Calling all grilled cheese lovers.. you don’t want to miss this.
I have been wanting to recreate this recipe for SO long!
Back story: Do I have any Vampire Diary fans here? If so, you are likely familiar with Mystic Grill. It’s the restaurant that the teens in the show frequently hang out at. I’ve never seen the show, but I know there is a huge fan following and this restaurant has become iconic for that reason.
My sister lives in the Covington area here in Georgia where the show was filmed. She and my BIL often eat at Mystic Grill which is a full functioning, historic restaurant & bar outside of the show. Occasionally when we visit, we eat there with them for lunch. They offer traditional southern food with a twist and that brings me to tell you, it was here at Mystic Grill that I had THE BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH EVER! It was called the Mystic Grilled Cheese.
I have honestly been dreaming of recreating it ever since I ate it years ago. It’s unique combination of ingredients work so well with each other – sweet blackberry jam, spicy jalapeno, gooey Havarti and crispy bacon. Unfortunately, it was a seasonal menu item at the time and is not always available to order.
I was so obsessed with this sandwich, that I asked our server if the chef would tell me how he made his blackberry jam (which was the shining star of this grilled cheese). The chef was not willing to give up his secrets which I completely understand and respect, but it was worth a shot. When I saw blackberries on sale yesterday at Publix for 99 cents, I knew that was my chance to grab a few pints and make my own Blackberry Jam and to finally make this dreamy sandwich at home.
I knew trying to recreate this recipe exactly as it was at Mystic Grill was going to be difficult, but I am so happy with how it turned out. The right amount of sweetness of the homemade Blackberry Jam made all the difference. Using Havarti instead of another cheese is a key factor as well. Any other cheese just won’t do this recipe justice. This sandwich only requires 6 ingredients and I am so glad I could make a version to call my own and share with you all!
As a short cut, you can use store bought blackberry jam, but I highly recommend making your own. It makes the grilled cheese so much better! You can reuse it for pancakes, waffles, toast, desserts and so much more.
I promise you will not find another grilled cheese recipe like this!
Since finally creating this recipe, we’ve had it for lunch and dinner at least twice a week. IT’S THAT GOOD!
Let’s dive in..
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp butter
- 6 slices Havarti cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked
- ½ jalapeño, diced
- 4 tbsp blackberry jam
Instructions
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. Then place 1 slice, butter side down on skillet or griddle pan.
- Top with 3 slices cheese, 2 slices bacon, and desired amount of jalapeños.
- Spread blackberry jam evenly on other piece of buttered bread (opposite side as butter). Then place butter side up on toppings.
- Grill over medium heat, flipping after 3-4 minutes.
- Grill both sides until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
