Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffle Recipe

This Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffle Recipe is inspired by the savory, golden-brown breakfast pastries that are a staple of the Panera bakery. It is a rich and decadent recipe, which calls for a signature four-cheese blend and buttery puff pastry. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 50 minutes.

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Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffle Recipe Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed but chilled
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 4 oz Neufchatel cheese (or cream cheese), softened and cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

How To Make Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffles

1. Prepare the pastry shells: Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease four 6-ounce ramekins or a jumbo muffin tin. Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the sheet into four equal squares. Carefully press each square into a ramekin, ensuring the center is flat against the bottom while the corners drape over the edges. This creates the signature “flower” shape seen in the cafe.
2. Whisk the egg base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream, and whole milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is light and uniform. Stir in the salt and black pepper. The combination of cream and eggs creates a custard-like consistency that is the hallmark of a true savory soufflé.
3. Incorporate the four cheeses: Add the cubed Neufchatel, grated Parmesan, and grated Romano cheeses directly into the egg mixture. Stir gently. The Neufchatel should remain in small, pea-sized chunks; these will melt into creamy pockets of cheese during the baking process.
4. Fill the soufflés: Divide half of the shredded sharp cheddar among the four pastry cups. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the cheddar, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of each souffle.
5. Bake to perfection: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any drips and slide them into the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes. The soufflés are done when the puff pastry is a deep golden brown and the cheese on top has melted and begun to bubble. The centers should be puffed up and set, with just a slight wobble if shaken.
6. Rest and serve: Remove the soufflés from the oven and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. They will naturally deflate slightly as the steam escapes, but this helps the custard set. Serve warm while the pastry is at its crispiest.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep the pastry flaky: Always work with puff pastry while it is cold. If it sits out too long and the butter inside softens, the pastry will bake up oily rather than into distinct, crispy layers.
• Why Romano and Parmesan are used together: Parmesan provides a salty, nutty base, while Romano adds a sharper, tangier kick. Together with the sharp cheddar and creamy Neufchatel, they create the complex “four cheese” profile.
• How to avoid a messy oven: Puff pastry is high in fat, and the egg mixture can sometimes bubble over. Placing the ramekins on a parchment-lined baking sheet is the best way to prevent any spills from burning on the bottom of your oven.
• Can I use standard cream cheese: Yes, if you cannot find Neufchatel, standard full-fat cream cheese works perfectly. Neufchatel is simply a slightly lighter, higher-moisture version of cream cheese.

What To Serve With Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffles?

This Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffle Recipe is a rich, decadent main dish that needs a fresh or light pairing! A bowl of Fresh Fruit or a simple Green Salad with a light vinaigrette is the quintessential choice for balancing the heavy, buttery pastry. For a balanced breakfast, a side of Smoked Ham or a serving of Roasted Asparagus adds a lovely savory note that pairs perfectly with the four-cheese blend! A hot cup of Hazelnut Coffee or a glass of Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with the warm, cheesy custard.

How To Store Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffles

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: The best way to revive the pastry is in a 350 F oven or a toaster oven for 5–7 minutes. The microwave will make the pastry soggy, so avoid it if you want that original crunch.
• Freeze: Baked soufflés can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven to ensure the center warms through evenly.

Panera Bread Four Cheese Souffle Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 490
• Total Fat: 36g
• Cholesterol: 235mg
• Sodium: 740mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 27g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 15g

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

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