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.
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/
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.)
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!
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!
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.
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!!
Oooh I love adding fresh apple to savory dishes! And this panini is a sure win in my book!