Panera Four Cheese Souffle Recipe – Make It at Home!
If you’ve ever walked into Panera early in the morning, you’ve probably caught the warm, buttery aroma of their famous breakfast soufflés. The Panera Four Cheese Souffle is a fan favorite—light, fluffy, cheesy, and perfectly golden brown. But what if I told you that you can recreate that same bakery-quality indulgence right in your own kitchen?
This Panera Four Cheese Souffle Recipe is an at-home version that’s surprisingly simple, deliciously rich, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.
In this guide, I’ll share the exact ingredients, step-by-step instructions, pro tips for getting that signature puff, and variations you can try. Let’s bring Panera to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Panera Four Cheese Souffle Recipe
Before diving into the recipe, here’s why it’s worth making:
- Bakery-Style at Home: No need to run to Panera—make it fresh in your own kitchen.
- Cheesy Perfection: Four kinds of cheese melt together for a rich, savory bite.
- Customizable: Add veggies, herbs, or meats to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
What Is a Panera Four Cheese Souffle?
The Panera Four Cheese Souffle is a light, egg-based pastry filled with a rich blend of cheeses, baked until golden brown. Unlike traditional soufflés that are baked directly in ramekins, Panera’s version is made in a puff pastry shell—giving it both a flaky crust and a fluffy interior.
It’s a cross between a quiche and a soufflé, making it perfect for anyone who loves cheesy, buttery breakfasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate the Panera Four Cheese Souffle Recipe, you’ll need a mix of store-bought and fresh ingredients.
For the Puff Pastry Base:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed (store-bought works perfectly)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
For the Egg & Cheese Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream for richer texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled Asiago cheese
For Brushing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet just enough to remove the fold marks.
- Cut the pastry into squares large enough to fit inside your ramekins or muffin tins, leaving some overhang.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Set aside while you prepare the cheese blend.
Step 3: Mix the Cheeses
- In a separate bowl, combine cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Asiago cheeses.
- Toss them together so you get an even mix of flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Soufflés
- Gently press the puff pastry squares into each ramekin or muffin cup, letting the corners hang over the edges.
- Add a spoonful of the cheese mixture to each pastry cup.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cheese until about 3/4 full.
- Top with an extra sprinkle of cheese for that golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Brush the overhanging puff pastry edges with beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the soufflés are puffed and golden brown.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving—they’ll be hot inside!
Tips for the Perfect Panera Four Cheese Souffle
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a little room for the egg mixture to puff without overflowing.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that affect melting—freshly shred if possible.
- Serve Immediately: Soufflés are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven.
- Puff Pastry Shortcuts: You can prep the pastry shells the night before and refrigerate.
Variations to Try
While the classic Panera Four Cheese Souffle Recipe is irresistible, you can customize it:
- Veggie Lovers: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Meat Option: Include cooked bacon, ham, or breakfast sausage.
- Herb Twist: Mix in chives, parsley, or basil for freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
What to Serve with Your Four Cheese Souffle
To make your breakfast or brunch even better, pair your soufflé with:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Hash browns or roasted breakfast potatoes
- A side of mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Freshly brewed coffee or a latte
How to Store & Reheat
If you happen to have leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving—it can make the pastry soggy.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating in the oven.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredients used.
Why This Homemade Version Is Even Better Than Panera
While Panera’s soufflés are undeniably delicious, making your own has advantages:
- You control the quality of ingredients.
- You can tweak flavors to your liking.
- You save money—no more $5+ breakfasts!
- Fresh-from-the-oven warmth can’t be beaten.
Final Thoughts
With its buttery puff pastry, fluffy egg filling, and melty cheese blend, this Panera Four Cheese Souffle Recipe will quickly become a weekend favorite in your home. It’s easy enough for a cozy family breakfast but impressive enough for hosting brunch guests.
So next time you’re craving Panera but don’t want to leave the house, just whip up a batch of these irresistible soufflés—and watch them disappear in minutes.
