Blackberry & Fontina Grilled Cheese |
The Upgrade Your Lunch Needed |
There are grilled cheese sandwiches, and then there are grilled cheese sandwiches that make you wonder why you ever stopped at cheddar. This version, created by Napa Valley chef Sandy Sauter, layers melted fontina with mashed blackberries and fresh thyme on whole-grain bread. The result is rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and just unusual enough to feel special without being fussy. Sauter has deep roots in Napa Valley’s culinary world. Fontina & Blackberry Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the blackberries and thyme. Lightly mash the berries with a fork so they break down but still retain some texture. Lay four slices of bread on your work surface. Divide about half of the shredded fontina among the slices, then spoon the blackberry mixture over the cheese. Top with the remaining fontina and the second slice of bread. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches until the first side is browned and the cheese begins to melt, about three minutes. If the bread is nicely toasted before the cheese is completely melted, transfer the sandwiches to a baking sheet and finish them in the oven until the fontina is soft and gooey. Serve immediately. Why It Works
Fontina is mild, buttery, and particularly good at melting, which makes it an ideal base for a grilled cheese. The blackberries cut through that richness with tart fruit and just enough sweetness, while thyme keeps the sandwich firmly in savory territory. And unlike some “chef” recipes, this one does not require a dozen specialty ingredients or half an afternoon. It is basically grilled cheese with better instincts. |
28 Comments
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Spork Kitchens is awesome! Glad to see one of their co-owners sharing cool recipes.
Not sure how I feel about fruit in my sandwich but people said the same about pineapple on pizza. Might try it.
This is giving me autumn picnic vibes. Gonna make it for my next wine night.
Vanessa M.That sounds like such a cozy idea. Let us know which wine you pair it with! I’m thinking a pinot noir would be great.
Do you think frozen blackberries would work just as well? Fresh are hard to find sometimes.
I never liked sweet things with cheese before but maybe this will change my mind.
Whole grain bread makes it feel a little healthier… right? Asking for a friend.
We like to think so too, whole-grain bread adds fiber and a nutty flavor, making the indulgence just a little more wholesome.
I made this tonight and it’s REALLY good! Didn’t think I’d like the thyme but it works.
Wish I’d seen this before I used up all my garden blackberries. Next summer!
I love trying new grilled cheese variations. This feels very Napa Valley to me!
I like the idea, but fontina’s pricey here. Maybe I’ll mix with mozzarella to stretch it.
Anyone ever try this with goat cheese instead? Just curious how it melts.
Blackberries and cheese was a combo my grandma used in pies. Grilled cheese though? That’s a twist!
Would sourdough work instead of whole grain? I don’t usually have that on hand.
Love that it doesn’t call for a bunch of weird ingredients. My kind of quick meal.
Definitely not your average lunchbox sandwich. Looks perfect with tomato soup though.
Absolutely, this sandwich and tomato soup are a classic pairing with a bit of a twist!
Not sure about fruit on my grilled cheese, but maybe my kids will like it. They’ll eat anything sweet.
I’ve known Sandy Sauter since her Copia days! She always comes up with tasty combos.
Tried something like this once at a wine bar but never thought to do it at home. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you’re inspired to make it at home, enjoy, and let us know how it pairs with your favorite wine!
Sounds delicious, but where do you even get good fontina around here?
Great question! Many well-stocked grocery stores and specialty cheese shops carry fontina, and if you can't find it, a good-quality Gruyère or provolone can work in a pinch.
Love the touch of thyme. I have some in my garden, might give this a go this weekend.
That sounds perfect, fresh thyme from your own garden will add even more vibrant flavor to the sandwich!
I’m a cheddar loyalist but this might convince me to branch out. Looks fancy!
Fontina and blackberries? Never would’ve put those together but it actually sounds amazing.