Grilled Cheese Tomato Panini with Crispy Apples
Elevate your lunchtime routine with this **Grilled Cheese Tomato Panini with Crispy Apples,** a recipe that masterfully combines comfort with sophistication. Nestled between buttery, golden-brown slices of sourdough bread are layers of melty sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella, juicy seasoned tomato, and the unexpected crunch of Honeycrisp apples. A smear of tangy whole-grain mustard and fresh baby arugula add bursts of flavor that balance the creaminess of the cheese. Perfectly grilled to gooey perfection in just under 20 minutes, this panini is a delightful fusion of savory, tangy, and sweet, proving gourmet can be simple. Ideal for quick lunches or casual dinners, this dreamy sandwich pairs beautifully with a bowl of soup or a crisp green salad for an effortlessly satisfying meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium ripe tomato
- 1 small honeycrisp apple
- 1 handful baby arugula
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
Slice the tomato into thin, even rounds. Season the slices lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper; set aside.
Wash and core the apple, then slice it into very thin rounds or matchstick slices; set aside.
Spread a thin layer of whole-grain mustard on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
On two of the bread slices (mustard side up), layer 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by a few slices of tomato, 1 slice of mozzarella cheese, a few apple slices, and a handful of baby arugula.
Top with the remaining two slices of bread (mustard side down) to form sandwiches, gently pressing down to compress the layers.
Preheat a panini press or a grill pan over medium heat. While it’s heating, spread a thin layer of butter (about 1/2 tablespoon per side) on the outside of each sandwich.
Place the sandwiches on the panini press or grill pan. If using a grill pan, press the sandwiches down with a heavy skillet or spatula for even cooking. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted.
Carefully remove the sandwiches from the heat and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing in half.
Serve the paninis warm, and enjoy the combination of melty cheese, tangy tomato, and crisp apple!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
672 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.7 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 121% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 907 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.9 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.4 g | ||
| Protein | 27.5 g | 55% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 604 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 369 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
