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    Home » Sandwiches & Burgers

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini

    Published: Oct 16, 2018 · Modified: Oct 21, 2019 by thekitchenprep · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini! Even quick and easy lunches can be seasonal and flavorful; the proof is in this panini! Crusty bread is slathered with fig preserves, then topped with manchego cheese & tart apple slices and grilled to melty perfection!

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini! Even quick and easy lunches can be seasonal and flavorful; the proof is in this panini! Crusty bread is slathered with fig preserves, then topped with manchego cheese & tart apple slices and grilled to melty perfection!

    I went back and forth about sharing a sandwich recipe here because, well, it's a sandwich for Pete's sake. But despite its simplicity in composition, it's complexity in flavor ultimately tipped the scales in favor of posting it. I mean, who doesn't need a good, easy grilled cheese recipe?!

    This time of year especially, things start getting complicated in the kitchen as we prepare for all kinds of festivities and cook up a storm for the holidays. It's nice to give yourself a break with some quick {yet satisfying} meals like easy pastas, salads and sandwiches when you've gotta eat but don't necessarily want to get "cheffy." {Let's make that a word, k?}

    I think paninis are perfect for that very purpose because they're warm, comforting and hearty but also take minimal effort to prepare. This Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini is just one of many ways to enjoy a hot, pressed sandwich on a chilly day. Not that we have any of those around here with our record high temperatures, but you know, I like to pretend.

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini! Even quick and easy lunches can be seasonal and flavorful; the proof is in this panini! Crusty bread is slathered with fig preserves, then topped with manchego cheese & tart apple slices and grilled to melty perfection!

    Anyway, this combination may sound a bit strange, but it is so tasty. The panini fillings  were something I dreamed up out of nowhere and decided would be superb before I even tried it. Spoiler alert: I was right.

    In this panini, the fig jam {or fig butter, as the case may be, since that's what I could get my hands on at Trader Joe's} lends a nice sweet contrast to the nutty Manchego cheese and crisp, tart green apples. I add in some fresh arugula at the end to give it a fresh pop of flavor, and it's so good. Oddly enough, I've never been into figs in my life, but lately I've been figgin' obsessed. {Sorry.}

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini! Even quick and easy lunches can be seasonal and flavorful; the proof is in this panini! Crusty bread is slathered with fig preserves, then topped with manchego cheese & tart apple slices and grilled to melty perfection!

    Though I have a flat, electric panini press, I made this in a grill pan with a cast iron grill press because I thought those toasty ridges would make this sandwich even better. {They did.} If you have neither of the above, you can simply use a regular pan, place a small plate on top of your sandwich and weight it down with a can from your pantry.

    What are you favorite panini fillings? I think this one has moved into my top 5, especially for fall.

    Serve this up with a side of butternut squash or pumpkin soup and you've got one cozy meal that's a cinch to throw together!

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini! Even quick and easy lunches can be seasonal and flavorful; the proof is in this panini! Crusty bread is slathered with fig preserves, then topped with manchego cheese & tart apple slices and grilled to melty perfection!

    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini

    The Kitchen Prep
    Manchego, Fig & Apple Panini! Even quick and easy lunches can be seasonal and flavorful; the proof is in this panini! Crusty bread is slathered with fig preserves, then topped with manchego cheese & tart apple slices and grilled to melty perfection!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 6 mins
    Total Time 11 mins
    Course Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 paninis

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 4 pieces crusty artisan bread {I used a whole wheat Tuscan bread}
    • ¼ cup fig preserves or jam
    • 4 ounces manchengo cheese sliced
    • ½ medium apple sliced
    • ¼ cup arugula or spinach

    Instructions
     

    • Assemble sandwich: Spread 1 tablespoon fig jam on each slice of bread. Divide the cheese and apple slices and arugula between the two of the bread slices {this will make two paninis}, then use the other two bread slices to top and complete the sandwich.
    • Heat the panini press or pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the press/pan and swirl until just melted.
    • Place sandwiches in the panini press and heat until the outside is crisp and the cheese is melted. {If cooking in a pan, grill for 2-3 minutes per side.} Serve hot.

    Notes

    *I like my arugula fresh instead of wilted, so I often add it after cooking -- just carefully lift one of the bread slices and stuff in some arugula before serving.
    « "Spider Web" Blackberry Dessert Pizza
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    Hi! I'm Dianna. I used to think cooking had to be complicated to be good, so I never considered it "my thing." Now I know that's far from true, and my mission is to create & share easy, mouthwatering recipes - from weeknight dinners to simple bites for entertaining - that anyone can make! Join me in my South Florida kitchen and let's get cooking!

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