I never knew how much I liked deli sandwiches until I became pregnant and couldn’t eat them for 9 months.
Yes, for 9 long months I ordered a veggie sandwich or salad for lunch until one afternoon when I was 1,000 weeks pregnant (or what felt like it, anyway!) I found myself sitting across from Ben at one of our favorite delis on town. While I stabbed away at my umpteenth salad in as many months, he was molars deep in a mammoth-sized turkey, ham, and bacon sandwich, and it all got to be too much. On a whim, I reached over and snatched the sandwich from his hands then sunk my teeth into what tasted like THE best sandwich I’d ever had.
Like a drink of cold water in the scorching Sahara desert, the taste of turkey and ham was sweet salvation for my deli meat-deprived taste buds!
That is to say, I’m so very glad deli meat is back on the table because I’ve been eating it like crazy for lunch lately, including in this Apple Orchard Panini!
Apple Orchard Panini is actually inspired by another trip I recently made to our favorite aforementioned deli. Roasted turkey, tart Granny Smith apple slices, creamy brie cheese, and sweet and cinnamony apple butter are layered between two slices of bread then pressed until golden brown and audibly crunchy.
You guys.
The apple butter in here drives me wild. Mixed with the drippy brie and roasted turkey, it’s just heaven! Plus the crunchy apple slices really drove home the apple orchard theme.
This panini is perfect for fall yet so delicious you’ll crave it all year long!
Start by heating up a panini press to medium-high. I’ve had this Griddler for years and just love it. If you don’t have a panini press you can cook the sandwich in a skillet on the stove top grilled cheese-style.
Next lay out a couple slices of Italian bread (or gluten-free bread 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. Don’t be shy – really schmear it on there. It 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 GS because they’ve got a strong tart flavor that really shines through, but 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. The brie is to die for, too. Enjoy!
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Apple Orchard Panini
Description
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! iowagirleats.com keywords: lunch ideas, lunch recipes
Ingredients
- Italian bread or Ciabatta buns
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Apple butter
- Roasted deli turkey
- Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
- 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 generously 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.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
I just finished making Baked Apple Brie for a tailgate and this seems like the perfect dish to complement it. Just need to get some good ol’ turkey!
Any sandwich with apple butter has my name written all over it :-)
this is the thing i am LEAST looking forward to when i get pregnant. deli meat is another food group for me!
Yum! I can’t wait to try this. This looks like a great variation on my favorite grilled cheese – whole grain mustard, ham, Granny Smith slices, and cheddar! Give it a try :-)
I love when brie is all melty gooey yumminess!
Oh my gosh – I felt the exact same way when I was pregnant! I was never a huge sandwich girl but all I could think about was a delicious turkey sandwich! I finally gave in towards the end of my pregnancy, I just couldn’t take it anymore :)
I miss Palmers! Love that place. This Panini looks sooo good; can’t wait to try this one out.
There is a restaurant in Swisher, Iowa that makes this exact sandwich and it is truly delicious (the sandwich and everything else there too). It is called Kava House, if you are ever over by Iowa City or Cedar Rapids I highly recommend it it for breakfast, lunch or dinner! My family certainly loves it!
Apples on a sandwich is genius! I need to get a sandwich maker so I can have those wonderful grill marks on my bread.
I haven’t eaten meat in over 8 years but the one thing I miss is turkey sandwiches!! I don’t want steak or even chicken, just a freakin’ turkey sandwich. I think it’s because I used to eat them for lunch almost everyday growing up. With Boars Head maple turkey too, yum. Okay, I have to stop!
This looks awesome! Ill have to try it with Tofurkey…mmmm. ;)
I enlisted my best friend to bring a giant turkey sandwich to the hospital after my baby is born in a couple weeks! This version looks amazing!
I have had almost this exact same sandwich THREE TIMES this week. My version: a ciabatta bun spread with cranberry-cinnamon goat cheese, turkey, sliced granny smith apples and fresh black pepper. TDF. The cranberry/apple/turkey combo is insane! But this version with apple butter looks sooooo good too. Must try!!
Oh man, I LOVE Palmer’s…the cranberry turkey one is awesome, too, if you ever wanted to re-create it. ;)
I am for sure going to put this on my apple-making list after our trip to the orchard this weekend.
Yum. Yes, the apple orchard and turkey cranberry sandwiches at Palmer’s are my favorites!
Oh my gosh. I am so right there, in the middle of the desert of no deli sandwiches. One day I had a turkey sandwich then didn’t feel well after wards and was convinced it was the turkey so I haven’t pushed my luck again. I cannot wait until the baby is here and I can go back to quick delish sandwiches like this one!
So which is it? Apple butter or pumpkin butter? heehee ;) This sounds delicious and will definitely be making it for lunch this weekend! Thanks for making my life easier :)
Oh my gosh I am such a dope! I also bought pumpkin butter this week, which I am clearly excited to use! ;) Thanks for letting me know – changed the ingredient in the recipe.
Where did you find pumpkin butter? I’d love to try some of that. Yum!
trader Joe’s sell’s it and its so good!
Trader Joe’s!
This is my kid of sandwich! I love the combo of brie and apples!
Wait! What about Friday Favorites? I look forward to that every week!
I was planning to go to an apple orchard this weekend and now I have an extra reason. Such an easy way to dress up my usual turkey, cheese, lettuce sandwiches!
YUM! This looks awesome. Definitely adding to my list of recipes!
I’ve had turkey and apple paninis a lot, but never with apple butter as the condiment. Now I’m dying to try it!
I totally get the wanting something so much more when your pregnant and can’t have it. Soooo hard!
Oh I love creamy cheese and fruit combo on a panini. The apple butter addition is genius.