This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.
Okay I don't really know what exactly the dog days of summer are, but this heat wave is dragging out much longer than I care for! This Turkey Apple Panini is perfect for these ridiculously hot days. Crisp apples, sweet apple butter, slightly salty bacon all make for a delicious meal that does not require you to turn on the oven!
If you make the bacon in the morning and have a panini press, you don't even have to turn on the stove in the late afternoon heat!
I have told you before that my absolute favorite burger in town, comes from a restaurant named Zeppelins. Well they also have a Butterball Turkey Sandwich on their menu, and this is my version of it. I love being able to re-create a $9.00 sandwich at home! I can also use all-natural and organic products at home, and know exactly what we are eating! 🙂
I got into a crazy conversation on Google+ last week about how dangerous bacon is for your health. "It is carcinogenic and you should never eat it" the guys says. He is right, regular bacon is not good for you and is potentially dangerous. I pointed out that I only buy un-cured, sulfite-free, organic bacon (I love Applegate and Beelers). He later proclaimed that he is vegan! I should have seen that coming.
How to make a turkey apple panini:
Heat panini press or a large skillet. Slice bread to desired thickness (if homemade).
Spread apple butter on one slice of bread.....
Top with turkey, apple, bacon and cheese slices.....
Top with second slice of bread and place on grill. Cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.....
Slice in half and serve!
Notes:
- You can use leftover turkey or slices from the deli counter. Boar's Head is my favorite brand.
- Any cheese will work. In fact you probably noticed different cheeses through out the images, lol
- I like Granny Smith Apples because they are not sweet and work well with the apple butter, but use your favorite.
- Sometimes I peel the apples, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I slice them into circles, and sometimes into thin wedges.
Okay yes, I did turn on my oven to make my favorite Sourdough Bread, but I made it late the night after it had cooled off outside.
More delicious sandwich recipes:
- Gourmet Tuna Melt
- Grilled California Club
- Frisco Burgers
- Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich
- Turkey Croissant Sandwich
- Turkey on Ciabatta with Sun-dried Tomato Aioli
Enjoy!!
Turkey Apple Panini
Ingredients
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup organic apple butter
- 1/2 pound all-natural sliced turkey I used Applegate
- 2 Granny Smith apples
- 8 slices uncured bacon
- 2 slices cheddar or colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Heat panini press or a large skillet. Slice bread to desired thickness (if homemade).
- Spread apple butter on one slice of bread.
- Add the turkey, apple, bacon and cheese slices
- Top with second slice of bread and place on grill. Cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
- Slice in half and serve.
Notes
- You can use leftover turkey or slices from the deli counter. Boar’s Head is my favorite brand.
- Any cheese will work. In fact you probably noticed different cheeses through out the images, lol
- I like Granny Smith Apples because they are not sweet and work well with the apple butter, but use your favorite.
- Sometimes I peel the apples, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I slice them into circles, and sometimes into thin wedges.
Theresa says
Its been hot here too! More hot than I like. I need to get a panini maker, no oven heating yet. Looks yummy!!
Kelley says
You had me at bacon. Hmmm. I need to try this asap!
Marcie says
So great recreating a $9 sandwich at home, and does it ever look good! That's a crack up about your bacon conversation with a vegan -- I laughed out loud on that one. There's plenty of decent bacon out there. I love niman ranch!
Danni@SiloHillFarm says
Now I want to get some turkey just so I can try this! The sliced apple addition sounds delicious to me and your pics are great by the way!
tanya says
Everything in moderation, eve bacon! Really I couldn't live without indulging every once in a while! This is a great use of bacon! I love the apple!
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
Holy YUM. Pinned and just shared. Need this now!! xoxo
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
This sandwich looks fantastic! I've always loved the turkey + apple combo and I can't wait to give this a try!
Have a nice weekend x
Kalyan says
looks delicious....just mouthwatering!
Diana Rambles says
Amazing! Pinned!
Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says
I just recently got my dh turned on to paninis. Now I'm hoping he'll understand why I NEED a press 🙂
Great looking sandwich, perfect after a long busy day or when it's just to dang hot.
Thanks for linking up!
Dawn
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
Great sandwich, Lisa! I like that you recreated a recipe from one of the restaurants that you enjoy! Thanks for sharing at MM. Pinned and sharing on FB, G+ and Twitter!
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Oh... this looks awesome Lisa! We usually try to do paninis once a week around here. Love the sweet salty combination of this sandwich, definitely pinning! Thanks for sharing at Show Stopper Saturdays!
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats
Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says
I love a good sandwich and this one looks great! Sharing on FB and thanks for linking up to MM!!
Maria says
Your panini looks delicious! I love love love a good sandwich, and this sounds awesome! And I couldn't agree more with you... this heat wave needs to end already! It's time for fall! 🙂
Samantha @ Five Heart Home says
Oh my goodness...it's almost 11 p.m. and this has me seriously considering a midnight snack! Pinning now so that I can try it at a more decent hour one day in the near future...thanks for the mouthwatering recipe!
Maureen says
My panini press is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. Thanks for sharing such a yummy recipe!! Just in time for our meal planning meeting tonight 🙂
Steffany @ Spit & Sparkles says
Looks yummy! Visiting from linking with the ladies link party.
Terri Burfield says
I just told my hubby today I was hungry for a panini sandwich. I made some crock pot apple butter the other day, and just picked some more apples, so this is definitely on my menu for tomorrow.
Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says
My husband is a turkey club addict.....if I make this for him he'll love me forever! Pinning and featuring this week ~ have a great weekend, Lisa, and thanks so much for sharing at last week's Project Inspire{d}.
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
Boom! You've been featured, Lisa! I'm featuring this at Marvelous Mondays tonight. 🙂
Diane Balch says
I love all the contrasting seasonal flavors going on in this sandwich. thanks for sharing it with us on foodie friday.
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I love the addition of the apple!
Adelina Priddis says
I seriously need a panini press! I've never added apples to my sandwich, but it sounds pretty good.
Kate says
Very unusual recipe. I have never added fruits to paninis. Will definitely use your recipe!
Michelle says
You may have made this during the dog days of summer (whatever that means...my dog hates summer), but the ingredients make it great for fall too. Saw this at Empty Your Archives!
Shauna {The Best Blog Recipes} says
Holy cow... this sandwich looks so delicious, especially with Thanksgiving coming up! I'll have to try this with our leftovers 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe with The Best Blog Recipes Blogger Gallery! I'll send you the link in a Facebook message so you can check it out tomorrow morning when it goes live 🙂
Shauna @ The Best Blog Recipes
Kathie says
Yum! Turkey and apple has always been my favorite combination. Gowever, I have never added jack cheese to my paninis before. Will try this recipe for sure!
Lisa Johnson says
Thank you so much Kathie! 🙂