Panera’s grilled cheese holds a certain allure, attracting customers beyond the realm of a simple childhood favorite. While its popularity might not rival their bakery items, it holds a steady appeal.
The key to its success lies in a perfect trifecta: a crusty miche bread that provides a satisfying chew, a melty four-cheese blend for rich flavor, and a meticulous grilling process that ensures even browning and gooey goodness.
Replicating this magic entirely at home can be tricky. Panera’s ovens likely reach much higher temperatures, achieving that signature crispness that’s difficult to match with a standard stovetop.
Still, that doesn’t stop home cooks from trying to capture the essence of Panera’s masterpiece.
How To Make A Panera Grilled Cheese: Step By Step Instructions For Making Grilled Cheese
While we can’t replicate Panera’s exact method (they use a special oven), we can make a delicious grilled cheese similar to theirs at home.
The humble grilled cheese: a timeless comfort food that can be surprisingly tricky to perfect. With these steps and a dash of Panera inspiration, you’ll be crafting restaurant-worthy masterpieces in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of sourdough or Panera Country White bread (or your favorite choice!)
- 2 slices of American cheese (or your chosen cheese blend)
- Softened butter
- Optional: A sprinkle of dried herbs or spices (think garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
Step 1: Low and Slow is the Way to Go
Heat a pan over medium-low heat. This gentle heat allows even browning and prevents burnt bread before the cheese melts.
Step 2: Butter Up
Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice. For an extra-crispy crust, you can even butter both sides!
Step 3: Cheese Nirvana
Place your cheese slices on the unbuttered side of one bread slice. Get creative! You can add a sprinkle of your favorite dried herbs or spices here for an extra flavor boost.
Step 4: Building Your Masterpiece
Carefully place the other buttered bread slice on top, creating your cheesy masterpiece.
Step 5: The Golden Touch
Gently place your sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it – you want melty cheese, not burnt bread!
Step 6: Melty Perfection
Once both sides are beautifully browned and the cheese is melted to gooey perfection, remove your sandwich from the pan. Let it cool for a minute or two (resist the urge to dive in right away!), then slice in half and devour!
Bonus Tip: For an extra melty cheese experience, you can tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the pan while the cheese melts. This traps heat and helps the cheese get nice and gooey.
With these steps and a little Panera inspiration, you’re well on your way to crafting the perfect grilled cheese. Now get cooking and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Elevate Your Grilled Cheese: Customize your Grilled Cheese
The beauty of the grilled cheese lies in its endless customization possibilities. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, unleash your inner chef and explore a world of flavor combinations!
Here are some ideas to take your Panera-inspired creation to the next level:
Savory Additions
Protein Powerhouse: Turn your grilled cheese into a satisfying meal by adding lean protein like sliced ham, turkey, roasted chicken breast, or even crispy bacon.
These additions create a more substantial sandwich with a delightful textural contrast.
Garden Freshness: Incorporate sliced tomato, avocado, or crisp lettuce for a refreshing twist. Roasted peppers or caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Spice it Up! Feeling adventurous? Don’t be afraid to add a kick with a sprinkle of jalapenos, sriracha mayo, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Cheese Symphony
Gourmet Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations to create unique flavor profiles. Try a mix of cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina for a complex and satisfying taste.
Goat cheese, brie, or Havarti add a touch of tang and creaminess for a more sophisticated experience. Swiss cheese is a great option for a melty and slightly nutty flavor.
Spread Sensations: Instead of just butter, explore spreads like pesto, Dijon mustard, fig jam, or a touch of chutney to add a burst of unexpected flavor. Think savory with a spread of roasted garlic hummus or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Pro-Tip: When adding fillings like sliced meats or vegetables, consider toasting the bread first for extra texture and to prevent the fillings from making the bread soggy. This will create a barrier and keep your sandwich crisp and delicious.
With these suggestions, your grilled cheese journey transforms from a classic comfort food into a symphony of textures and flavors. So, get creative, have fun, and discover your perfect Panera-inspired masterpiece!
FAQs
What type of cheese does Panera use in grilled cheese?
Panera uses American cheese for their classic grilled cheese, offering a melty and familiar taste.
How do you cut a grilled cheese sandwich?
You can cut a grilled cheese sandwich any way you like! Diagonally for triangles or straight down the middle for rectangles are both popular options.
How do you add to grilled cheese?
There are two main ways to add to a grilled cheese: spread something on the bread (pesto, mustard) or layer fillings inside (ham, tomato, cheese).
Should you press a grilled cheese?
Yes, pressing a grilled cheese helps to achieve even heat and melty cheese. You can get a crispy crust without pressing, but it might take longer and require flipping.
Conclusion
With this recipe, you can create a Panera-inspired grilled cheese masterpiece in your own kitchen! It’s a surprisingly easy process that yields a melty, cheesy, and satisfying sandwich.
Don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe provides a delicious base, but feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheeses, and fillings to discover your own perfect combination.
