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Golden crispy blueberry grilled cheese sandwich cut in half showing melted cheese and purple jam

Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese

This sweet and savory grilled cheese combines melted white cheddar and mozzarella with homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam for a gourmet sandwich ready in under 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pint fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 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 tablespoons butter
  • flaky sea salt for finishing

Equipment

  • 2-quart saucepan
  • 12-inch cast iron skillet with lid
  • cutting board
  • Kitchen twine
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. 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 10 minutes.
  2. Lower the heat to low and continue simmering for another 10 minutes (20 minutes total), stirring often until the jam thickens and coats the back of your spoon. Remove and discard the lemon thyme bundle. Allow the jam to cool to room temperature, at least 10 minutes.
  3. Lay out 4 slices of bread. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cooled blueberry lemon thyme jam evenly onto each slice. Sprinkle the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the jam. Top with the remaining 4 bread slices to form sandwiches.
  4. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium to medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan.
  5. Place two assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. The lid traps steam to help melt the cheese. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden on the bottom.
  6. Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. If bread browns too quickly, lower the heat.
  7. Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, and repeat with the remaining two sandwiches.
  8. Cut each sandwich in half. Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and extra lemon thyme leaves if desired.

Notes

Make sure to cook your compote until it's thick and jammy, not watery, or you'll end up with a soggy sandwich. Cook on medium to medium-low heat, as too high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts. Use fresh shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melt. Let your blueberry compote cool completely to room temperature before assembling the sandwiches. The compote makes about 1 cup and can be made up to a week ahead.
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