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.
have i ever told you, you are best,YES!!, making this tonight, THANKS.
I love all of these flavors– perfect combination on a toasted sandwich!
I love the apple and brie combination! Makes my lunch taste kind of boring right now!
We love Palmers. (Okay, I may be mildly obsessed with their brownies….) The Apple Orchard sandwich and the Cranberry Turkey sandwich are about the only ones I ever get when I get a sandwich.
Need to see about doing this with and without apples (My honey has a weird thing about no meat and fruit together. He doesn’t get it.)
I just made apple butter last night, yum!
Haha, love the * disclaimer. Isn’t it crazy how opinionated women get about pregnancy/new motherhood?! Sandwich looks fantastic!
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!