Unapologetically Strawberry. If I had a new hit album coming out, that would be the name. Probably a title track on there too. And I'd play it all. summer. long.
#noregrets
You know what else you should have no regrets about? Putting fruit on your grilled cheese.
It's like opening a door to a whole new world of good eating. I mean, we can be all for savory grilled cheeses, but we can also be for that contrast of naturally sweet and savory too. If cheese can be served alongside fruit for dessert, than we can put fruit on our damn grilled cheese and eat it for lunch.
From Pan to Plate
Thank you to Diamotech pans for letting me test out their new cookware!
Let's be honest, it didn't take having a toddler to seriously master my grilled cheese game. But now that I can hind behind that excuse, I'm going to. Helloooo, what else are we gonna dunk in all these delicious soups?
A connoisseur of kitchen gear, local Boston based cookware company Diamotech probably spotted me a mile away. We put their new pan to the test and walked away with tasty results. Here are our top tips for mastering the perfect crisp and creamy grilled cheese.
- Non-stick pan. I really did love this pan. It was easy to season, goes from stove top to oven, and YOU CAN THROW IT IN THE DISHWASHER. Dishwasher safe FTW every time.
- Butter. My preference is unsalted. Since we bake a lot (a lot) of things in this house - from cheesecakes to cornbreads - it's just become standard to only have unsalted butter, because salt can always be added. Or you can even use mayonnaise. YES. I went there and I'm not sorry. Mayo is awesome for making grilled cheese bread crispy and my French Canadian blood is ignoring your judgement.
- Bread. A hearty whole grain, a tangy sour dough, or a vivacious ciabatta are all good places to start. Personally, I love the traditional school yard nostalgia of a thick, country style white bread. Especially for this Strawberry Brie Grilled Cheese since it really lets the flavors of the cheese, fruit and herbs shine through while providing the perfect crunch.
- Medium heat. Have the heat too high, you'll risk burning the bread before your cheese gets melty. Have the heat too low the butter will soak all into the bread before browning.
- Get cheesy. The grilled cheese world was not built on one cheese alone. Sharp cheddar is the #1 go to, but Muenster is a nice mild alternative. If you want things to get gooey, savory good go for the brie.
Strawberry Brie Grilled Cheese
Go for the brie - triple cream brie if it's available. It's mild enough that it won't overcome the pop of the fresh strawberries, but savory enough to still calm that salty cheese need and the melt factor of brie is going to have you feeling all sorts of passionate things about food.
And then, you have the fresh thyme hiding inside to pop up and surprise you half way through a bite. Surprise you in like a "Surprise! Here's an all exspenses paid vacation to the spot of your choosing" kind of surprise. Not like a surprise, here's a flat tire.
While the Strawberry Brie Grilled Cheese may just be summertime sandwich perfection, I would like to personally offer my recommendation to drizzle that plate of perfection with a little balsamic. You can either top the insides before adding the last piece of bread, pour over the crunchy outside before you dig in, or maybe dip it on the side of the plate. Either way, you gonna be happy my friend. And that is all I could really ask.
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Did you make this? Tell me about it in the comments! If you're Team Fruit + Cheese - what are your favorite ways to have them?!
Summer Strawberry Brie Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 thick slices country style white bread (or another hearty style bread like Ciabatta)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large strawberries (tops removed and thinly sliced)
- 2 ounces triple cream brie (rind removed)
- 1 sprig thyme
- Optional: aged balsamic or balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Prep the bread: Spread ½ tablespoon on one side of each piece of bread. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the first slice of bread butter side down in the skillet.
- Stack the ingredients: Layer pieces of brie cheese, strawberries, thyme leaves (removed from the sprig,) then remaining brie cheese. Top with the last piece of bread, butter side up.
- Grill to crispy perfection: Cook each side for 3 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melty. Remove to a plate and slice down the middle with a serrated knife.
- Optional drizzle: for extra flavor, tang, and a little sweetness, drizzle Strawberry Brie Grilled Cheese with an aged balsamic (something that's naturally thicker and sweeter because of it's aging) or a balsamic reduction (balsamic vinegar that's reduced with sugar).
Sara Lehman says
Oh. My. This looks incredible! With fresh berries and creamy brie, this would be so hard to resist!
Heather says
Oooof!! Talk about the perfect sandwich! I love brie and am always looking for new ways to enjoy it. This sandwich is the ultimate grilled cheese!
Jessica Knott (swanky recipes) says
So many flavors I love all at once with this sandwich! Can't wait to use the garden fresh strawberries and my favorite cheese for a quick lunch this week!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
I have never thought of using strawberries in a grilled cheese!! It looks pretty amazing and I am looking forward to trying this flavour combo!
Julie says
Oooooh strawberries and brie sound like such a decadent combination! We have a wheel of brie and no plans for it -- I know what I'm making this week!!!
Saima says
Unapologetically Strawberry! Love the name of you new would-be hit album, haha! But seriously, I am imagining the taste of savoury+sweet and not disliking it one bit. Got to try it soon!
Kiki Johnson says
This is the grilled cheese of my dreams! I love the summery combination of berries, thyme and brie! I would love this for breakfast!
Renee Gardner says
This might just be my new go to sandwich! Why haven't I thought of this before?! Yum!!!
aditi bahl says
Hey, i need to try this one out. Never thought of strawberries and cheese together. But it does look interesting.will try it soon.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I LOVE a good sweet and savoury grilled cheese! I have only ever tried the blueberry brie or apple brie combo, never strawberries!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Okay, this is going to sound so silly but I have never thought of making a grilled cheese with brie! I love the addition of the strawberries and balsamic!!