Blackberry Balsamic Brie Grilled Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Creamy Brie and sweet-tart blackberries with balsamic reduction tucked between buttery, crisp slices of artisanal bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 slices artisanal bread, such as sourdough or country loaf
02 - 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced
03 - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Balsamic Reduction

05 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon honey

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the mixture reduces by half and achieves a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
02 - Place blackberries in a bowl and gently mash with a fork, keeping some larger pieces for texture.
03 - Lay out bread slices and spread butter on one side of each. Flip the bread and distribute Brie slices evenly on the unbuttered sides. Spoon mashed blackberries over half the slices and drizzle each with the prepared balsamic reduction.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward, to form complete sandwiches.
05 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and Brie is melted.
06 - Remove cooked sandwiches from the skillet, slice in half with a bread knife, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This sandwich tastes like you raided a fancy bistro kitchen, but all it really takes is a few minutes and a skillet.
  • The oozy Brie and tart blackberries combine for such a perfect bite, it quickly became my go-to for impressing myself and unexpected guests.
02 -
  • If you rush the balsamic reduction, it won’t thicken up and could make the sandwiches soggy.
  • Spreading butter clear to the edges of the bread is what gives you that perfectly crisp exterior instead of burnt corners.
03 -
  • If you lightly press with a spatula while grilling, the bread crisps up without the insides squishing out.
  • Finishing with extra balsamic drizzle before serving balances the richness beautifully.

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