Apple Orchard Panini is a seasonal grilled cheese recipe that's packed with gooey cheese, deli turkey, fresh apple slices, and apple butter. Fall sandwich perfection!
We grew up eating grilled cheese paired with Campbell’s canned tomato soup, or hot ham and cheese sandwiches, a couple nights a week. They were quick, easy, and could feed a crowd (aka me and my two hungry brothers).
These grilled sandwiches were just fine, though my hot and crispy, ooey-gooey, sweet and savory Apple Orchard Panini is incredible! This is the grilled cheese glow-up we’ve been waiting for!
Apple Orchard Panini is inspired by a trip I recently made to my favorite local deli.
Their seasonal grilled cheese sandwich includes roasted turkey, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, brie cheese, and sweet and cinnamony apple butter, layered between two slices of bread then pressed until golden brown and audibly crunchy. It was love at first bite, and I knew I had to recreate ASAP.
This panini is perfect for fall yet so delicious you’ll crave it all year long!
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Pin ItStart by heating a panini press to medium-high. I’ve ordered two of these Griddlers over the years (one was lost in a move) — they’re just great!
If you don’t have a panini press you can cook the sandwich in a skillet on the stovetop grilled cheese-style.
Next lay out a couple slices of Italian bread (gluten-free if GF). Brush one side of the bread slices with extra virgin olive oil, then flip ’em over and liberally spread apple butter on each slice. This ingredient totally makes the sandwich.
Next layer on roasted turkey and brie or provolone cheese.
Finally layer on thin slices of Granny Smith apple. I used this tart green apple because it’s flavor really shines through, though whatever you’ve got in the fridge is just fine.
Plop the lid on top…
Then press!
Slice in half with a serrated knife then serve.
I am telling you, this panini is absolutely incredible. The brie and apple butter sizzle through the cracks in the bread and get nice and crusty-caramelized on the outside. So, so good. Enjoy!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 slices gluten free bread
- 1/4 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon Apple butter
- 2-3 slices roasted deli turkey
- 1/4 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1 oz Brie cheese, sliced
Directions
- Preheat panini maker to medium-high. Brush one side of 2 slices of bread with extra virgin olive oil. Turn slices over then spread apple butter on both slices. Layer on turkey, apple slices, and brie cheese then place other side of bread on top.
- Place in panini maker (alternatively, cook the sandwich in a skillet on the stovetop) until golden brown and crispy. Allow to rest for 2 minutes then slice with a serrated knife.
Notes
- Ingredient measurements are guidelines only — please use the quantities you like best for a grilled cheese sandwich!
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
What kind of gluten-free bread have you found works best!?
Canyon Bakehouse is the very best! They have a “Heritage Loaf” that has huge slices of bread – great for paninis/grilled cheeses.
Made these today for lunch with a friend – so tasty! Thank you for sharing!
Hi, I know this is an old post, but I found it going through my older emails last night. I am going to make this with my gluten free flatbread, but I forgot to buy the apple butter:-( This looks like it was on regular bread with gluten, is it, or have you found a way to make a gluten free bread that is good?
Great idea. Did it with pear butter, bosc slices and slices of bbq’ed turkey breast and also tasted great. Next time will be with the apple theme. Thanks for sharing it.
Amazingly tasty! I made these for dinner 2 nights ago, then made it again last night only bruschetta/open-face style (just loaded up the ingredients on a single, thin slice of bread and broiled for a few minutes). Sooo good! I can’t thank you enough for all these recipes, my boyfriend thinks I’m some sort of magical chef lady.
Love it, Lara!! Keep on cookin’!
Made this for dinner tonight – delicious!!