If you are searching for a unique twist on a classic favorite, you have to try this Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, with the luscious creaminess of melted white cheddar and mozzarella perfectly complementing the tangy, homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam. The nom-worthy crispiness of that golden sourdough crust pulls it all together beautifully, creating a sandwich experience that’s truly unforgettable and surprisingly simple to make.

Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the textures and flavors in this Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese. Each component plays an essential role—from the fresh blueberries that lend juicy sweetness to the rich, melty cheeses and the fragrant touch of lemon thyme that brings it all alive.

1 pint fresh blueberries: Fresh berries add vibrant color and a naturally sweet burst of flavor that’s essential for the jam.

1/4 cup white sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon and blueberries.
Juice of 1 lemon: Adds bright acidity to awaken the flavors and lift the jam.

1 small bundle lemon thyme, bundled with kitchen twine: This herb infuses a subtle citrus aroma for added depth.
8 slices sourdough bread, each 1/4 inch thick: The sturdy, crusty bread crisps up perfectly while supporting the melty filling.

4 oz white cheddar, grated: Sharp and creamy, it adds a lovely tang and richness.
4 oz whole mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey texture.
4 tbsp butter: Essential for that golden, crispy exterior and a buttery flavor kiss.

Flaky sea salt, for finishing: A touch of finishing salt enhances sweetness and adds crunch.

How to Make Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam

Begin your adventure by making the star ingredient—the blueberry lemon thyme jam. Combine your fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and the lovely bundle of lemon thyme in a saucepan. Bring this fruity concoction to a lively boil to draw out all the juices, then reduce the heat and let it gently simmer to thicken and concentrate in flavor. As it thickens, your kitchen will fill with a scent that is downright intoxicating. Remove the thyme bundle, letting the jam cool just enough before moving on. This jam will be the magic that turns the ordinary grilled cheese into something extraordinary.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches

Now comes the fun part—layering all those gorgeous flavors. Spread a generous amount of the still-warm blueberry lemon thyme jam across your slices of sourdough. Don’t be shy here; the sweetness and tanginess marry beautifully with the cheeses. Next, sprinkle the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella evenly. The cheddar brings that sharp bite, while the mozzarella grills to ooey-gooey perfection. Top with another slice of bread and gently press to get everything snug.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches

Heat your cast iron skillet and melt butter to prepare for golden perfection. Place two sandwiches at a time, covering the skillet with a lid to trap heat and help the cheese melt luxuriously. Cook each side until the bread is that perfect crispy gold and the cheese is melted beyond dreamy. Adjust your heat accordingly—too high and you risk burning the crust, too low and you lose the crisp. It’s worth taking the time; this step is what creates that signature crunch in the Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Slice your sandwiches in half to reveal the oozing, fruity, cheesy goodness inside. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top adds just the right touch of seasoning and texture contrast. If you have a few fresh lemon thyme leaves, scatter those on top too—they add a fresh herbal note and make your presentation pop. This isn’t just lunch; it’s an experience on a plate.

How to Serve Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

The simplest garnish can elevate your Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese from tasty to extraordinary. A light dusting of flaky sea salt brings a crunchy, salty contrast. For an elegant, aromatic finish, fresh lemon thyme sprigs scattered on top offer a fresh, herby aroma that beckons you to dig in.

Side Dishes

Pair your sandwich with sides that complement its sweet-savory brilliance. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Or, for something cozy, a bowl of hearty tomato soup makes a classic and comforting companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends? Cut your Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese into bite-sized triangles for a charming appetizer plate. Layering with edible flowers or microgreens can add an eye-catching gourmet touch. Serving warm jam on the side lets guests add an extra drizzle, turning the dish interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld even further overnight, though the crust may soften slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but ungrilled sandwiches by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. This makes for a convenient, quick meal ready to grill straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To revive that crispy, melty magic, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of butter, pressing gently to crisp the bread again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust crispy and the cheese wonderfully gooey.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen blueberries work well; just thaw and drain any excess liquid before making the jam to avoid it becoming too watery.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t have lemon thyme?

Regular thyme or even a small amount of fresh rosemary can provide lovely herbal notes that pair nicely with blueberry and lemon.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes, but sourdough’s sturdy texture and tangy flavor really elevate the sandwich. Brioche or a rustic country loaf can work in a pinch.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well, and substitute butter with vegan margarine or oil.

How sweet is the sandwich overall?

The jam adds a gentle sweetness balanced by the savory cheeses and salty finishing flakes, making for a harmonious sweet-savory bite.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted this Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese, you’ll wonder how such a simple sandwich could be so wildly delicious. It’s perfect for any time you want to treat yourself to something a little special, whether an indulgent lunch or a creative dinner. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food to share with friends and family.

Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 29 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese sandwiches combine sweet, tangy homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam with gooey white cheddar and mozzarella, all melted between perfectly toasted sourdough bread slices. Finished with flaky sea salt, these sandwiches offer a delightful balance of fresh fruitiness and rich, cheesy comfort ideal for a unique and flavorful meal.

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

Sandwich

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

Instructions

Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam: Combine fresh blueberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and a bundled lemon thyme sprig in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Lower heat to low and simmer another 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens. Remove and discard the thyme bundle. Let the jam 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 shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the jam. Top each with remaining bread slices to form 4 sandwiches. Be generous with the jam to create a sweet and tangy flavor balance.
Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place two sandwiches in the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Adjust heat to prevent burning. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to skillet, and repeat with the remaining sandwiches.

Finish and Serve: Cut each grilled sandwich in half. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optionally garnish with extra fresh lemon thyme leaves for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the sugar in the jam to taste depending on blueberry sweetness.

For an even crispier crust, lightly butter the outer sides of the bread before grilling.
Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm melted cheese and fresh jam.
You can substitute lemon thyme with regular thyme if unavailable, though flavor will vary slightly.

Cast iron skillet helps achieve an evenly browned, crispy crust.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Category: Snack, Lunch
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450
Sugar: 12g

Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g

Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: blueberry grilled cheese, blueberry jam sandwich, lemon thyme grilled cheese, crispy grilled cheese, fruit jam sandwich