Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe
If you’re craving something both comforting and a bit adventurous, trust me, this Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe is going to blow your mind. It’s the perfect balance of tangy fruit, creamy cheeses, and that bright punch from the lemon thyme that turns your regular grilled cheese into something truly special. Stick with me here because I’m about to share all my tips and tricks so you get it just right every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Balance: The sweetness of the blueberry jam contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of white cheddar and the creaminess of mozzarella.
- Fresh Herb Kick: Lemon thyme adds a subtle citrusy note that lifts the whole sandwich, making it feel fresh and sophisticated.
- Perfect Texture: Sourdough bread crisps wonderfully while the cheeses melt perfectly for that gooey, delightful bite.
- Simple Technique: Using a cast iron pan with a lid ensures even cooking and melty cheese every time without burning the bread.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This combo of fresh blueberries, tangy cheeses, and fragrant lemon thyme is just magic together. When shopping, look for ripe blueberries and a good quality white cheddar — it makes all the difference.
- Fresh Blueberries: Choose ripe and plump berries, avoid any that look soft or moldy as they’ll affect your jam’s flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the berries to make a jam that isn’t too sweet.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps set the jam; fresh is best here for flavor.
- Lemon Thyme Sprigs: This herb adds that lovely citrus-herbal note that takes this grilled cheese beyond basic.
- Sourdough Bread: Thick slices hold up to the moisture of the jam and provide a crispy crust.
- White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and full-flavored to contrast the sweet blueberry jam perfectly.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty texture that creates the perfect grilled cheese stretch.
- Butter: Brushed on the bread to create a golden, crispy exterior when cooked.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle at the end for a finishing touch of crunch and boosted flavors.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love about this Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often switch up the herbs or cheeses depending on what I have on hand, and honestly, it still turns out fantastic.
- Herb Variation: I’ve swapped lemon thyme for fresh basil or rosemary during different seasons—each brings its unique twist that’s just as delicious.
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping mozzarella with fontina or gouda if you want a smokier or nuttier flavor note.
- Jam Twist: I once tossed in some crushed black pepper flakes to the blueberry jam for a subtle spicy kick—surprisingly amazing!
- Dietary Mod: For a lighter version, use less butter or substitute with olive oil spread, though butter does create that unbeatable grilled texture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Blueberry Lemon Thyme Jam
Start by combining the fresh blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and the tied lemon thyme sprigs in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. As it heats up, you’ll notice that beautiful blueberry aroma fill the kitchen—I swear this smell alone makes the wait worth it. Once it reaches a boil, reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 20 minutes total, stirring often so it doesn’t stick. The jam should thicken and coat your spoon. Don’t forget to fish out that lemon thyme bundle before letting it cool a bit!
Step 2: Assemble Your Sandwiches
Lay four slices of your sourdough bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the blueberry jam on each slice—you want enough for a sweet-tart burst without soggy bread. Top with both white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, distributing them evenly to get that melty, stringy goodness in every bite. Then, carefully place the remaining slices over the top to close your sammies.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat—this pan is a game-changer for grilled cheese! Pop in two tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely, coating the surface. Place two sandwiches down and cover the skillet with a lid to trap in heat and encourage even melting. Cook for 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on that golden crust forming. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If you notice the bread browning too fast, just lower the heat; patience is key here. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches and remaining butter.
Step 4: Finish and Enjoy
Once cooked, transfer your sandwiches to a cutting board and slice them in half for easy handling. I like to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top along with a few fresh lemon thyme leaves—it adds that extra pop of flavor and a hint of crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe
- Use Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh lemon thyme sprigs for the jam; dried won’t give that bright citrus note we’re chasing.
- Low and Slow for Melting: Keep your pan at medium or medium-low once the sandwiches are cooking to avoid burnt bread and under-melted cheese.
- Don’t Skip the Lid: Covering the pan traps heat, which helps the cheese melt evenly without needing super high heat.
- Balance the Jam: If the jam is too runny after cooking, just simmer a bit longer; you want it thick enough not to soak your bread.
How to Serve Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping the sandwiches with flaky sea salt and a few fresh lemon thyme leaves because it adds a subtle crunch and a fresh herbal aroma right before you dig in. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of honey on top adds a touch of extra sweetness that just works.
Side Dishes
This grilled cheese pairs perfectly with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, or a simple soup like tomato bisque to keep things cozy. For a fun twist, I’ve served it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze—surprisingly good!
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I like to cut the sandwiches into smaller triangles and arrange them on a wooden board with assorted cheeses and fresh herbs. It makes for a beautiful rustic presentation that gets everyone talking. A lemon thyme sprig tucked into each sandwich also looks charming and hints at that special ingredient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and it rarely lasts), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I find that waiting too long makes the bread lose its crispness, so enjoy them fresh!
Freezing
I’ve frozen these sandwiches before by wrapping them individually in parchment paper and then foil. Frozen, they keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating to ensure even warming.
Reheating
To bring back the magic, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter until the cheese is melty and the bread crisps up again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunchy exterior and gooey interior.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries for the blueberry jam?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them a bit first to avoid excess moisture that can make the jam too runny. Cook it a bit longer to reduce and thicken the jam if needed.
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Do I have to use both white cheddar and mozzarella?
While you can use just one cheese, combining white cheddar’s sharpness with mozzarella’s meltiness creates a wonderful flavor and texture balance that I highly recommend trying first.
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Is lemon thyme necessary, or can I substitute it?
Lemon thyme gives a unique citrus-herb flavor, but if you can’t find it, regular thyme or even fresh basil can work as substitutions, though the flavor profile will be a bit different.
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How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Make sure your blueberry jam isn’t too runny and spread it in a relatively thin layer. Also, cooking the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat with butter helps crisp up the bread and prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods with a twist, and I genuinely can’t recommend it enough. It’s the kind of sandwich that surprises your taste buds and makes you feel like you’re treating yourself—without any fuss. Next time you want something cozy but a little unexpected, give it a try and let me know how much you love it as much as I do!
Print
Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese with Lemon Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Blueberry White Cheddar Grilled Cheese sandwich combines tangy blueberry jam with melty white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sandwiched between crispy sourdough bread slices and enhanced with a hint of lemon thyme and flaky sea salt for a gourmet twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Jam
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 small bunch lemon thyme sprigs, tied in kitchen twine
Sandwich
- 8 slices sourdough bread, ¼” thick
- 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz block mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsp butter
- flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the blueberry jam: Combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon thyme 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 for another 10 minutes, stirring often until the mixture has thickened. Remove the lemon thyme and let the jam cool for 10 minutes.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of sourdough bread. Spread an even layer of the cooled blueberry jam onto each slice. Distribute the shredded white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the jam. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to close the sandwiches.
- Cook the first batch of sandwiches: Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely. Place two sandwiches into the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden brown. Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, reducing the heat as needed, until the second side is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Cook the second batch of sandwiches: Transfer the cooked sandwiches to a cutting board. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and repeat the cooking process with the remaining sandwiches.
- Serve: Cut each sandwich in half diagonally. Sprinkle flaky sea salt and extra lemon thyme leaves over the top for garnish and added flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon thyme with regular thyme or fresh rosemary for a different aroma.
- Use thick-cut sourdough bread for the best texture and sturdiness.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the jam if you prefer a less sweet or sweeter taste.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use a non-stick skillet for cooking.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese and butter substitutes, and omit the jam or use a fruit spread without added sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
