Description
This Apple Grilled Cheese with Turkey is a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, combining the sweetness of apple butter and fresh apple slices with savory sharp cheddar and lean turkey. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or light dinner, this recipe layers whole wheat sourdough bread with fresh sage, sharp cheddar, and tart apple slices, then grills it to golden perfection for a melty and flavorful sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bread and Spread
- 4 slices whole wheat bread (preferably bakery whole wheat sourdough)
- 1/4 cup apple butter
Herbs and Cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1 scant teaspoon dry rubbed sage
- 2 ounces freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (white cheddar preferred)
Filling
- 1 firm tart or semi-tart apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 6 ounces good-quality deli turkey meat
For Grilling
- 1 tablespoon light butter spread, plus additional for grilling sandwiches
Instructions
- Preheat the cooking surface: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat or preheat your panini press to medium-high, ensuring it’s ready to grill the sandwiches evenly.
- Prepare the bread: Spread 1 tablespoon of apple butter evenly over each of the four slices of bread. This acts as a sweet flavor base that will complement the savory ingredients.
- Assemble the sandwiches: On two of the bread slices, layer half of the chopped sage, half of the grated sharp cheddar cheese, a layer of thinly sliced apples, and then the turkey meat. Top each with the remaining slices of bread, placing the apple-buttered side down to seal the sandwich.
- Butter the bread exteriors: Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Grill the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet or panini press. If using the skillet, cook each side for 2 to 4 minutes on low heat, carefully flipping to ensure the bread turns toasty and golden while the cheese melts perfectly. If using a panini press, grill the sandwiches until golden brown and the cheese is melted, using additional butter or nonstick spray as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Slice the sandwiches and enjoy them hot for the best melty texture and flavor combination.
Notes
- Using tart or semi-tart apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp gives a refreshing contrast to the rich cheese and turkey.
- Low and slow grilling on the stovetop ensures the cheese melts thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Fresh sage adds a lovely herbal note, but dry rubbed sage is a fine substitute if fresh is unavailable.
- For best results, use sharp white cheddar for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of apples and apple butter.
- This recipe yields two sandwiches, perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
