Ham, Gruyere and Apple Panini

By sltaylor

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
• 1/2 cup whole-grain mustard
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Gruyere
• 8 slices (8-ounces) Black Forest ham
• Special equipment: a panini press

Details

Servings 4
Preparation time 12mins
Cooking time 27mins
Adapted from foodnetwork.com

Preparation

Step 1

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.