A grilled cheese that sings with summer’s sweetness and savory depth, the Fontina, Blackberry Basil Smash Grilled Cheese is a bold twist on comfort food. Velvety Fontina melts into a luscious pool of nutty richness, cradled between golden, buttery slices of artisan sourdough. But the real magic lies in the smash: a vibrant compote of juicy blackberries muddled with fresh basil leaves, kissed with a hint of balsamic and cracked black pepper. As the sandwich sizzles, the berries soften and swirl into the cheese, creating pockets of tangy-sweet brightness that burst with every bite. It’s herbaceous, indulgent, and just a little wild—like a picnic in a vineyard, pressed into a panini.
In a large bowl, mash blackberries with a fork (be careful – they will splatter!) and stir in chopped basil. Heat an electric griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat.
Lay a piece of cheese on each slice of bread, then top with a few spoonsful of smashed blackberries. Gently pick up 3 slices, brush some olive oil on the bottom, and place them on the griddle or skillet. Place the remaining slices on top, brushing them with olive oil too. Cook low and slow so the bread gets perfectly golden and the cheese melts, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
4 servings