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Easy Panera Four Cheese Grilled Cheese Recipe

Panera Four Cheese Grilled Cheese Recipe

It’s a chilly afternoon, and all you want is comfort food. You crave something warm and cheesy, something that wraps you in a blanket of flavor and nostalgia. That’s where the Panera Four Cheese Grilled Cheese comes in. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Panera Four Cheese Grilled Cheese Recipe
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 324kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of soft whole wheat bread
  • 4 oz fontina cheese shredded
  • 1 oz Romano cheese finely grated
  • 1 oz Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
  • 2-3 g green onions finely diced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

  • Creating the perfect Panera Four Cheese Grilled Cheese is rewarding. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Prepare Your Cheese Blend

  • Start by gathering all your cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded fontina, grated Romano, and Parmesan along with the softened cream cheese.
  • Add in the milk gradually. Mix until everything is well incorporated and creamy. You should see a thick but spreadable consistency. This cheese blend is the heart of your sandwich.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

  • Lay out four slices of whole wheat bread. On each slice, spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle the diced green onions over the cheese for a fresh touch. Top each with another slice of bread, creating a classic sandwich.

Step 3: Butter the Outside

  • Melt the unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Brush one side of each sandwich with the melted butter. For an added kick, sprinkle garlic powder on the butter before brushing it on.

Step 4: Grill to Perfect Golden Brown

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches, buttered side down, into the skillet. Press down gently with a spatula.
  • Cook for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich using the spatula, buttering the other side as needed. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. You can occasionally peek to ensure it’s not burning.

Step 5: Melty Perfection

  • Once both sides are golden and the cheese inside is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet. Let it sit for a minute before cutting. This helps prevent a cheese explosion as you slice it.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cheeses yield a more vibrant flavor.
  • Don’t Rush the Cooking: Cooking on medium heat allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread.
  • Experiment with Breads: Try sourdough or brioche for a different flavor profile.
  • Add Herbs: Fresh herbs can significantly enhance the taste. Basil or oregano are great choices.
  • Practice Patience: Letting the sandwich cool a bit after cooking allows the cheese to set.

Nutrition

Serving: 87g | Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 28.6g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 586mg | Sugar: 2g
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