I realize a panini press is probably not the wisest survival tool one could choose. For all the busy nights that grown-up grilled cheese recipes like the Balsamic Blackberry Brie in my cookbook, this cheddar-apple number, or a BLT have come to our dinner rescue, however, I’ll make the case that it deserves some consideration. What’s that you say? The desert island doesn’t come with electric outlets to plug in my panini press? I’ll use a cast-iron skillet instead. This is survival mode after all. Silly though it may sound, this cinnamon apple grilled cheese recipe is one of the first meals that convinced me that I might actually be able to cook. I realize that sounds like an overreaction to a GRILLED CHEESE—a recipe that toddlers eat and college students successfully prepare without going to the emergency room every single day—BUT this is no ordinary grilled cheese sandwich. Grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches take minutes to throw together and are unquestionably easier, healthier, and more delicious than anything that comes in a cardboard box. For a fast dinner, Ben and I each assemble our own, then I serve them with an easy side, such as Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

How to Make Apple Grilled Cheese with Turkey

If I ever run a café (or a grilled cheese food truck), this apple grilled cheese with turkey will never leave my menu. Each ingredient pairs harmoniously with the others, and together they make a sandwich whose tastes far exceeds its individual parts. When you taste it, you’ll feel as if you can cook like Julia Child, even though a child could make it. Your secret is safe with me.

The Ingredients

Apples. I like Granny Smith (the green apple grilled cheese you see pictured here) or Fuji, but any lightly tart apple you love (or pick!) will do nicely. Since apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, they add valuable nutrition to the sandwich. Turkey. Choose a good-quality turkey meat purchased directly from the deli counter. I prefer a low-sodium variety to keep the sandwich from becoming overly salty.

Sharp Cheddar. Cheddar and apple are flavor BFFs. Think cheeseboard, come to life in epic sandwich form.

Apple Butter. FABULOUS when paired with grilled cheese. It’s the whole sweet-savory thang that makes my heart flutter.

Sage. Adds depth, undeniable fall oomph, and pairs beautifully with apple.

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftover grilled cheese in an airtight storage container for up to 1 day. To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or with a panini press.

Panini Press + Griddle Combo. The ultimate sandwich-making machine. Skillet. For those not wanting a panini press, a cast-iron skillet like this one or a nonstick skillet like this one make fantastic grilled sandwiches also.Apple Corer. If you love apples, this is a gadget worth having.

Freshly grated melts better and is usually better quality than prepacked slices.The cheese is the star, so this isn’t the place to skimp.DO NOT use preshredded cheeses, which are coated with a starchy substance to prevent clumping. That substance causes the cheese not to melt as smoothly.

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