Bushra Griffith
Grilled cheese is a beloved classic, but some people like to experiment with this simple dish by adding fruits to it. Fruits like apples, tomatoes, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and even figs are used in grilled cheese sandwiches. This addition of fruits to grilled cheese sandwiches is considered a culinary game-changer by some, while others are not so sure about it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Cherries, Figs, Blueberries, Pomegranates, Blackberries, Tomatoes, Peaches, Apples, Pears, Plums, Spinach, and more |
| Cheese | Ricotta, Burrata, Chevre, Gruyere, Fontina, Swiss, Brie, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, Gouda, and more |
| Bread | Sourdough, White Bread, Italian Bread, Whole Wheat Bread, and more |
| Other Ingredients | Olive Oil, Pesto Sauce, Spinach, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Homemade Guacamole, Onion, Mushrooms, Fresh Basil, Basil Leaves, Lemon Juice, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Pepper Seasoning, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Cherries, blueberries, and blackberries are popular fruit choices
Blackberries, for instance, are unique in that they are tart, crunchy, juicy, tangy, and sweet all at once. They have a whimsical colour that tends to look beautiful next to a white or off-white melted cheese and toasted bread. Blackberries can be crushed before being added to the sandwich to release their juices and disrupt their fibrous centre. Fontina or Swiss cheese pairs well with blackberries, as does goat cheese, mozzarella, and basil in a Caprese-inspired combination. Crispy bacon or prosciutto can also be added for some extra protein.
Blueberries are another popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with brie or white cheddar. The combination of sweet and juicy blueberries with salty, buttery, crisp sourdough bread and cheese creates a delightful sweet and salty flavour profile. To prepare the blueberries, they can be cooked with sugar, lemon juice, and thyme until they become intensely sweet and thickened. Caramelized onions and herbs like thyme can also be added for extra flavour.
Cherries are also a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, as they are deeply flavorful, sweet, tart, and juicy. When using cherries, it is important to choose the correct variety to complement the other ingredients in the sandwich.
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Apples and pears are also used
Apples and Pears
When making a grilled cheese with apples or pears, it is important to consider the type of cheese and bread used. For apples, a strong, aged cheese like gouda will stand up to the sweetness of the fruit. For pears, a milder cheese like mozzarella or ricotta may be preferable, to allow the flavour of the fruit to shine through. As for bread, a tangy sourdough or a mellow-flavoured white bread are good options, as they will not overpower the other ingredients.
To assemble the sandwich, start by buttering one side of each slice of bread. Place the slices, butter-side down, in a heated pan. Add the cheese to one slice of bread, and the fruit to the other. Once the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, bring the two slices together and enjoy!
For an extra special treat, try grilling both sides of the sandwich for a salted, buttery flavour. Or, for a truly indulgent experience, use salted butter to enhance the sweet and savoury contrast of the sandwich.
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Figs and pomegranates are less common but add a unique crunch
While less common, figs and pomegranates can add a unique crunch to grilled cheese sandwiches. Figs, with their seedy texture, offer a pleasing crunch along with a honey-like sweetness. They pair well with milky, mellow cheeses like ricotta or burrata, which allow the fruit's flavour to shine. A tart cheese such as chevre can also complement the sweetness of the figs. A sprinkle of Parmesan Reggiano adds a kick of salt and umami.
Fig jam is another option for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can be paired with tangy goat cheese and salty Gruyere, creating a sweet and savoury flavour combination. The jam can be spread on buttered bread, topped with Gruyere, and sprinkled with salt and pepper. The other slice of bread, spread with goat cheese, is then placed on top. The sandwich is cooked until both sides are browned and the cheese is melted.
Pomegranates, with their crunchy seeds, add a burst of sweetness and a unique texture to grilled cheese. They can be added to a variety of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, camembert, halloumi, and horseradish cheese. When paired with avocado, pomegranate seeds create a lovely green and red colour palette. They can also be added to a grilled Nutella sandwich for a sweet and tart flavour combination.
Grilled cheese with figs or pomegranates offers a unique and sophisticated twist to the classic comfort food, elevating the taste experience and making it a treat for the senses.
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Fruit jams are also an option
When it comes to fruit jams, the options are endless. You can opt for a classic, such as grape or apple jam, or get creative with black currant preserves or lingonberry jam. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try making your own fruit jam specifically tailored to your taste buds.
For those who want to take their grilled cheese to the next level, consider a unique combination such as a blueberry grilled cheese with Gruyere cheese. The nuttiness and butteriness of the Gruyere perfectly complement the sweetness of the blueberries. Alternatively, you could try a blackberry grilled cheese with Fontina cheese. The tanginess and sweetness of the blackberries create an interesting contrast with the sharp and nutty flavours of the Fontina.
If you're looking for a more gourmet option, consider adding fresh figs to your grilled cheese. The crunchiness and sweetness of the figs, paired with a milky cheese like ricotta or burrata, create a sophisticated and indulgent flavour profile. For an extra kick, add a small amount of Parmesan Reggiano to the mix.
So, whether you're a traditionalist who sticks to the classic grape or apple jam, or a culinary adventurer willing to experiment with unique combinations, adding fruit jams to your grilled cheese is a fun and delicious way to elevate this comfort food favourite.
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Grilled cheese with fruit is a culinary game-changer
The key to a successful grilled cheese with fruit is in the ingredients. With endless types of cheese and fruits to choose from, the combinations are endless. However, it is important to choose quality, purposefully selected ingredients that complement each other. For example, the sweetness of figs goes well with the milky, mellow flavours of ricotta or burrata, while the tartness of cherries can be balanced by a sharp cheese like cheddar or chevre.
Some unique fruit and grilled cheese combinations include blueberries with gruyere, blackberries with fontina or Swiss cheese, and pomegranate with cheddar. These fruits add a burst of flavour and a crunchy texture to the sandwich, taking it beyond a classic grilled cheese.
In addition to fresh fruit, jams and preserves can also be used to add a sweet and tangy element to a grilled cheese. Apple butter, black currant preserves, and lingonberry jam can elevate the flavour profile of the sandwich. Grilled cheese with fruit can be a sweet and savoury treat that is perfect for any time of the day.
For those who want to get creative, there are endless possibilities for combining grilled cheese with fruit. Whether it's adding sliced apples to a brie grilled cheese or making a peach bruschetta with chipotle cheddar, the possibilities are endless. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite fruity grilled cheese combination!
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Frequently asked questions
Fruits that can be added to grilled cheese sandwiches include blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, cherries, tomatoes, and figs.
Some cheeses that can be paired with fruit in a grilled cheese sandwich are Gruyere, Fontina, chevre, Parmesan Reggiano, and Brie.
One recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich with fruit is to use sliced bread, butter, Brie, and a fruit spread of your choice. Another recipe is to make a peach bruschetta with garlic, basil, olive oil, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, and add it to a grilled cheese sandwich with spinach and whole wheat bread.
Adding fruit to a grilled cheese sandwich can enhance the flavor by adding sweetness, tartness, and juiciness. It can also add texture and nutrition to the sandwich.
There are no specific fruits that should be avoided, but it is important to choose fruits that complement the cheese and other ingredients in the sandwich. Some people may also prefer to avoid fruits that are too sweet or tart.
