Panera's Grilled Cheese: What's The Cheesy Secret?

Panera Bread offers a grilled cheese sandwich that is made with a combination of cheddar, gruyere, and fontina cheeses. The sandwich is prepared on country white bread and is topped with bacon and sliced tomatoes. The bread is spread with butter and grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. This sandwich is a classic comfort food that is enjoyed by both children and adults.

Panera's classic grilled cheese uses American cheese

American cheese is a good melting cheese, which is an important quality for a grilled cheese sandwich. The cheese needs to melt quickly and evenly, becoming gooey and creamy, without becoming greasy or dry. American cheese's high melting point makes it ideal for this. It also has a mild, salty flavour that is familiar and comforting, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese.

In addition, American cheese has a high fat and moisture content, which contributes to its creamy texture and ability to melt smoothly. This is due in part to the cheese's high butterfat content, which also gives it a rich, buttery flavour. The cheese is also made with emulsifying salts, which help to create a smooth, even texture and prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or clumpy when melted.

To make the classic grilled cheese, Panera uses three slices of American cheese between two slices of white bread. The sandwich is grilled in a turbo chef oven at a temperature of over 500 degrees for about a minute and a half, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. This simple combination of bread and cheese creates a comforting, familiar dish that is perfect for both adults and children.

The \grown-up\ grilled cheese uses cheddar, gruyere and fontina cheeses

The "Grown-Up" Grilled Cheese

The "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich from Panera is an adult take on a classic comfort food. It features a blend of three cheeses—Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina—layered between slices of the brand's Country White Bread. The combination of these cheeses creates a gooey, creamy, and indulgent texture.

Ingredients and Preparation

To prepare this grilled cheese, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Panera® Country White Bread (4 slices)
• Softened butter (for spreading)
• 1.5 oz. Fontina cheese (sliced)
• 1.5 oz. Gruyere cheese (sliced or shredded)
• 1.5 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese (sliced)
• Optional: Roma tomatoes (3 oz., sliced) and Applewood smoked bacon (4 slices, cooked)

Start by heating a skillet to medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. On two of the slices, layer the cheeses, along with tomato and bacon if desired. Top with the remaining bread slices. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the cheeses melt and both sides are golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

The "grown-up" grilled cheese pairs well with a bowl of chicken noodle soup. For a tangier flavour, you can substitute Panera's Sourdough Bread. The Whole Grain Baker's Grains sliced bread is another option if you prefer a grainier texture.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be customised with various toppings and pairings. For instance, adding proteins like grilled chicken or vegetables like spinach can make the sandwich more interesting.

The \grown-up\ grilled cheese is served on country white bread

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and Panera's "Grown-Up Grilled Cheese" is a delicious take on this beloved favourite. Served on Country White Bread, this sandwich is a step up from the grilled cheese of your childhood.

The Grown-Up Grilled Cheese starts with Panera's Country White Bread, which is a soft and fluffy variety, providing the perfect base for the generous fillings. This sandwich is elevated with a combination of three cheeses: sharp cheddar, gruyere, and fontina. The sharpness of the cheddar is balanced by the creamy, nutty flavour of the gruyere, while the fontina adds a touch of sweetness and a creamy texture. To enhance the flavour and texture further, the sandwich is topped with crispy bacon and sliced Roma tomatoes.

Preparing the Grown-Up Grilled Cheese at home is simple. First, heat a skillet to medium heat. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. On two slices, layer the cheeses, tomato, and bacon, and then top with the remaining bread slices. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the cheese is melted and both sides are golden brown. This sandwich pairs perfectly with a bowl of chicken noodle soup or a tangy bowl of tomato soup.

For those who prefer their grilled cheese with a tangier flavour, Panera suggests substituting their Country White Bread with Sourdough Bread. Alternatively, for a grainier texture, their Whole Grain Baker's Grains sliced bread is also a tasty option. With its combination of high-quality ingredients and simple preparation, the Grown-Up Grilled Cheese is a satisfying and indulgent treat for adult cheese lovers.

The \grown-up\ grilled cheese is topped with crispy bacon

The "Grown-Up" Grilled Cheese, Topped with Crispy Bacon

Panera Bread's "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich is a delightful take on the classic comfort food, adding a touch of sophistication to the traditional grilled cheese. This sandwich is a perfect blend of creamy, gooey cheeses, crispy bacon, and the tang of fresh tomatoes, all layered between slices of buttery, golden-brown country white bread.

Ingredients and Preparation

The key to this sandwich lies in its combination of three distinct cheeses: Fontina, Gruyere, and sharp Cheddar. Each cheese brings its unique characteristics to the dish. Fontina adds a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour, while Gruyere contributes a slightly sweet and salty taste, enhancing the overall savouriness. The sharp Cheddar provides a bold, pungent kick, creating a complex and indulgent flavour profile.

To prepare the sandwich, the cheeses are layered with sliced Roma tomatoes and crispy Applewood smoked bacon. The filling is then sandwiched between slices of Panera's Country White Bread, generously spread with softened butter. The sandwich is grilled to perfection in a skillet, achieving a golden-brown exterior and a melted, oozing interior.

Serving Suggestions and Customisation

The "grown-up" grilled cheese pairs exceptionally well with a bowl of Panera's Chicken Noodle Soup, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. For those who prefer a tangier flavour profile, substituting the Country White Bread with Panera's Sourdough Bread is recommended. Additionally, their Whole Grain Baker's Grains sliced bread offers a grainier texture for those who favour a heartier bite.

For those who enjoy experimenting with flavours, Panera suggests trying their Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese, a unique twist on the classic, or exploring other toppings such as proteins like grilled chicken or veggies like bell peppers.

The "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich from Panera Bread is a delightful blend of flavours and textures, elevating the classic grilled cheese into a decadent treat for adults. With its combination of cheeses, bacon, and the option to customise with various breads and toppings, it is a versatile and indulgent choice for those seeking a comforting and satisfying meal.

The \grown-up\ grilled cheese can be served with chicken noodle soup

The "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich from Panera is a delicious and indulgent option for adults who want to enjoy a classic comfort food. This sandwich is made with a combination of three cheeses—Cheddar, Gruyere, and Fontina—layered on the company's Country White Bread and topped with crispy bacon. The combination of these cheeses creates a gooey and creamy texture that is sure to satisfy any cheese lover.

To prepare this sandwich, start by spreading softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the cheeses, along with sliced Roma tomatoes and bacon, on the unbuttered side of two slices of bread, and then top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat and cook until the cheese is melted and both sides are golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

While the "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich is delicious on its own, it truly shines when paired with a bowl of Panera's Chicken Noodle Soup. This combination creates a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a chilly day or when you're craving something indulgent. The soup's savoury broth and tender noodles complement the richness of the grilled cheese, making every bite a delightful sensory experience.

For those who prefer their grilled cheese with a tangy twist, Panera suggests using their Sourdough Bread instead of the Country White Bread. This variation adds a pleasant tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cheeses, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the sandwich. Additionally, if you prefer your bread with a grainier texture, Panera recommends trying their Whole Grain Baker's Grains sliced bread for a satisfying bite.

The "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich is a testament to the fact that grilled cheese isn't just for kids. With its blend of cheeses, crispy bacon, and the option to pair it with chicken noodle soup, this sandwich becomes an indulgent and satisfying meal for adults. So, the next time you're craving something comforting and delicious, why not give Panera's "grown-up" grilled cheese sandwich and chicken noodle soup a try? It might just become your new favourite comfort food combination!

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