Easy Blackberry Balsamic & Brie Grilled Cheese with Applewood Bacon

enpasi

A gourmet twist on grilled cheese, featuring melted Brie cheese with a tangy blackberry balsamic glaze, and crispy Applewood bacon. Sweet, smoky, and creamy, it’s a flavor-packed sandwich that’s both savory and sweet.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, european

Servings 7

Equipment

2 pans one for the blackberry jam and another for the toasting of the bread (I used hexclad for this)

Ingredients

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp organic cane sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 pinch sea salt
1 thin slice double cream brie cheese we did 2 slices ;D
1 tsp fresh thyme
2 slices sourdough bread any bread will do.. but sourdough is lovely
1 tbsp grass fed butter for frying
4 slices organic apple wood bacon

Instructions

Make the Blackberry Balsamic Jam: In a medium saucepan, combine the blackberries, balsamic vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer the Jam: Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. Occasionally crush the berries with a wooden spoon or potato masher to help break them down. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools. Tip: If you prefer a smooth jam without seeds, you can strain it through a fine mesh cheese strainer after cooking. This will help remove the seeds for a smoother texture. I should have done this the first time so I am adding this to save you!
Prepare the Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Slice the brie cheese into thin pieces. Heat a skillet over medium heat. If your skillet is too hot, the bread will brown before the cheese melts, so be mindful of the heat. You may need to cook the sandwiches in two batches.
Butter the Bread: Butter one side of each of the four slices of bread. Place the buttered side down in the skillet.
Assemble the Sandwiches: On each slice of bread in the skillet, layer the brie cheese. Let it cook slowly until the brie begins to melt and the bread becomes golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh thyme for added flavor.
Add the Jam & Flip: On the remaining slices of bread, spread a generous layer of the blackberry balsamic jam. Place the jam side down on top of the melted cheese. Butter the top side of the bread and carefully flip the sandwich to fry the other side.
Cook the Sandwiches: Continue to fry the sandwich until the bottom is golden brown and the brie is fully melted inside. If desired, add crispy applewood bacon inside for extra flavor.
Serve: Remove the grilled cheese from the pan and place on a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing it in half with a sharp knife. Perfect for a picnic day as the summer days are approaching us!

Notes

Additional Ingredient Ideas:

1. Caramelized Onions:
  - - Adding caramelized onions will bring a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the tangy blackberry balsamic jam and creamy brie.

1. Arugula or Fresh Greens:
  - - Adding a handful of arugula or other fresh greens can introduce a peppery, slightly bitter note to balance the sweetness of the jam and the richness of the cheese.

1. Honey or Fig Jam:
  - - Drizzling a bit of honey on the sandwich or using fig jam instead of blackberry would add an extra layer of sweetness and richness, especially when paired with the brie and bacon.

1. Nuts (like Chopped Walnuts or Pecans):
  - - Toasted nuts could give a nice crunch to the sandwich and pair well with the soft brie and sweet-tart jam.

1. Balsamic Glaze Drizzle:
  - - A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top of the finished sandwich could enhance the balsamic flavor in the jam and bring a glossy finish to the sandwich.

1. Avocado:
  - - Adding slices of avocado could add creaminess and a mild flavor that balances the stronger flavors of the bacon and brie.

1. Mustard:
  - - A little Dijon or whole-grain mustard on the bread could add a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the jam
      
      Serving Ideas:
      1. Pair with a Simple Salad:
        
        A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a mix of fresh greens and roasted vegetables could make for a more well-rounded meal.
      2. Side of Sweet Potato Fries:
        
        Serve the sandwich with crispy sweet potato fries for a savory-sweet combo that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the grilled cheese.
      3. Soup Pairing:
        
        A comforting bowl of homemade tomato or chicken noodle soup would complement the grilled cheese beautifully.
      Recipe Tips:
      - Cheese Melting Tips:
        
        If you’re finding that the cheese isn’t melting as quickly as you’d like, covering the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking can help the brie melt faster without burning the bread.
      - Make-Ahead Jam:
        
        The blackberry balsamic jam could easily be made ahead of time, and you could store it in the fridge for a few days. This way, you can assemble the sandwiches quickly when you’re ready to eat!

Keyword appetizer, balsamic, blackberry, brie cheese, easy meal, easy recipe, lunch, picnic meal idea, sourdough

Easy Blackberry Balsamic & Brie Sourdough Grilled Cheese with Applewood Bacon