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.
Oooh I love adding fresh apple to savory dishes! And this panini is a sure win in my book!
This would be d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s. with Honey Crisp apples too!
Ahhhh I LOVE Palmer’s!! I am totally drooling right now. Thank goodness I will be in town soon for the half marathon and I can get that goodness. I know exactly which sandwich you are talking about, and it is the best thing ever! I have tried to recreate it at home too, but the original is the best!!
Oh, I love a good oooey gooey panini.
OMG…my mouth is literally watering reading this post! Cannot wait to try this. I would make it this instant, but, it’s 1 o’clock in the morning here in California and I’m in bed, in the dark, catching up on email, next to a sleeping husband. But, guess what I’m having for lunch tomorrow…or maybe breakfast!
Yum!!! That looks so good!!
I love your blog, but since you had Lincoln, I find myself scrolling quickly down to see the pictures of him and when there are none, I am disappointed! I’ll have to go back to get my Lincoln fix today!
Love apples & cheeses and apples on sandwiches. These look delicious! Makes me want to put on a big warm sweater and eat them curled up on the couch.
Kristin, this looks AMAZING. And can we talk about how even the dollop of apple butter in the picture is absolutely perfect? You’ve got skillsss girl. :)
I am also obsessed with Palmer’s. We should make that our next outing!
Yesss, that sounds perfect! I’ll email you!
These look great! I have to tell you, my husband’s birthday is tomorrow and we celebrated tonight with three of your recipes…burboun chicken and apple slaw, Chick-a-Filet poppers with honey mustard and Magic Carrot Cake Bars, which I made into a two layer cake. Just wanted to give you a HUGE thank you for such delicious, well thoughout recipes that turn out like you hope they will. I honestly gave my hubby the blog and told him to pick his meal and that’s what we had!
That is so great to hear, Meredith! Made my day. :) Happy birthday to your hubby!
Oh My Goodness!! Could you be pregnant? Maybe a little brother or sister for that beautiful little boy you have? lol I hope so!! That sandwich looks delicious.
Ohh I feel like I’m in the Sahara of no subs!! Almost 17 weeks and all I want is a deli sub!!! I’ve Ben having my husband make cheesesteaks at least on the weekend but still not the same! This looks delicious :)
I used to live in Des Moines, and I LOVE Palmer’s Deli, especially their chili, iced tea and cookies. And I also remember this wonderful sandwich. All of this makes me a bit homesick. I will try your recipe; it looks easy and good!
Diane
anewchpater-diane.blogspot.com
This looks seriously yummy. I love adding apples to my grilled cheese, so of course I’m loving the sounds of melty brie. And the apple butter? Best idea ever.
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!