Grilled Cheese Tomato Panini with Crispy Apples is a delightful combination that blends savory cheese with tangy tomatoes and the crisp sweetness of apples, all enveloped in perfectly toasted bread. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or snack.
Recipe Overview
Name: Grilled Cheese Tomato Panini with Crispy Apples
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Cheese, Apple, Fruit, Vegetable, Canadian, Kid Friendly, < 15 Mins, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread (choose your favorite type)
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup canned tomatoes, drained (fresh tomatoes can be used as a variation)
- 1/2 tomato, sliced (if using fresh tomatoes)
- 1/2 tart apple, thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith)
- Olive oil, for drizzling or brushing
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 634.7
- Total Fat: 22.8g
- Saturated Fat: 12.8g
- Cholesterol: 59.3mg
- Sodium: 1284.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 81.4g
- Fiber: 6.6g
- Sugar: 10.8g
- Protein: 26.5g
Instructions
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Preparation:
- Start by preparing your ingredients: shred or thinly slice the sharp cheddar cheese, drain the canned tomatoes (or slice fresh tomatoes), and thinly slice the tart apple.
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Assemble the Sandwich:
- Lay out one slice of bread and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly over it.
- Arrange the tomato slices (canned or fresh) over the cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Top with the slices of tart apple.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the apple slices.
- Place the second slice of bread on top to form a sandwich.
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Cooking:
- Heat a non-stick sautΓ© pan over medium-low heat and lightly drizzle or brush with olive oil.
- Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the pan.
- To press the sandwich down, place a plate over it and weigh it down with a heavy can or a food weight.
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Grilling:
- SautΓ© the sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula and repeat the pressing process.
- Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is also golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Serving:
- Once the sandwich is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and place it on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the sandwich in half diagonally or straight down the middle.
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Tips and Variations
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Ingredient Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or Gouda for varied flavors. Substitute fresh tomatoes for canned for a fresher taste.
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Additions: Enhance the sandwich with a sprinkle of dried herbs such as basil or oregano for added depth of flavor.
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Cooking Tip: To ensure even cooking and melting of the cheese, maintain a low to medium-low heat throughout the cooking process.
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Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parsley before serving.
Review and Enjoy!
This Grilled Cheese Tomato Panini with Crispy Apples recipe not only satisfies hunger but also delights the palate with its contrasting textures and complementary flavors. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this dish is sure to become a favorite for quick lunches or casual snacks. Enjoy the gooey cheese, the freshness of tomatoes, and the crunch of apples in every bite of this easy-to-make, yet incredibly satisfying, panini.
