It’s almost the 4th of July!!!
One of my very favorite holidays because I am obsessed with fireworks. I’m sure this is totally surprising information given that I am never a sucker for bright, sparkly things, but I can ooohh and ahhh for the entire fireworks show, and always get a little sad when they start going all crazy for the grand finale because that means it’s over.
Maybe it’s because for years I never got to watch the fireworks? I’ve spent almost every summer since I was 15 years old at theatre camp. First as a student, then as a counselor, and the last few years as a teacher/director/choreographer. For most of those years, the camp was located at the top of this hill in the middle of nowhere White Salmon, WA. We were always in rehearsals at night, so I never got to get into town (a good 40 minute drive) to watch the fireworks. Now camp is in Portland, and we light little sparklers and the kids get really into it which is fun in an entirely different way.
You know what else I love about the 4th of July? RED WHITE AND BLUE FOOD!!! Last year, I made red, white and blue cookies, and they still stand as some of my all time favorite cookies. This year, I decided to go with something you could eat for lunch or dinner while celebrating America (you have to pronounce it Ah-murrr-kah).
This sandwich….I just…I’m not sure I even have the words? I made it 3 times in 1 week. The brie cheese is so melty and dreamy, and then the goat cheese provides the perfect creaminess. Both of these cheeses pair perfectly with fruit, and the raspberry jam adds a bright sweetness the compliments the slightly tart bursting blueberries. It sounds crazy, but it just works. It works so well that you want to eat it every day for the rest of your life. You know I’m not usually a meal repeater, but I can’t get enough of this sandwich, and I can see it making a comeback all year long.
Check out the latest episode of Drink & Dish to learn the secret to making a perfectly melty grilled cheese, and make sure to also check out Nicole’s super fun 4th of July Citrus Splash. I mean, it has poprocks and it’s BLUE!
Ingredients
- 4 slices whole grain bread (use gluten-free if applicable)
- 2 tbsp reduced sugar raspberry jam (or jam or choice)
- 1 1/2 oz goat cheese, at room temperature
- 2 small handfuls fresh blueberries (preferably organic)
- 2 oz light brie cheese, sliced, rinds removed
Instructions
- Heat a large grill pan, griddle or nonstick pan over medium-low heat.
- Spread 2 slices of bread with 1 tbsp each of jam. Spread remaining two pieces with softened goat cheese (evenly divide the 1 1/2 oz between the two slices). Place a handful of blueberries on each goat cheese slice and lightly press the berries into the cheese. Top each with 1 oz sliced brie. Place the jam side on top.
- Grill until the bottom is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until both sides are browned and cheese is fully melted, about an other 5-7 minutes. Serve immediately.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Yum! #thatisall
Ari says
Hehe, thanks Angela! Those were kinda my thoughts too 😉
Linz @ Itz Linz says
UNBELIEVABLE! seriously this look awesome!
Ari says
It really really was. I wish I had an other one sitting in front of me right now! Thanks Linz!!
MIZMIZ says
oooh and the soiree is at my house this year tool.
I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET.
Ari says
Yessss–you will all love it!
Katy @ Katy's Kitchen says
This looks so fun! I love the idea of a fruit and cheese sandwich, it sounds absolutely decadent.
Ari says
It’s a little bit like dessert for dinner, which I would consider to be the best of all worlds. 😉
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
OMG how is it almost July 4th already??!? This grilled cheese looks super delicious!!
Ari says
I know right??? This year is flying! Thanks friend!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Oh friend you are speaking my language! I love brie and goat cheese so much. Paired with raspberry and whole grain bread? To.die.for 😉
Ari says
Thanks friend!! I’m not surprised this one is right up your alley 😉
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
Uhhh goat cheese? Yes, Jam? Yes. Brie? Yes, yes! This is so yummy!
Ari says
Right??? So many of my favorites!!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
SUCH a great idea for the 4th!
Ari says
Thanks friend!!
Russell at Chasing Delicious says
What a fantastic grilled cheese recipe idea! Yum!
Ari says
Thanks Russell!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Oh yum! Love the idea of a 4th of July sandwich.
Ari says
Thanks friend!!
Tricia says
Yum! These sound delicious and I love the theme! Can’t wait to try them out. Pinning!