Apple Cinnamon Walnut Panini Recipe – Quick & Easy Grilled Sandwich

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Cinnamon Walnut Panini Recipe – Quick & Easy Grilled Sandwich

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, comforting, and slightly fancy snack. This Apple Cinnamon Walnut Panini is exactly that! I first made this on a chilly autumn evening when I was craving something warm and cozy, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and crunchy – seriously, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This panini isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to whip up. It takes just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for a speedy lunch, a satisfying afternoon treat, or even a slightly indulgent breakfast. Plus, the combination of flavours and textures is just chef’s kiss. Who doesn’t love warm, gooey cheese with sweet, caramelized apples and crunchy walnuts?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful panini:

• 4 multigrain bread slices
• 1 green apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully!)
• 0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 0.5 cup grated Comte cheese
• 10 walnuts

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can really elevate this panini.

Comte Cheese – origin & flavour profile

Comte is a French cheese, and honestly, it’s worth seeking out. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavour that pairs wonderfully with the apples and cinnamon. If you can’t find Comte, Gruyère is a fantastic substitute – it’s similar in flavour and melts beautifully. (Around 100-125g if you’re weighing it out!)

Multigrain Bread – benefits & variations

I love using multigrain bread for this recipe because it adds a lovely texture and a subtle nutty flavour. It’s also a healthier option than white bread! Feel free to experiment with different types of multigrain bread – sourdough multigrain is amazing if you can get your hands on it.

Walnut Varieties

Walnuts add a lovely crunch and earthy flavour. English walnuts are the most common, but you could also try Black Walnuts for a more intense, slightly bitter flavour. Roughly chop them if they’re halves for easier eating in the panini.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your Panini press according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While that’s heating up, let’s get the apples ready.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced green apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly caramelized and softened. This is where the magic happens – the caramelization really brings out the sweetness!
4. Now, place two slices of multigrain bread on the preheated Panini press.
5. Divide the caramelized apples evenly between the bread slices.
6. Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if you’re feeling fancy, then add 5 walnuts to each slice.
7. Top each slice with ¼ cup (about 50g) of grated Comte cheese.
8. Cover with the remaining bread slices, close the Panini press, and grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when caramelizing the apples. Work in batches if necessary to ensure they cook evenly.
• If you don’t have a Panini press, you can use a regular skillet! Just press down on the sandwich with a spatula while it’s cooking.
• For extra flavour, brush the outside of the bread with a little melted butter before grilling.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation – cheese alternatives

For a vegan version, use your favourite vegan cheese alternative. Violife and Daiya both make good melting vegan cheeses.

Gluten-Free Adaptation – bread options

If you’re gluten-free, use your favourite gluten-free bread. Just be sure to choose a sturdy loaf that will hold up well in the Panini press.

Spice Level – adding a pinch of nutmeg

My friend Sarah loves adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture for a warmer, more complex flavour. It’s delicious!

Quick Breakfast Adaptation – prep ahead tips

To make this a super quick breakfast, caramelize the apples the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is assemble the panini in the morning!

Serving Suggestions

This panini is fantastic on its own, but it’s also lovely served with a side salad or a bowl of tomato soup. A cup of hot chai or coffee complements the flavours perfectly.

Storage Instructions

This panini is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a Panini press or skillet to restore its crispiness.

FAQs

Is this panini suitable for a quick breakfast?

Absolutely! Especially if you prep the apples ahead of time. It’s a much more exciting breakfast than toast!

Can I use a different type of cheese? What would you recommend?

Definitely! Gruyère is a great substitute for Comte. Cheddar or Monterey Jack would also work in a pinch, but they won’t have the same nutty flavour.

What’s the best way to prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Make sure the apples aren’t too juicy. You can pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich. Also, don’t overfill the panini!

Can I make this panini ahead of time?

You can assemble the panini ahead of time, but I recommend grilling it just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Yes! Pecans or almonds would also be delicious.