Crispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

This Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese combines a tangy homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam with melted white cheddar and mozzarella for a unique twist on a classic comfort food. The sweet and savory flavors balance perfectly, making it a delicious treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

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

1. Step 1: In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the fresh blueberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and the bundled lemon thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Lower the heat to low and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, stirring often, until the jam thickens. Remove and discard the lemon thyme bundle. Let the jam cool for 10 minutes before using.
3. Step 3: Lay out 4 slices of bread and spread the blueberry lemon thyme jam evenly on each. Sprinkle the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the jam, then top with the remaining 4 slices to form sandwiches.
4. Step 4: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place two sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden on the bottom, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and repeat the process with the other two sandwiches.
6. Step 6: Cut each sandwich in half and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and extra lemon thyme leaves if desired for an aromatic finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon thyme for the jam and as a garnish to enhance the bright, herbal notes.
• For a creamier texture, add a little cream cheese inside the sandwich along with the cheddar and mozzarella.
• Try substituting the sourdough bread with a rustic country loaf or ciabatta for different textures.
• If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt while making the jam.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispiness and melt the cheese again. The blueberry lemon thyme jam can be refrigerated separately for up to one week.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for the jam?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid a watery jam.

What can I substitute for lemon thyme?

If you don’t have lemon thyme, regular thyme or lemon zest can be good alternatives to maintain the herbal and citrus notes in the jam.

Crispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

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4.9 from 52 reviews

This Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese combines the sweet and tangy flavors of homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam with creamy white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all sandwiched between slices of toasted sourdough bread. Cooked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet with butter, these sandwiches offer a delightful balance of crispy texture and gooey cheese, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh thyme for a refreshing aromatic twist.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the 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

For the Sandwiches

• 8 slices sourdough bread, each 1/4 inch thick
• 4 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 oz whole mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsp butter
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing
• Extra lemon thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam: In a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the fresh blueberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and the bundled lemon thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Lower the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens, about another 10 minutes. Remove and discard the lemon thyme bundle. Let the jam cool for 10 minutes before using.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of sourdough bread and spread a generous layer of the cooled blueberry lemon thyme jam evenly onto each slice. Sprinkle the grated white cheddar and shredded mozzarella cheeses over the jam. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to form sandwiches, pressing gently to secure.
3. Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt. Place two assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid burning. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and repeat the process with the remaining two sandwiches.
4. Finish and Serve: Cut each sandwich in half. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and extra fresh lemon thyme leaves on top for a fragrant and flavorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a crispy texture.

Notes

• Use fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor in the jam.
• Adjust the amount of sugar in the jam to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Make sure to use a good quality sourdough bread for a sturdy sandwich that crisps well.
• Cooking the sandwiches on medium heat prevents burning while ensuring the cheese is thoroughly melted.
• Optional: Add a dash of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the jam for a spicy twist.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Keywords: blueberry grilled cheese, blueberry jam, lemon thyme, sourdough grilled cheese, fruit jam sandwich, sweet and savory sandwich