What does balsamic vinegar do in a grilled cheese?

Great question! Balsamic vinegar brings depth and balance to sweet or rich ingredients. In a Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese , it cuts through the creaminess of the brie and enhances the fruity notes in the blackberries. It's tangy, slightly sweet, and adds a gourmet twist.

Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Frozen blackberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just simmer them a little longer to reduce excess water. Your blackberry balsamic jam will still come out thick and flavorful, making your sandwich every bit as delicious.

What is the best bread for grilled cheese with brie?

Hands down, sourdough bread wins for its chewy texture and subtle tang. However, brioche or multigrain bread also hold up well. They toast beautifully and pair nicely with the creamy brie and fruity jam in your Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese .

Is blackberry brie grilled cheese good for kids?

It can be! Kids who enjoy sweet-savory flavors may love this sandwich. If the balsamic is too bold, you can reduce the amount or swap it for a milder berry jam. Cut it into small triangles, and it becomes a fancy yet fun lunch for little ones.

Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese

Description

This Blackberry Balsamic and Brie Grilled Cheese is a gourmet twist on the classic, layered with sweet blackberry balsamic jam, rich brie cheese, and crispy sourdough bread. It’s a decadent lunch idea that blends creamy, fruity, and tangy flavors into one irresistible bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups blackberries
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Pinch of kosher salt
300g double cream brie cheese, sliced
8 slices sourdough bread
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (optional)
Butter, for spreading

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer 7–10 minutes until thickened.
Set the jam aside to cool completely.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low. Butter one side of each bread slice.
Place 4 slices butter-side down in the skillet. Add sliced brie and sprinkle with thyme.
Spread the cooled blackberry balsamic jam on the other 4 bread slices. Place jam-side down over the brie.
Butter the top sides of the sandwiches, then flip carefully and grill until both sides are golden and cheese is melted.
Let rest for a minute before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Try prosciutto or caramelized onions for added depth.
Frozen blackberries work well too—just simmer a bit longer to reduce excess moisture.
For a lighter version, use low-fat brie and olive oil spray instead of butter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Grilling, Assembling
Cuisine: Gourmet Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 13 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: blackberry grilled cheese, brie sandwich, blackberry balsamic jam, gourmet grilled cheese, artisan sandwich, vegetarian grilled cheese