What’s Cookin’, Good Lookin’?

Yummmmmmmmmmmm!  Now with that said, let me give you a true confession.  I don’t dig sandwiches as a general rule.  I don’t consider them “real food.”  To me, sandwiches are something you eat as a snack to wait until it’s time to eat “real food.”  But paninis are a whole different thing than your average sandwich.  They are a sandwich on steroids or something like that!

I started making this panini a couple years ago.  Since then, it’s become a favorite at my house.  They menfolk that live here could eat this sandwich everyday!  Even the picky little #2 Ankle Biter loves and asks for this panini.  And it’s so easy, the kids can make it or at the very least help out a LOT making it!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ciabatta rolls, bacon, Granny Smith apple and Cheddar, er, Colby-Jack cheese.

You can use any bread you like.  We love these Ciabatta rolls because they’re thick and chewy.  But I’ve made this with sourdough bread and several other types of bread with great success.  So use whatever bread your family enjoys!  The bacon?  If you want to fry up your own bacon, knock yourself out.  Someday when I have time, I’m going to use some Peppered Applewood Smoked Bacon.  But the day I made these, I was going for quick and simple.  And there’s nothing simpler than pre-cooked bacon!  The apple?  Gotta be Granny Smith?  No, not at all!  If you prefer a different apple, use your favorite.  My family just enjoys the tart bite the Granny Smith apple gives this panini.  Finally, the cheese?  I hear you.  “Hey Amy!  Didn’t you say this is a CHEDDAR Apple Bacon Panini?”  Yep, sure did!  Colby is similar to cheddar cheese.  Colby is dyed orange like typical cheddar cheese is, but doesn’t go through the cheddaring process.  It’s a softer, milder cheese than cheddar.  But it’s what the Tall Skinny Man came back from the store with.  So that’s what I used the day I made the photos for this recipe.  Given my preference, though, I would use a sharp cheddar.  But you could absolutely use several different cheeses.  If you like a little bite, use a pepperjack cheese.  If you’re going for super gourmet, use some crumbled goat cheese or gorgonzola.  Those cheeses would make this panini so decadent!!!!!!  You really can’t go wrong!

Now, let me just say that the best version I’ve made to date of these included a Cranberry Horseradish Mayonnaise that I made to go on the bread before adding the apples, bacon and cheese.

See this Cranberry Horseradish Blend from Wildtree?  Last time, I made these, I mixed a little of it in with some Light Kraft Mayonnaise and spread some on the bread.  It made these THE BEST we’ve ever had.  Unfortunately, I didn’t realize I would be making these again so soon and I was out of this blend when I did these for photos.  If you’re interested in the Cranberry Horseradish Blend, you can order it here:

www.amys-whatscookin-goodlookin.mywildtree.com

So let’s make them!

Use a corer to take the core out of the apple.  This is simple enough the kids can do it for you!  If you don’t have a corer, you might want to do this step yourself with a sharp paring knife.

Slice the apples into rings.  If you won’t be using them right away, you might want to dip them into some lemon juice to keep them from turning brown.

Open up the bread and you’re ready to start layering!

Lay a couple apple rings on the bread.  If you wish, you can add a slice of cheese first and then add the apples.  It depends on how cheesy you want it.

Add some bacon.  This was four slices of the pre-cooked bacon.  Honestly, I think that bacon comes off anorexic pigs because it’s so skinny!  If you cook your own bacon, get the thick-sliced kind!

Add the cheese and put the top of the bread on and you’re ready to grill them up!

Put a couple on your panini grill.  If you don’t have a panini grill, you can do this on a George Foreman grill or even in a skillet.  If you have to do it in a skillet, set another skillet or other heavy pan/pot on top.

It’s preferable that they heat from both sides at once.  But if you’re using the skillet method, you’ll have to apply the pressure with a heavy pot of top and then flip over to heat from the other side.

See that fantastically drippy cheese?  That’s how you know it’s about ready!  Oh my, but these are just about perfect!  Grab a plate or platter and start taking them off!

And there ya have it!  Cheddar Apple Bacon Panini!  Fantastic by itself or with your favorite soup!  We had this with the Loaded Potato Soup I shared recently.  But it would be wonderful with some Broccoli Cheese Soup, Cream of Asparagus Soup, or Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cheddar Apple Bacon Panini

*  Ciabatta bread, Sourdough Bread or your favorite bread

*  Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced

*  Cooked bacon slices

*  Sliced Cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack, Pepperjack, or your favorite cheese)

*  Cranberry Horseradish Mayonnaise (Optional)

Core and slice the apple(s).  Split ciabatta rolls, spread with Cranberry Horseradish Mayonnaise if you wish, then layer apples, bacon and cheese.  Grill until the cheese is melted.  Serve hot.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

These make a hearty addition to your soup dinner or they’re fantastic by themselves.  I hope you enjoy these little sandwiches!  Have a magnificent day!

Filed under: Ankle Biters, Main Dishes, Meal Ideas, Menus, Pork, Recipes, Sandwiches