How To Make Cheese Panini Sandwich With Challah Bread

Craving a quick and delicious sandwich? This cheese panini made with soft challah bread is the perfect answer! The rich flavor of challah combined with gooey, melted cheese creates a comforting and satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy lunch or a light dinner, this sandwich is easy to make and sure to please.

What’s better than a warm crispy grilled cheese panini sandwich?  A cheese panini made with challah bread!

Why You’ll Love Cheese Panini Sandwich With Challah Bread

• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sweet, soft challah bread with melted cheese creates an irresistible balance of flavors and textures.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a panini press, this sandwich comes together quickly, making it perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.
• Crispy on the Outside, Gooey on the Inside: The panini press gives the bread those perfect grill marks and a crispy texture, while the cheese melts beautifully inside.
• Customizable: You can use any type of cheese or even add extras like tomatoes or herbs to make this sandwich uniquely yours.
• Kid-Friendly: This simple, cheesy sandwich is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Challah is such a yummy bread, and the sandwiches made with challah are simply delicious.  You can make any sandwich with challah, including the paninis.  The trick to making sandwiches with challah is cutting challah in diagonal slices.  This way the slices are bigger and are more uniform in size.

To make cheese panini sandwich with challah bread, you need 3 things:

1) Panini Press – The soft and slightly sweet challah bread creates the perfect base for this sandwich.
2) Challah Bread – Monterey Jack cheese is a great option, but feel free to use your favorite type of cheese. It should melt well to create that gooey texture.
3) Sliced Cheese – Essential for creating those crispy grill marks and evenly melted cheese.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Cheese Panini Sandwich With Challah Bread

• Panini Press – This is essential for pressing the sandwich and giving it those classic grill marks.
• Knife – You’ll need a sharp knife to slice the challah bread diagonally for larger, uniform slices.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for slicing the bread.
• Measuring Spoons (optional) – If you plan on adding extra toppings or seasoning, these will come in handy.

First, turn on the panini press so it heats up while you assemble the sandwich.

Next, cut the challah into diagonal slices as shown on the picture below:

Next, put the cheese on top of the challah slice.  If the cheese is too big, just tear off the excess bits and arrange them to fit the shape of the challah slice.  On the picture bellow, I made the slice of Monterey Jack cheese to fit the challah:

Top the cheese with another slice of challah.  At this point, the cheese sandwich is assembled and is ready to be grilled in the panini press:

Now let’s transform the regular cheese sandwich into a grilled cheese panini sandwich! Put the sandwich into a hot panini press, close the panini press and press down the lid. When you hear the sound of bubbling melted cheese (in about 1 minute) and your piping hot grilled cheese panini is ready!

Take a look at this challah panini, admire the grill marks and… bite!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this cheese panini alongside a fresh garden salad for a light, balanced meal.
• Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato soup for a classic, comforting combination.
• Add a side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for a heartier lunch or dinner option.
• For a touch of sweetness, serve the panini with fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes.

Tips For Success

• Slice the bread diagonally: Cutting challah bread diagonally ensures that the slices are larger and more uniform, giving you better surface area to work with when assembling your panini.
• Don’t overstuff the sandwich: While it might be tempting to pile on the cheese, too much can cause the sandwich to fall apart or become overly gooey when grilling. Stick to a single layer of cheese for the best results.
• Preheat the panini press: Always make sure your panini press is fully preheated before placing the sandwich inside. This ensures that the bread crisps up nicely without overcooking the inside.
• Watch the cheese carefully: The sound of the cheese bubbling is your cue that the sandwich is done. Don’t wait too long, or the cheese might ooze out too much, making the sandwich messy.
• Experiment with add-ons: While this recipe keeps it simple with cheese, feel free to add extras like sliced tomatoes, a handful of spinach, or a sprinkle of herbs to enhance the flavor. Just be sure not to overload it, or you’ll lose the crispness of the bread.

Variations And Substitutions

• Cheese Options: While Monterey Jack is a great option for its mild flavor and meltability, you can easily swap it out for cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or even a spicy pepper jack. Each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to your sandwich.
• Bread Substitutes: If you don’t have challah bread on hand, you can substitute it with other soft, sweet breads like brioche. If you prefer something heartier, try sourdough or multigrain bread for a different texture and flavor.
• Add Vegetables: To make this sandwich a bit healthier and more filling, you can add veggies like roasted red peppers, spinach, or sliced tomatoes. Just be sure to dry them well to prevent the sandwich from getting soggy.
• Vegan Version: For a dairy-free or vegan option, use vegan cheese and opt for a plant-based challah bread. There are plenty of vegan cheese varieties that melt beautifully and will still give you that gooey, satisfying texture.
• Make it a Deluxe Sandwich: Add a protein like turkey, ham, or crispy bacon to turn this panini into a heartier meal. The combination of cheese and meat pairs perfectly with the soft challah bread.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, wrap the panini tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the sandwich and keep it crispy, use the panini press or an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and heat the sandwich for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy.
• Freezing: Although freezing a cheese panini isn’t ideal due to the bread’s texture, you can freeze the sandwich before grilling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and then grill it as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, while challah bread adds a soft and slightly sweet flavor, you can substitute it with brioche, sourdough, or even multigrain bread. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change slightly based on the type of bread you choose.

What kind of cheese works best for paninis?

Cheeses that melt well are ideal for paninis. Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, and provolone are great choices. For a more intense flavor, you can also try gouda or a spicy pepper jack.

Can I make this sandwich without a panini press?

Yes, if you don’t have a panini press, you can use a regular skillet or grill pan. Just press the sandwich down with a spatula or another heavy pan to mimic the panini press effect, flipping halfway through to grill both sides.

Is this sandwich freezer-friendly?

It’s best to freeze the sandwich before grilling. Wrap the assembled sandwich tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and grill in the panini press.

Can I add other ingredients to this cheese panini?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this sandwich with extras like sliced tomatoes, spinach, roasted vegetables, or deli meats like turkey or ham. Just be cautious not to overfill it, as it might affect the crispness of the bread.

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Crispy Grilled Cheese Panini Recipe: This classic grilled cheese panini offers a perfectly crispy exterior with gooey, melted cheese inside.

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