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.
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!!
hi,
This sandwich looks delicious but I am recently diagnosed with celiac disease. What type of bread would you recommend for this. I love your website for recipes etc.
Thanks.
I’m so sorry to hear that, Amy!! All recipes on my site from Feb 2014 and on are gluten-free. I hope I can be of some help to you! The best GF bread I’ve found is from Canyon Bakehouse. Their products are regularly sold at Super Target! http://canyonglutenfree.com/
[…] It’s pretty simple, panini bread, brie, oven roasted turkey, olive oil spray, and the recipe called for apple butter, but the store did not have any so we substituted Smuckers tart cherry spread. The inspiration for this sandwich can be found here. […]
[…] Photo: www.iowagirleats.com […]
Did you make the apple butter? Or, did you buy it? Was that at Trader Joe’s too?
It was Musselmann’s brand. I got it at Hyvee (regular grocery store.)
[…] this […]
I have had this panini on my “to-make” list ever since you posted it. Finally made it tonight and oh.my.word it is crazy good! I had not had apple butter in forever, so this was a wonderful way to remind me how much I love it! And I loved every single thing about this sandwich and will definitely be making again. Thank you for a great recipe!
So glad you enjoyed!
Had these for dinner last night and will now be dreaming of them all the time until I have them again. Lol. My husband loved them too. Neither of us have had apple butter before. What a treat!! Thanks for another delish recipe!
[…] look? Plus they’re a great way to use up the apple butter you may have bought to make my Apple Orchard Panini from last […]
Tell me about it with the deli meats! I’ve been telling my husband for months now that I would like my first post-pregnancy meal to be a nice, thick salami sandwich with cheese.
This Panini looks delish! Looking forward to trying it in a few months once our baby boy makes his appearance and I’ve gotten my fill of salami sandwiches.
I discovered this combo about a year ago and it’s one of my fav quick go-tos. I hadn’t thought to add the apple butter, I’ll have to try that next time; but it’s delicious with out too!
[…] budgeting. But when I saw this recipe, I changed my mind. I was scouring my new favorite blog, Iowa Girl Eats (check it out!), when I saw this beauty. You had me at […]
I made this with pumpkin butter from Trader Joe’s instead of apple butter & it was amazing!!
YUM! This looks absolutely delicious and such a fun recipe for my orchard apples!
Just went to a local apple farm. This is a perfect way to start using them:)
I made this sandwich today and I.am.hooked. Since I’m living in California, I always have quality sourdough bread in the apartment so that’s what I used for this and it tasted great! I’m always looking for great lunch ideas for work, and since we have a panini maker in the teacher’s lounge, I will definitely start using it more! Thanks from this native Iowa girl!
Want a super fun blog? Check out “Cooking With Mr. C.” on WordPress and on Facebook. It’s a great blog just like yours. Connie R.
[…] handy tips and tricks she shares with each recipe. Today is no exception with her latest post, an Apple Orchard Panini! This is the perfect fall sandwich, pairing up granny smith apples, brie, and […]
You had me at brie! I’ve just come around to the world of soft spreadable brie and couldn’t be happier! Will definitely be trying this!!