same as vinegar?
No, glaze is thicker and sweeter. You can reduce balsamic vinegar with a bit of sugar to make your own glaze.
How do I crush the blackberries?
Use a fork to lightly press them in a bowl; aim for a jam-like consistency without mashing them completely.
What can I serve with this sandwich?
A mixed greens salad, tomato soup, or sweet potato fries pair wonderfully.
Can I make this ahead?
It’s best made fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and assemble just before grilling.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, though you may want to reduce the balsamic glaze slightly for a less tangy flavor.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes, place in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet, flipping halfway through, until golden and melted.
Conclusion
Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. With creamy Brie, sweet blackberries, and tangy glaze toasted to perfection, it’s a sandwich that elevates any meal. Whether served for brunch, lunch, or a relaxed dinner, this flavorful recipe adds a gourmet touch to everyday comfort food.
Print
Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and savory grilled cheese featuring creamy Brie, juicy blackberries, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, all sandwiched between crisp, golden artisan bread.
Ingredients
- 4 slices artisan bread
- 8 oz Brie cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh blackberries, lightly crushed
- 2 tsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Lay out the bread slices and butter one side of each.
- Flip over two slices (butter side down) and layer with Brie slices, followed by crushed blackberries.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the blackberries.
- Top with remaining bread slices, butter side up.
- Grill in the skillet 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Let sit for 1 minute before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a panini press for an evenly crisp finish.
- Add a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor depth.
- Try with fig jam for an alternative sweet layer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg