Kamil Perry
Panera Bread offers a variety of dishes that feature cheese, including grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and broccoli cheddar soup. The exact brand of cheese used by Panera is not publicly known, but it is believed to be Pasteurized Process Yellow American Cheese. Additionally, copycat recipes for Panera's macaroni and cheese dish suggest using Cabot white cheddar cheese or a combination of sharp cheddar and white American cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Pasteurized Process Yellow American Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese, Deli Sliced American Cheese, Sharp Cheddar |
| Cheese brand | Cabot, Schuman |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Flour, Milk, Heavy Cream, Mustard, Salt, Hot Sauce, Broccoli, Ham, Ritz Crackers |
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What You'll Learn
- Panera's Classic Grilled Cheese uses pasteurized process yellow American cheese
- Panera's Mac & Cheese uses a creamy Vermont white cheddar sauce
- Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is made with white cheddar cheese
- Panera uses a variety of cheeses in its dishes, including sharp cheddar and Cabot white cheddar
- Panera's signature cheese sauce includes milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese
Panera's Classic Grilled Cheese uses pasteurized process yellow American cheese
Panera Bread's Classic Grilled Cheese uses pasteurized process yellow American cheese. While the exact brand of cheese used in the sandwich is unknown, some people have speculated that it is sourced from Schuman.
American cheese is a type of cheese made from a blend of milk cheeses, such as cheddar or Colby. It is characterized by its creamy texture and mild flavour. The pasteurization process involves heating the cheese to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria, which helps to extend its shelf life.
Yellow American cheese gets its distinct colour from annatto, a natural colouring additive derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. This type of cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches due to its meltability and smooth texture when heated. It also has a salty taste that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich.
In addition to their Classic Grilled Cheese, Panera Bread offers other dishes that feature cheese, such as their Mac & Cheese, which is made with a blend of creamy cheese sauce and white cheddar cheese. Their Broccoli Cheddar Soup is another popular menu item that showcases the restaurant's use of cheese.
Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, and Panera Bread has incorporated it into their menu in creative ways, making it a favourite among cheese lovers.
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Panera's Mac & Cheese uses a creamy Vermont white cheddar sauce
Panera's Mac & Cheese is a signature dish, with its creamy Vermont white cheddar sauce. The sauce is made with a blend of cheeses, including white cheddar, milk, heavy cream, and other dairy products, creating a rich and indulgent flavor. The cheese sauce is then combined with tender shell pasta, resulting in a classic comfort food that has become a favorite among customers.
The white cheddar cheese used in the sauce is of good quality, with some recipes specifically recommending Cabot white cheddar for optimal results. This variety of cheese adds a distinct sharpness and creaminess to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and texture. The use of dairy products such as milk, heavy cream, and butter in the sauce contributes to its smooth and indulgent consistency.
Preparing the sauce involves melting butter in a saucepan over low heat and gradually whisking in milk. The mixture is then cooked until it thickens and bubbles. At this stage, the heat is reduced, and ingredients like cheese, mustard, salt, and hot sauce are added, creating a smooth and flavorful cheese sauce. The cooked pasta is then stirred into this sauce, ensuring that each piece of pasta is coated in the creamy goodness.
The versatility of Panera's Mac & Cheese is another appealing aspect. While it can be served straight from the stovetop, it can also be baked in the oven, resulting in a crunchy topping. The dish pairs well with various add-ins and sides, such as bacon, crushed Ritz crackers, broccoli, or a side salad, allowing customers to customize their meal according to their preferences.
The popularity of Panera's Mac & Cheese has led to the creation of copycat recipes that aim to replicate the signature flavor at home. These recipes allow people to enjoy the creamy Vermont white cheddar sauce and the overall comfort of this classic dish in the comfort of their homes. The availability of these recipes showcases the widespread appreciation for Panera's unique take on this traditional favorite.
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Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is made with white cheddar cheese
Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular menu item, and the cheese used in this soup is an important ingredient. The soup is made with white cheddar cheese, which gives it a creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavour.
White cheddar cheese is a type of cheddar cheese that is characterised by its light-coloured paste, in contrast to the more common orange cheddar. This colour comes from the annatto plant, which is used to dye the cheese. White cheddar is often seen as a more “natural" alternative to orange cheddar, as it does not contain any added colourants. It has a slightly sharper and more intense flavour than its orange counterpart, which can be attributed to the fact that it is aged for longer. This variety of cheddar is also known for its creamy and smooth texture, which makes it ideal for melting and incorporating into sauces and soups.
In Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the white cheddar cheese is combined with other ingredients, such as broccoli, to create a balanced and flavourful dish. The cheese adds a creamy consistency and a rich, savoury taste that complements the other components of the soup.
The use of white cheddar cheese in this soup showcases Panera's commitment to using quality ingredients and creating unique flavour profiles. White cheddar has a distinct flavour that sets it apart from other types of cheese, and its inclusion in this soup contributes to its popularity among customers.
In addition to its flavour and textural qualities, white cheddar cheese also offers some nutritional benefits. It is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to the soup. These nutritional attributes contribute to a well-rounded meal, especially when paired with a side dish or sandwich.
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Panera uses a variety of cheeses in its dishes, including sharp cheddar and Cabot white cheddar
The classic grilled cheese at Panera is a favourite among many, and the cheese used is said to be "normal American cheese". Some have speculated that it may be from the brand Schuman, but this is not confirmed.
Turning to their mac and cheese, Panera's recipe includes a blend of creamy cheese sauce and white cheddar cheese. Copycat recipes for this dish specifically recommend Cabot white cheddar for the best results. This variety of cheese is said to yield a smooth and creamy texture, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish.
In addition to sharp cheddar and Cabot white cheddar, other cheeses used in Panera's dishes include American cheese and dijon mustard in their mac and cheese, as well as cheddar cheese in their broccoli cheddar soup. The versatility of Panera's cheese choices showcases their commitment to crafting delicious and varied menu options for their customers.
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Panera's signature cheese sauce includes milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese
Panera's signature cheese sauce is a blend of creamy cheese and white cheddar cheese. The sauce includes milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese as its key ingredients. The sauce is known for its rich and creamy texture, making it a popular choice for their mac and cheese.
The cheese sauce is prepared by melting butter in a saucepan over low heat. Flour is then added and cooked for about a minute, creating a roux. The heat is reduced to medium, and milk, heavy cream, salt, dry mustard, and pepper are mixed in. The sauce is cooked until it thickens and bubbles, and then removed from the heat. Finally, cheddar cheese is added, and the mixture is stirred until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
The sauce is often served with pasta, creating a creamy and indulgent mac and cheese dish. Panera's mac and cheese is a fan favorite and can be enjoyed as a classic dish or with added ingredients such as chorizo sausage, bacon, or broccoli. The sauce can also be baked, creating a crunchy topping.
The quality of the cheese used is essential for achieving the best flavor. White cheddar cheese is the preferred variety, and shredding the cheese beforehand ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce. The sauce can be made in large batches and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, although freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate.
Overall, Panera's signature cheese sauce is a delightful blend of creamy cheese and white cheddar, enhanced by the addition of milk and heavy cream. It is a versatile sauce that can be enjoyed in various dishes and has become a beloved feature of Panera's menu.
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Frequently asked questions
Panera uses a blend of creamy cheese sauce and white cheddar cheese in their mac and cheese.
Panera's grilled cheese is made with pasteurized process yellow American cheese.
There are many copycat recipes for Panera's mac and cheese, but the best one uses Cabot white cheddar cheese.
The best cheese to use in a copycat recipe for Panera's grilled cheese is American cheese.
