If you’re craving a grilled cheese sandwich that bursts with unexpected flair, then the Crispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This sandwich combines crispy, buttery sourdough bread with luscious melted cheeses and a vibrant, homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam that adds a zingy sweetness you won’t believe.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Amazing Flavor Fusion: The combination of tart blueberries, fresh lemon, and fragrant thyme alongside melty cheddar and mozzarella creates an irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and herbal notes.
Simple yet Sophisticated: With just a handful of ingredients, you transform an everyday grilled cheese into a gourmet delight.
Perfect Crispy Texture: That golden, buttery crust gives each bite a satisfyingly crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese filling.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a comforting lunch, a casual brunch, or a fun snack, this recipe shines anytime you want a little culinary adventure.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient here plays an important role in crafting the perfect bite — from the tart blueberry jam that enlivens the palate to the gooey mix of cheeses and the crispy sourdough bread that holds it all together. The lemon thyme adds a subtle herbal brightness that takes this sandwich to another level.
- Fresh Blueberries: Fresh berries give the jam a natural brightness and texture you can’t get from frozen or preserves.
- Lemon Juice & Lemon Thyme: These add zesty, aromatic tangs that elevate the jam beyond sweet into truly sophisticated territory.
- Sourdough Bread: Its sturdy, slightly tangy crumb crisps up beautifully without getting soggy.
- White Cheddar & Mozzarella: The cheddar brings sharpness, while mozzarella melts into that creamy, stretchy center we all love.
- Butter: Essential for that golden, crispy exterior on the grilled bread.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A finishing touch to enhance every flavor and add a delicate crunch.
How to Make Crispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam
Start by combining fresh blueberries, white sugar, lemon juice, and a bundle of lemon thyme in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil, then simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring often until the jam thickens to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency. Removing the thyme bundle at the end leaves the jam perfectly infused without overpowering the flavor. Let it cool slightly before moving on.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
Lay out your slices of sourdough and spread a generous layer of the blueberry lemon thyme jam evenly over half of them — this jam is where the magic starts! Then sprinkle a mixture of shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Cap each with a remaining slice of bread to form your sandwiches, ready to be grilled into golden perfection.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches
Heat your skillet and melt a couple tablespoons of butter until it’s shimmering. Add two sandwiches at a time and cover with a lid to trap warmth, helping the cheese melt evenly. After a few minutes, check for a deep golden crust before flipping gently to toast the other side. Add more butter and repeat with the remaining sandwiches. The key is to maintain medium heat so the bread crisps without burning and the cheese melts perfectly.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Slice each sandwich in half to reveal the gorgeous melted center. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and, if you like, a few fresh lemon thyme leaves for an aromatic pop. Serve warm to savor the delightful contrast of crispy, melty, sweet, and tangy in every bite.
How to Serve Crispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top doesn’t just enhance flavor but adds a delicate crunch that complements the crispy bread. Fresh lemon thyme leaves provide a beautiful visual and a fragrant herbal note that pairs perfectly with the sweet-blueberry accents.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato basil soup for a cozy meal. For a bit of fun contrast, some pickled vegetables or a tangy slaw add brightness and texture alongside the rich grilled cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into quarters and serving them as finger food for brunch or a casual party. Place them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra blueberry jam and fresh herbs to encourage guests to customize each bite. You can even toast the bread with a hint of cinnamon or drizzle honey over the jam for an extra decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The jam may cause the bread to soften a bit, but you can restore crispiness when reheating.
Freezing
These sandwiches freeze well. To freeze, place individually wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat with a little butter, pressing gently to revive that crispy crust while melting the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the bread soggy and the jam runny.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh for the jam?
Yes! Frozen blueberries can be used, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before cooking the jam to prevent it from being too watery.
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What type of bread works best for this grilled cheese?
Sourdough bread is ideal because it crisps up beautifully and has a slight tang that complements the sweet-tart jam. However, any sturdy bread like country white or rustic Italian will also work.
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Can I make the blueberry lemon thyme jam ahead of time?
Absolutely! The jam can be made up to one week in advance and stored in the fridge. It tastes even better after the flavors meld for a day or two.
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How do I prevent the grilled cheese from getting soggy?
Cook the sandwich over medium heat and use enough butter to toast the bread evenly. Covering with a lid helps melt the cheese without increasing sogginess, and serving immediately keeps the bread crispy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is a joyful twist on a beloved classic and a guaranteed conversation starter. I can’t wait for you to try it—whether for a cozy solo treat or to impress friends with something uniquely delicious. Trust me, this sandwich will quickly become one of your all-time favorites, just like it did for me!
PrintCrispy Blueberry Lemon Thyme Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Blueberry Grilled Cheese recipe combines a sweet and tangy homemade blueberry lemon thyme jam with a gooey blend of white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sandwiched between crispy sourdough bread slices. Grilled in a cast iron skillet until golden and buttery, these sandwiches offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a unique and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Spread:
- 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, 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 to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. 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 and allow the jam to cool for 10 minutes before using.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of bread. Spread the cooled blueberry lemon thyme jam evenly onto each slice. Sprinkle the white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the jam. Top each with the remaining 4 slices of bread to form sandwiches. Be generous with the jam to achieve a nicely sweet and tangy flavor.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt. 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 for another 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden and cheese is melted. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Transfer cooked sandwiches to a cutting board, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet, and repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Finish and Serve: Cut each sandwich in half. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and optional fresh lemon thyme leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for even heating and the best crispy crust.
- Allow the blueberry jam to cool slightly before spreading to avoid soggy bread.
- Adjust the amount of butter used during grilling to ensure a golden, crispy exterior without burning.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt enhances the sandwich’s flavor by balancing sweetness.
- The lemon thyme bundle can be replaced with fresh thyme if lemon thyme is not available, but flavor will vary.