If you are craving a magical twist on a classic comfort food, this Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the luscious sweetness of homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam with the gooey blend of white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, every bite delivers a mouthwatering flavor explosion. The sandwich’s perfectly crisped sourdough exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender, fruity interior, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that will have you wishing you made two. This recipe is simple yet impressive, guaranteed to brighten your day with its warm, fruity, and savory goodness.

Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese works together to create a balance of flavors, textures, and colors that are simply irresistible. You don’t need fancy stuff, just fresh, quality ingredients that bring out the best in every bite.

Fresh blueberries: The star of the jam, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color that wakes up the palate.
White sugar: Just enough to enhance the blueberries’ sweetness without overpowering their bright flavor.
Lemon juice: Adds refreshing citrus notes that lift the jam and cut through the richness of the cheese.
Lemon thyme bundle: Infuses the jam with a subtle earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with both fruit and cheese.
Sourdough bread: Provides a sturdy, flavorful base that crisps beautifully when grilled.
White cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it complements the sweetness of the jam.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey creaminess and meltiness for the perfect grilled cheese texture.
Butter: Essential for that golden, crispy crust that makes this sandwich unforgettable.
Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch that enhances all the flavors with a delicate crunch.

How to Make Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam

Begin by combining fresh blueberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and a bundle of lemon thyme in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring this fragrant mixture to a boil, then simmer it gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the jam to thicken. Stirring frequently is key to avoid sticking, and removing the thyme bundle after simmering leaves behind just the perfect hint of herbal essence. Let the jam cool slightly before spreading it onto your bread.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out half your slices of sourdough bread and spread a generous amount of the luscious blueberry lemon thyme jam on each one. Don’t be shy here—this jam is the sweet and tangy heart of the sandwich. Next, scatter a mix of shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the jam. Top with the remaining bread slices to seal in all that goodness. The contrast between jam and cheeses promises a delicious, unexpected bite every time.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt two tablespoons of butter until sizzling. Place two sandwiches in the pan, cover with a lid to trap the heat and help melt the cheese evenly. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until the bread achieves a golden, crispy exterior. Flip carefully to repeat on the other side. Adjust your heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese becomes perfectly melty inside. After cooking the first two, add the remaining butter and repeat with the last sandwiches.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Cut each crispy sandwich in half diagonally to reveal the melty, jammy center. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top for a delightful burst of flavor and add extra fresh lemon thyme leaves if you like a fresh herbal finish. This final touch elevates the Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese from delicious to unforgettable. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt perfectly complements the sweet and savory layers, while a few fresh lemon thyme leaves add a bright, fresh aroma that enhances every bite. If you want to get creative, a drizzle of honey or a light scattering of toasted nuts can add an exciting crunch and extra hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast. Roasted root vegetables or a bowl of creamy tomato soup also work beautifully to round out the meal, making it extra cozy and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your grilled cheese into fun bite-sized cubes for a party appetizer or serve alongside small ramekins of additional blueberry jam for dipping. You can even jazz it up with a sprinkle of edible flowers on the plate for an eye-catching, gourmet touch. The vibrant colors make this sandwich a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind, the bread’s crust might soften, so reheating properly is key to bring back the crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze ungrilled assembled sandwiches by wrapping each securely in plastic and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and grill fresh for that irresistible crisp texture and melty cheese.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers without losing that coveted crispiness, use a skillet over medium-low heat and cover with a lid. This method slowly warms the sandwich while melting the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the perfect crunch. A quick toast in a toaster oven also works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for the jam?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work well and are a great option when fresh ones are out of season. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before starting your jam to avoid a runny spread.

What if I don’t have lemon thyme?

Lemon thyme adds a subtle citrusy-herbal note, but if you can’t find it, regular thyme or even a small strip of lemon zest will still bring lovely flavor. Just remove any herbs before spreading the jam.

Can I make this sandwich vegan?

Yes! Use vegan butter and substitute the cheeses with your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The blueberry jam is naturally vegan, so you’ll still get that wonderful fruity and crispy experience.

Is it okay to use other bread types?

Sourdough is preferred for its sturdy texture and flavor, but you can try artisan white bread or whole grain bread to your taste. Just make sure the slices are not too thick or the sandwich might not cook evenly.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

Use just enough blueberry jam to flavor without soaking the bread, and let the jam cool before spreading. Cooking on medium heat slowly crisps the bread and melts the cheese without turning the sandwich soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese is truly a delightful adventure for your taste buds. The way the sweet-tart jam harmonizes with creamy cheeses and golden, crunchy sourdough makes it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for a cozy solo lunch or impressing friends at a weekend brunch, this sandwich elevates simple ingredients into something spectacular. Go ahead, give it a try and savor every crispy, melty bite!

Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh blueberry lemon thyme jam with the savory richness of white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The sourdough bread is grilled to golden perfection with a buttery crust, creating a delectable sandwich experience that balances fruity brightness with melty, gooey cheese. Perfect for a unique lunch or light dinner, this recipe elevates the classic grilled cheese with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam

1 pint fresh blueberries
1/4 cup white sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 small bundle lemon thyme, bundled with kitchen twine

Sandwiches

8 slices sourdough bread, each 1/4 inch thick
4 oz white cheddar, grated
4 oz whole mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 tbsp butter
Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam: Combine the fresh blueberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and bundled lemon thyme in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Lower the heat to low and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring often, until the jam is thickened. Remove and discard the lemon thyme bundle. Allow the jam to cool for 10 minutes before using.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of sourdough bread. Spread the cooled blueberry lemon thyme jam evenly onto each slice. Sprinkle equal portions of the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the jam. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to form sandwiches. Be generous with the jam for a sweet and tangy flavor balance.
Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt completely. Place two assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden and cheese is melted. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and repeat the grilling process with the remaining two sandwiches.
Finish and Serve: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optionally garnish with extra fresh lemon thyme leaves for an aromatic, flavorful finish. Serve immediately while warm and melty.

Notes

Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor in the jam; frozen blueberries can be substituted but may require additional cooking time to thicken.
The combination of white cheddar and mozzarella creates a perfect melty and flavorful cheese blend.
Adjust the amount of jam to your taste preference—more jam will add sweetness and tang.
Cooking on medium heat helps to ensure the sandwiches become crispy without burning.
Storing leftover jam in a sealed container in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 1 week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Lunch, Snack
Method: Grilling, Simmering
Cuisine: American