Description
This Turkey Panini is a deliciously warm sandwich featuring hearty bread layered with sharp cheddar cheese, crisp apple slices, savory turkey, fresh sage, and a sweet apple butter spread. Quickly cooked in a panini maker, this recipe makes a perfect comforting meal or snack with a crispy golden crust and a flavorful, melty interior.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices of hearty bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/4 cup apple butter
- 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound sliced deli turkey or thin pieces of turkey leftovers
- 8 leaves fresh sage
Instructions
- Preheat Panini Maker: Turn on your panini maker to allow it to heat up fully before assembling the sandwich, ensuring a perfectly toasted result.
- Prepare Ingredients: Have all ingredients ready and within reach for quick assembly to keep the bread from getting soggy and to maintain heat inside the panini maker.
- Butter the Bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice; this will help crisp the bread to a golden brown.
- Assemble the Base: Place one slice of bread on the preheated panini maker with the buttered side down. Immediately spread apple butter evenly over the top side of the bread.
- Add Cheese and Apples: Layer the sharp cheddar cheese slices followed by thin apple slices on top of the apple butter for a mix of creamy and sweet flavors.
- Layer Turkey and Sage: Evenly place the sliced turkey over the apples, then add fresh sage leaves to impart a fragrant herbal note.
- Top with More Apples and Cheese: Add another layer of apple slices followed by more cheese to enhance texture and flavor.
- Prepare Top Slice: Spread apple butter on the unbuttered side of the remaining slice of bread, then place this slice buttered side up to complete the sandwich.
- Cook the Panini: Close the panini maker lid and press the sandwich gently together. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and browned and the cheese has melted.
- Serve Warm: Carefully remove the panini from the maker, slice if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy a warm, crispy sandwich experience.
Notes
- Use hearty or rustic bread to ensure the sandwich holds together well and crisps nicely.
- If a panini maker is unavailable, a skillet and a weighted object (like a heavy pan) can be used to press and cook the sandwich.
- Adjust apple butter quantity to your taste for sweetness balance.
- Leftover turkey works well for this recipe, making it a great way to repurpose leftovers.
- Fresh sage leaves complement the apple and turkey flavors but can be omitted if unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
