Blackberry Boursin Grilled Cheese is a rich, melty sandwich that balances creamy, herbed Boursin cheese with bright blackberry jam and gooey Fontina, all pressed between thick slices of buttery, toasted bread. The garlic-and-herb notes of Boursin (similar in texture to a spreadable goat cheese) add a savory counterpoint to the jam’s fruity sweetness, creating a gourmet grilled cheese that’s easy to make at home.
I wasn’t always a fan of flavored cheeses, but Boursin surprised me: it’s creamy, herb-forward, and has a mild garlic note that spreads effortlessly. Paired with jam, it turns a simple sandwich into something special. For extra melt and that irresistible cheese pull, I add shredded Fontina—mild and buttery, it pairs beautifully with the Boursin and blackberry jam.
Why you will love this blackberry grilled cheese
- Simple ingredients. This recipe relies on store-bought components: bread, Boursin, jam, Fontina, and butter—no complex prep required.
- Ready fast. From start to finish the sandwich takes about ten minutes: spread, pile, and pan-fry.
- Gourmet presentation. The contrast of sweet jam and savory herbed cheese makes this sandwich feel elevated—perfect for brunch, a casual dinner, or a fancy snack.
- Easy to customize. Swap Boursin flavors, try different jams, or add extras like bacon or herbs to suit your taste.
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese that originated in France. It’s made with a cream base blended with herbs and seasonings, which gives it a smooth texture and aromatic flavor. Commonly served as a spread on crackers or bread, Boursin also melts well in sandwiches, pastas, and warm appetizers.
Ingredients
These are the ingredients for two sandwiches. Adjust quantities to scale up.
- Bread – Thick slices of sourdough, multigrain, brioche, or another artisan-style loaf.
- Blackberry jam – Use a good-quality store-bought jam or preserves; choose the level of sweetness and seed preference you like. Bonne Maman is one popular brand choice.
- Boursin cheese – I use Garlic & Fine Herbs, but other Boursin flavors or a savory flavored goat cheese will also work.
- Fontina – Shredded Fontina melts nicely and gives that classic grilled-cheese texture; gruyère or mozzarella are suitable alternatives.
- Butter – Salted or unsalted for frying the sandwiches.
See the recipe section below for exact quantities and nutrition details.
Equipment
A non-stick or well-seasoned skillet works best for evenly browning the bread and melting the cheese. A spatula for flipping and a grater for shredding the Fontina are helpful.
Step by step
Layering this grilled cheese is quick and straightforward: spread, add jam and cheese, assemble, and pan-fry until golden and melty.
Spread Boursin on one side of each slice of bread.
On two slices, spoon on blackberry jam and top with shredded Fontina. Close each sandwich with the remaining slices, Boursin side down.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat until foamy. Add the sandwiches and cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately while warm.
Expert tip
For even browning and the best butter flavor, melt butter in the pan rather than spreading it directly on the bread. This helps the bread crisp uniformly and prevents sogginess.
Variations
- Change the jam: Try fig, blueberry, strawberry-rhubarb, or apricot. Each fruit adds a slightly different sweetness and acidity.
- Add bacon: Crisp bacon adds smoky saltiness that pairs beautifully with the jam and herbs.
- Swap the cheese: Try different Boursin flavors (for example, caramelized onion or chive varieties) or use gruyère or mozzarella instead of Fontina.
What to serve with this sandwich
Pair this decadent grilled cheese with lighter sides for balance. Fresh fruit—blackberries or a fruit salad—works well. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, and a sparkling or iced beverage refreshes the palate.
Storage
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven or a toaster oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve crispness, as the bread can become soggy.
FAQ
Should I shred my cheese for grilled cheese?
Yes. Shredding cheese distributes it more evenly and helps it melt consistently throughout the sandwich.
How do I shred soft cheeses?
Soft cheeses like Fontina or fresh mozzarella can be chilled briefly in the freezer (about 8–10 minutes) so they firm up slightly, making them easier to shred without clogging the grater.
Recipe
Blackberry Boursin Grilled Cheese
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 5 mins | Total time: 10 mins | Serves: 2 sandwiches
Summary: A sweet-and-savory grilled cheese made with Boursin, blackberry jam, and shredded Fontina on thick bread.
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick bread (sourdough, multigrain, or brioche)
- 2–4 tablespoons blackberry jam or preserves
- 4 tablespoons (about 2 ounces) Boursin cheese, room temperature
- 4 ounces Fontina cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter for grilling
Instructions
- Spread Boursin on one side of each slice of bread.
- On two slices, add blackberry jam and top with shredded Fontina. Close sandwiches with the remaining bread (Boursin side down).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwiches 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Notes
Buttering the pan rather than the bread helps the bread absorb butter evenly and yields a crisp, golden exterior.
Nutrition (approx.)
Per sandwich: 825 kcal; Carbs 92.2 g; Protein 20.4 g; Fat 43.8 g. Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.