Fancy Dressed-Up Grilled Cheese: Parisian Picnic Style
Indulge in a healthier gourmet grilled cheese with melty cheese, jam, and fresh thyme. Whole wheat bread and antioxidant-rich jam make this Parisian-inspired sandwich delicious, wholesome, and perfect for a more balanced bite of food.
Gooey, melty Swiss and Parmesan cheese meet sweet and tangy blueberry jam, while fresh thyme adds an herby lift for a truly elevated grilled cheese. Crispy, buttery bread rounds it all out for a crunchy, golden exterior. It's an easy, gourmet-style sandwich you’ll want to make again and again!
Thanks so much for stopping by! If you make these grilled cheese, have any questions, or just want to say hi, leave a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.
Ingredients:
Whole fruit blueberry jam (chunks included; lower sugar version recommended)
Whole wheat or whole grain sandwich or artisan bread
Baby Swiss cheese sliced
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Sprigs fresh thyme
Smart Balance Butter (or other plant-based, lower-saturated fat butter)
How to Make Theses Up-Scale Grilled Cheese
Step 1 - Lay 2 slices of bread flat. On one slice, layer two slices of baby Swiss cheese. On the other slice, spread 1 tablespoon of blueberry jam. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon Parmesan cheese and gently crumble the thyme leaves over the jam.
Step 2 - Place the jam-covered slice over the cheese slice. Brush the top with butter.
Step 3 - Repeat for the second sandwich.
Step 4 - Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the buttered side down on the skillet. Brush the tops with butter.
Step 5 - Cook 3–5 minutes until the first side is deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–5 minutes until the other side is golden and crispy.
Step 6 - Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Parisian picnic-inspired grilled cheese sandwiches!
Health Notes & Benefits
Whole Wheat Bread: Packed with fiber and complex carbohydrates to support digestion and sustained energy.
Swiss & Parmesan Cheese: Lower-fat cheeses that provide protein and calcium for bone and muscle health (plus they are naturally lactose free).
Whole Fruit Jam: Antioxidant-rich blueberries (or strawberries) support heart and brain health while adding natural sweetness with less sugar.
Fresh Thyme: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Smart Balance Butter: Plant-based, lower saturated fat option helps you get the buttery flavor without excess unhealthy fats.
Balanced Nutrition: Combines healthy fats, protein, fiber, and antioxidants for a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal.
Pro Grilled Cheese Tips & Variations
Swap blueberry jam for strawberry or your favorite whole-fruit jam.
Look for 100% whole wheat bread for maximum fiber and nutrients. Multi-grain works too, but check labels for less processed options.
Use lower-fat, lactose-free, or plant-based cheeses if preferred.
Sourdough can be used, but keep in mind it’s slightly less whole grain.
Adjust thyme to taste—fresh herbs elevate flavor and nutrition.
Smart Grilled Cheese Closing Thoughts
This Parisian picnic grilled cheese is more than comfort food—it’s a little love letter to wholesome ingredients. Crunchy, melty, slightly sweet, and herby, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even an indulgent snack. Whole grains, antioxidants, protein, and fresh herbs make it a balanced, nourishing treat you can feel good about enjoying. I hope this sandwich takes you to a picnic in Pairs with the classic cheese, bread, and fruit combo that is so perfect and enjoyable!
- 2 tablespoons whole fruit blueberry jam (with chunks, lower sugar preferred)
- 4 slices whole wheat, whole grain, or artisan bread
- 4 slices baby Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Smart Balance butter (or other plant-based, lower-saturated fat butter)
- Substitute jam for strawberry or other fruit preserves
- Use sourdough bread for a different texture
- Adjust cheese variety to taste, keeping Swiss or lower-fat cheeses for health
- 30g whole fruit blueberry jam
- 4 slices whole wheat, whole grain, or artisan bread
- 4 slices baby Swiss cheese
- 10g shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 20g Smart Balance butter (or plant-based lower-saturated fat butter)
- Substitute jam for strawberry or other fruit preserves
- Use sourdough bread for a different texture
- Adjust cheese variety to taste, keeping Swiss or lower-fat cheeses for health
- Take 2 slices of bread and lay them flat. Place 2 slices of baby Swiss cheese on one slice and spread 1 tablespoon of blueberry jam on the other slice.
- Sprinkle ½ tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1 sprig of thyme (de-stemmed) over the jam.
- Place the jam-covered slice on top of the cheese slice to form the sandwich. Brush the top with butter.
- Repeat with the second sandwich.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place the buttered side of the sandwich down.
- Brush the top with butter and cook for 3–5 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and cook another 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
- Use whole wheat or whole grain bread for a more balanced meal.
- Frozen or chilled cheese slices work well for even melting.
- Adjust jam type based on personal preference; lower sugar jams keep this a healthier option.
- Plant-based butter helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior with less saturated fat.
- 🧀 Lower-fat cheeses (Swiss & Parmesan) provide calcium and protein with less saturated fat.
- 🫐 Whole fruit jam adds antioxidants and natural sweetness without excess sugar.
- 🌾 Whole wheat bread supplies fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.
- 🌿 Fresh thyme adds anti-inflammatory compounds and phytonutrients.
- 🥜 Plant-based butter gives healthy fats to support heart health.
- 🍽 Balanced meal: protein, healthy fats, and whole grains for sustained energy.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | ~450 | 23% |
| Protein | ~18g | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g | 14% |
| Fat | ~22g | 28% |
| Fiber | ~6g | 24% |
| Calcium | Moderate | 25% |
| Sodium | ~550mg | 23% |
