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!
Pin this now to find it later
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.
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.