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.
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.