For me, the ideal lunch is a nice hearty sandwich. Not just any sandwich, though. It needs to be packed full of flavor! Filled with all kinds of textures. Queue the turkey apple brie panini! Smokey, nutty, sweet and crunchy, this pressed sandwich is the perfect balance of flavor and texture to satisfy your hunger pains!
My Love Affair with Turkey Apple Brie
When I was at Duke, my favorite spot on campus was Au Bon Pain. New to me but I guess not so much to folks up north, I was in love with the build-your-own-salad station! They had a specialty salad on the menu one fall, a turkey apple brie salad. It was a combo I’d never thought of, let alone put on a salad!
But trying it once, I was hooked. Even when it was off the official menu, I’d always have the person at the counter make one for me. It’s literally the perfect flavor combo! Smokey, juicy turkey, nutty tangy brie, and sweet apples! It was an adventure of flavor.
It all came together with the most amazing raspberry walnut dressing that I have tried for years to replicate but that’s a story for another day.
But now that I live in Florida, there is no Au Bon Pain around to satisfy this craving, so I thought, why not recreate it on a panini? And thus my new favorite sandwich was born!
Panini Time
The best thing about paninis is that they are really just simple sandwiches, but pressed and toasted. Seems like a minor nuance but the difference between soft bread and crispy toasted bread, between cold cheese and gooey melted cheese, is miles apart!
This turkey apple brie panini is no different! Simple pull out your favorite loaf of bread or rolls, and slather one side with grainy mustard, and the other with mayo. Layer it up with carved turkey (can we say Thanksgiving leftovers!), slices of soft-ripened brie and green apple, and let the panini press do the work!
If it’s not that time of year for the big bird, I love Hillshire Farms Premium Carved Turkey, nice thick slices like its the day after your favorite holiday!
Hardly any cooking involved and you are minutes away from a delicious and satisfying meal! The turkey apple brie panini is not only a great way to use leftovers, but an even better treat for yourself.
Need More Quick Lunch Ideas?
- Bruschetta Chicken Panini
- Chicken Caprese Salad With Avocado
- Roast Beef Sandwich With Herb Horseradish Sauce
- Honey Mustard Cobb Salad
Turkey Apple Brie Panini
Ingredients
- 1 loaf french bread cut into 4 pieces (substitute ciabatta rolls)
- 1 lb roasted turkey breast sliced thick
- 1 granny smith apple cored, quartered, and sliced thin
- 8 oz soft-ripened brie sliced
- ¼ cup grainy mustard substitute dijon
- ¼ cup mayo
Instructions
- Slice each of your 4 pieces of bread in half. On the bottom half of each, spread 1 tbsp of mayo, and on the top half, spread 1 tbsp of mustard
- On the bottom slice of bread, layer on ¼ lb of sliced turkey, ¼ of the apple slices, and 2oz of brie. Top with the top slice of bread.
- Place the sandwiches (2 at a time if necessary) on a panini press and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the brie is melted. Slice and serve immediately.
- Alternatively, heat up two heavy bottomed skillets. Place the sandwiches in one, and place the other skillet on top to press them down (weighing it down with a large can or jar if needed). Cook for 4-5 minutes and serve immediately.
