Blueberry Basil Grilled Cheese Panini

Although this Blueberry Basil Grilled Cheese may sound weird, it's one of the best things you'll ever have and very easy to make!

This easy and unique grilled cheese has so much flavor. The blueberries are combine with honey, lemon zest, and balsamic. Then the mixture is cooked until a jam like consistency. After cooling for a bit, it's spread on bread with goat cheese, mozzarella, and fresh basil. After cooking in either a pan or panini press, it's ready to share and enjoy!

I love to buy one ounce packages of goat cheese. We keep them in the freezer and just pull them out as we need them. They thaw perfectly overnight in the fridge. For the mozzarella, just use a thin slice of fresh mozzarella or about 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella; whatever you have on hand works!

Blueberry Basil Grilled Cheese Panini
Makes one sandwich

• 2 slices of bread (I used sourdough)
• 1 oz goat cheese, softened
• 1 oz fresh mozzarella slice
• 2 to 3 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon butter, divided
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Add the blueberries to a saucepan along with the balsamic and lemon zest. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer over medium low heat. Add honey and cook for about 5 minutes, or until berries burst and are soft. It should reduce to a heaping tablespoon. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely. 

Spread the goat cheese on one slice of bread. Top with mozzarella and basil leaves. Spread the blueberry mixture on the other slice of bread and place on top of the other. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of butter on each piece of bread. 

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip, and cook another 2 minutes or so until browned. Alternatively, place the sandwich in a panini press and cook until browned and melty. Remove from the skillet or press and place on a cutting board. Allow to set, about 2 minutes. Cut in half and enjoy!