Ham, Gruyere And Apple Panini

Name: Ham, Gruyere And Apple Panini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, (at room temperature); 2 Granny Smith apples, (peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves; 8 1/2-inch thick slices country-style white bread; 1/3 cup Dario Cecchini Tuscan Mustard, (or whole grain mustard); 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Gruyere; 8 slices (8-ounces) Black Forest ham

10 MINPrep Time

10 MINCook Time

4Servings

by Giada De Laurentiis

Beginner

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

This panini doesn't call for too many ingredients, but each one packs a big punch of flavor. This is one of my favorite combinations, especially for fall: ham, gruyere cheese, apples and a great quality mustard. It hits every note of salty, sweet, savory and tart. The thyme brings everything together in a really lovely way.

If you don't have a panini press, simply use a grill pan or cast iron, and use a spatula or a plate to press it down while cooking!

Ham, Gruyere and Apple Panini

Ham, Gruyere And Apple Panini

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, (at room temperature)
2 Granny Smith apples, (peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
8 1/2-inch thick slices country-style white bread
1/3 cup Dario Cecchini Tuscan Mustard, (or whole grain mustard)
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Gruyere
8 slices (8-ounces) Black Forest ham

Instructions

In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices and thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly soft, about 4 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.
Preheat a panini press. Spread each bread slice with 1 tablespoon mustard. Arrange 1/4 cup of cheese on each of 4 bread slices and top with 2 slices of ham. Divide the apple mixture evenly on top of the ham. Add the remaining cheese and cover with the remaining 4 bread slices. Grill in the panini press until the cheese has melted and the tops are golden and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes.