Blackberry Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 slices crusty bread
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ounces (about ½ cup) goat cheese, softened
• 4 ounces fresh blackberries (about ½ cup), cut into quarters
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced
• 2 ounces (about ½ cup) fresh mozzarella , torn into small pieces

Generously butter one side of each bread slice, then place half of the bread slices butter-side down in a large skillet (reserve the other half of your bread slices for the top of your sandwiches!) You may have to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.

Spread a thin layer of goat cheese on the non-butter sides of bread in the skillet.

Place cut blackberries on top of the goat cheese. Place basil on top of blackberries.

Divide the mozzarella cheese between the sandwiches and place on top of the basil.

Place remaining bread on top of sandwiches, butter side up. Turn the skillet to medium heat. I like to start with a cold skillet because it gives the cheese more time to melt as the skillet heats up, and the butter will still help the bread get crispy. This method ensures a crispy sandwich with super oozy, melty cheese!

Cook sandwiches 2-3 minutes on each side (once skillet is hot) or until bread has lightly browned and cheese has melted. Serve immediately.

• Add some protein. Add crispy bacon or prosciutto to these sandwiches to make them a bit heartier.
• Swap the blackberries for raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, or sliced tomato.
• Add some greens. Layer a bit of spinach or arugula between the cheeses for a pop of color. This sandwich is also good with a bit of sliced avocado in the mix!
• No fresh basil? Add a layer of basil pesto or our favorite arugula pesto.
• Mix up the cheeses. We love the tart + creamy combo of goat cheese and mozzarella here, but use what you have! We like swapping brie, white cheddar, whipped feta, or havarti for some or all of the cheeses in this recipe.
• Make it mini! Use baguette slices instead of larger bread slices for bite-sized grilled cheeses.