Sharp Cheddar Apple Melt Panini

Cheddar and apple have long been a favorite American pairing, and this panini puts that duo front and center. Sharp cheese melts against thin crisp apple rounds on buttered sourdough, lifted by a quick Dijon-mayo spread and fragrant sage.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 16 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 495 cal
• 20g protein
• 38g carbs
• 29g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 8 sourdough bread slices
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 medium crisp apples
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Core the apples and slice them into very thin rounds so they soften quickly inside the hot panini without making the bread soggy.
2. 2In a small bowl stir the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise together until smooth to create a quick spread.
3. 3Lay out the sourdough slices and spread a thin layer of the mustard mixture on one side of each slice.
4. 4Layer sharp cheddar slices on four of the bread pieces, covering the surface evenly so every bite melts.
5. 5Arrange overlapping apple rounds over the cheese, then tuck two fresh sage leaves onto each sandwich for aromatic lift.
6. 6Add a small handful of baby spinach, season lightly with salt and black pepper, then top with the remaining cheddar.
7. 7Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, spread side down, and press gently so they hold together.
8. 8Heat a large skillet or panini press over medium heat and melt half the butter until it foams.
9. 9Place two sandwiches in the pan, weigh them down with a second heavy skillet if you do not have a press, and cook 3–4 minutes until the underside is deep golden.
10. 10Flip carefully, add the remaining butter as needed, and cook the second side another 3–4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crisp.
11. 11Transfer the finished panini to a cutting board and rest 1 minute so the cheese sets slightly.
12. 12Slice each sandwich on the diagonal and arrange on a platter so the melted layers show for easy grabbing at a casual lunch gathering.
13. 13Serve immediately while the cheddar is still stretchy and the apples are warm and fragrant.