Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza Recipe

This Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza Recipe is inspired by the artisanal, oven-baked favorites at the cafe. It is a crispy and savory recipe, which calls for soft flatbread, fontina cheese, and fresh basil. It’s a quick, foolproof recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• 2 large rectangular flatbreads (Naan or specialized flatbread)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup premium pizza sauce (thick and smooth)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes and honey for drizzling

How To Make Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza

1. Preheat and prep the base: Start by preheating your oven to 425 F (220 C). Place your flatbreads on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats to ensure a truly crispy bottom.
2. Infuse the garlic oil: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Use a pastry brush to coat the entire surface of the flatbreads with this mixture, including the very edges. This “garlic herb oil” is the secret to that professional, bakery-style flavor found at Panera.
3. Layer the sauce and cheeses: Spread a thin, even layer of pizza sauce over the flatbreads, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded fontina cheese first, followed by the mozzarella. Using fontina is the professional secret here; it melts much smoother than mozzarella alone and adds a rich, buttery depth.
4. Add the toppings: Distribute the halved grape tomatoes evenly over the cheese. If you are making a pepperoni version, add the meat now. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything to help create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes.
5. Bake to a golden crisp: Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. You are looking for the cheese to be bubbly and starting to brown in spots, and the edges of the flatbread to be dark golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove the flatbreads from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. This settling time prevents the cheese from sliding off when you cut it. Top with fresh torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Slice into rectangles or triangles and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• How to get the perfect crust: If your flatbread feels too soft, you can pre-bake the plain bread for 3 minutes before adding any toppings. This creates a sturdier base that can handle the weight of the sauce and cheese.
• Why fontina cheese is used: Fontina is a semi-soft cheese with a high fat content, which means it melts beautifully without becoming oily. It provides that signature “creamy” stretch that Panera pizzas are known for.
• How to prevent a soggy pizza: Don’t overdo the sauce. Because flatbread is thinner than traditional pizza dough, too much sauce will soak into the bread and make it flimsy. A thin, concentrated layer is best.
• Can I use different toppings: Absolutely! To make the Chipotle Chicken version, swap the pizza sauce for chipotle mayo and add shredded chicken, bacon, and a drizzle of ranch after baking.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza?

This Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza Recipe is a crispy, savory main dish that needs a fresh or tangy pairing! A bowl of Panera-style Creamy Tomato Soup is the quintessential choice for the ultimate “soup and pizza” lunch. For a balanced meal, a side of Greek Salad or a classic Caesar Salad adds a lovely crispness that pairs perfectly with the warm, melted cheese! A cup of Broccoli Cheddar Soup or a serving of Fresh Fruit Salad pairs wonderfully with the herb-infused garlic oil.

How To Store Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To maintain the crispness of the flatbread, reheat it in a 375 F oven or an air fryer for 3–5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the flatbread soft and rubbery.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked flatbread for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until the cheese is bubbling again.

Panera Bread Flatbread Pizza Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 420 (per half flatbread)
• Total Fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs