Savory Sweet Gruyère & Apricot Toasted Walnut Panini
Elevate your lunch experience with this delightful Savory Sweet Gruyère & Apricot Toasted Walnut Panini. This unique sandwich marries the rich, creamy flavor of Gruyère cheese with the sweet, tangy notes of apricot jam, all complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts. Perfect for a quick meal or a leisurely snack, each bite offers a comforting balance of sweet and savory that will leave you craving more. Best served warm, you can easily prepare it in a panini maker, skillet, or on the grill for that perfect melty finish. Enjoy this gourmet sandwich with a side salad or fresh fruit for a wholesome meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Walnuts
1/4 cup (toasted and finely chopped)
French country bread
8 1/2-inch thick slices (whole grain preferred)
Apricot jam
4 teaspoons (spreadable)
Gruyère cheese
6 ounces (cut into 4 thin slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Once toasted, remove from the oven and let them cool before finely chopping.
3
While the walnuts cool, preheat your panini maker according to its manufacturer instructions.
4
Take 4 slices of the bread and spread 1 teaspoon of apricot jam on each slice. Evenly sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the jam.
5
Layer a slice of Gruyère cheese on top of the walnuts for each sandwich and cover with the remaining slices of bread.
6
Once the panini maker is ready, place the assembled sandwiches inside and close the lid. Grill for 2 to 4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
7
Remove the sandwiches from the panini maker and allow them to cool slightly. Slice each sandwich into quarters and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sweet Gruyère & Apricot Toasted Walnut Panini?
It is a gourmet sandwich that combines the rich, creamy flavor of Gruyère cheese with sweet apricot jam and crunchy toasted walnuts on French country bread.
What ingredients are required for this panini?
You will need 1/4 cup of walnuts, 8 slices of French country bread, 4 teaspoons of apricot jam, and 6 ounces of Gruyère cheese.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 full sandwiches, which are then sliced into quarters for serving.
What temperature should I use to toast the walnuts?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to toast the walnuts.
How long do the walnuts need to toast?
Toast the walnuts for 8 to 10 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden.
Do I need to chop the walnuts?
Yes, once the toasted walnuts have cooled, they should be finely chopped before being added to the sandwich.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 1/2-inch thick slices of French country bread, preferably whole grain.
How much apricot jam goes on each sandwich?
Spread 1 teaspoon of apricot jam on 4 of the bread slices.
How should the Gruyère cheese be prepared?
The 6 ounces of Gruyère should be cut into 4 thin slices, one for each sandwich.
How long do I cook the panini in the maker?
Grill the sandwiches for 2 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
What if I don't have a panini maker?
You can easily prepare this sandwich in a skillet or on a grill for a similar melty finish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Savory Sweet Gruyère & Apricot Toasted Walnut Panini is a vegetarian recipe.
Should the panini be served hot or cold?
This sandwich is best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and toasted texture.
How should I slice the panini for serving?
Remove the sandwiches from the heat, let them cool slightly, and then slice each into quarters.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This panini pairs perfectly with a side salad or fresh fruit for a wholesome meal.
Can I substitute the apricot jam?
Yes, you can experiment with other sweet preserves like fig or peach jam, though apricot provides a unique tang.
What is the flavor profile of this sandwich?
It offers a comforting balance of savory from the Gruyère and nutty walnuts, mixed with the sweet notes of apricot.
Do I need to grease the panini maker?
The recipe doesn't specify, but most non-stick panini makers don't require grease unless you prefer a more buttery crust.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While walnuts provide a specific crunch and flavor, you could try pecans or almonds if desired.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced approximately 1/2-inch thick to ensure it grills well without being too thin.
Can I make this as a quick snack?
Absolutely, it is designed to be perfect for either a quick meal or a leisurely snack.
Is the bread toasted before assembly?
No, the bread is toasted as part of the panini grilling process, though the walnuts are toasted beforehand.
Can I add protein to this sandwich?
While the recipe is vegetarian, some might enjoy adding thinly sliced ham or turkey for extra protein.
What makes Gruyère a good choice for this panini?
Gruyère is a classic melting cheese that provides a rich, slightly salty flavor that complements fruit and nuts.
Should I let the toasted walnuts cool?
Yes, it is recommended to let them cool before finely chopping and adding them to the jam.
Is this a good recipe for lunch?
Yes, it is described as an elevated lunch experience.
How do I know the panini maker is ready?
Follow your specific manufacturer's instructions for preheating the panini maker.
Can I use regular white bread?
You can, but French country bread or a rustic whole grain loaf provides a better structure for the fillings.
What is the texture of the sandwich?
The sandwich features a crunchy exterior with a melty cheese interior and a bit of crunch from the walnuts.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 4 main ingredients and simple assembly, it is very beginner-friendly.