Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy panini where sweet, tangy apple meets creamy, luxurious brie and savory ham - all melted together in one irresistible sandwich. This Ham, Apple, and Brie Panini isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary lunch into a French-inspired gourmet delight that will have you craving more with every single bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 4 ounces ham, sliced
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 slices of your favorite bread, 4 ounces of sliced ham, 1 apple (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp), 4 ounces of Brie cheese, and some butter for grilling.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or a panini press over medium heat. If using a skillet, you will need to flip the panini halfway through cooking.
- While the skillet is heating up, prepare the apple by washing it thoroughly. Slice the apple thinly, discarding the core and seeds. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick for optimal melting and flavor balance.
- Take two slices of bread and lay them on a clean surface or cutting board. On each slice, layer the sliced ham evenly.
- Next, add the thin apple slices on top of the ham, distributing them evenly across the two slices.
- Now, place the sliced Brie cheese on top of the apple slices. Ensure that the cheese covers the apple slices well, as it will melt beautifully during cooking.
- Top the sandwich with the remaining two slices of bread to complete the panini assembly.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on the outer sides of each slice of bread. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust when grilling.
- Carefully place the assembled panini in the preheated skillet or panini press. If using a skillet, press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the panini for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet, flip the sandwich halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly toasted.
- Once cooked, remove the panini from the heat and let it rest for a minute. This will make it easier to slice and prevent the cheese from oozing out too much.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the panini in half diagonally. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Ham, Apple, and Brie Panini!
Tips
- Choose a high-quality, soft brie cheese that melts easily for the best texture.
- Use a sweet-crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji to balance the rich cheese and ham.
- Butter the bread's exterior generously for that perfect golden, crispy crust.
- Don't rush the cooking process - medium heat ensures even melting and browning.
- Let the panini rest for a minute after cooking to help the cheese set and make cutting easier.
- If you don't have a panini press, a heavy skillet and a weight (like a cast-iron pan) work perfectly.
- Experiment with bread types like sourdough or whole grain for different flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
