I remember reading a recipe a while back that was very similar to this one. I think it might have been a Williams Sonoma recipe book, but I’m not 100% sure. At the time, I thought I would never make it because I didn’t have a panini maker. Since then, I bought an inexpensive one but never, ever used it. In fact, I got rid of it when we moved last year.
Of course, you don’t need dedicated panini makers to make a panini. I actually don’t like ‘single purpose’ appliances and gadgets and try to avoid them whenever possible anyway, so why I bought one in the first place is a mystery to me. But I digress.
This is a perfect lunch dish for this time of year and is a great way to use up any apples you might have. I don’t know about you, but we go apple picking not because we actually like apples, but because it’s just a nice thing to do, especially with kids in tow. But then we’re faced with a few pounds of the stuff and struggling with what to do with them.
Ham & Cheese Apple Butter Panini
Ingredients
Sturdy bread, such as sourdough or farmer bread
Apple butter
Ham
White Cheddar, sliced thinly
Apple, sliced thinly
Softened Butter
Instructions
Cut bread approximately 1/4″ thick and smear with butter
Lay butter sides down and begin building your sandwich
On one side, smear on apple butter as generously as you like. I used about 2 tablespoons.
Place 2-3 slices of ham and a few thin slices of cheese
Place about 2-3 slices of apple on top, close up the sandwich and place on lined griddle that has been preheated over medium-medium high (or panini maker)
If you’re not using a panini maker, place a heavy object (brick covered in foil or heavy pan) on top of sandwich. After about 1-2 minutes, lower heat and cook for another minute or so. Turn sandwich over (again, if not using panini maker) and increase heat slightly and repeat.
Notes
The key to this sandwich is making sure the cheese melts, which is why it’s important to lower the heat after the grill marks are made. If you don’t do that you’ll end up with a burnt sandwich.
Apple Butter is readily available at most groceries these days, but if you want to make your own here’s a super easy recipe!
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A Delightsome Life
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
Wow, I have never thought to use apple butter in sandwiches….that sandwich looks amazing!!…Will have to make that!!
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
PS…pinning away!!
Doreen Sargente says
Thank you for stopping by Shirley, and yes, it tastes as good as it looks!
joy says
Looks so delicious 🙂 nice idea!
Cindy Eikenberg says
Yum! I’m exactly like Shirley, I never thought of using apple butter on a sandwich, either, but what a GREAT idea, Doreen! It has to be so delicious! Thanks for sharing and pinning! 🙂 Have a happy Tuesday!
Peggy @The Decorating Files says
This looks delicious, Doreen. And it’s easy to prepare; my kind of recipe! Thank you for sharing a new recipe for me to try!
Denise says
Looks delish! My mother in law gave us a panini maker a few years ago. Last winter we had soup & panini Fridays. I will certainly be adding apple butter to the sandwiches now! xxD
Angela says
This sounds delicious! I just got some apples today so now I’m set! :)~~Ang
Elaine says
Wow! That looks really good. Definitely going to have to try that! I love your “autumn neighborhood!”
Kathy says
These sound quite delicious – I can just imagine the flavor combination being awesome! Thank you for letting me know about the comment box problem on my Demijohn post – not sure what happened – I couldn’t figure it out – just reposted and recreated the comments – I hope that doesn’t happen again! I appreciate you sharing your lovely post with A Return to Loveliness,
Kathy