If you’re looking to recreate the delightful Panera Three Cheese Bread at home, you’re in for a treat. The recipe brings the bakery’s cheesy goodness right to your kitchen, making it a perfect accompaniment to soups or just a standalone snack with a pat of butter.
When it comes to ingredients, fresh yeast is key for that perfect rise, but if you only have active dry yeast, you can use it instead—just remember to adjust the quantity. For the cheeses, feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand. Always aim for high-quality cheeses for a rich flavor. If you have allergies, be cautious with the shortening; there are solid vegan options available that can work just as well.
Bread & Rolls
Panera Three Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water (95-105 F)
- 2 teaspoons fresh yeast
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup warm water (95-105 F)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 teaspoons fresh yeast
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vegetable shortening (2 ounces)
- 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 cup romano cheese (1/2-inch cubes)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (1/2-inch cubes)
- 1/2 cup asiago cheese (1/2-inch cubes)
Instructions
- To create the starter, combine 1 cup warm water and 2 teaspoons fresh yeast in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to dissolve the yeast fully. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour to the bowl and stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Cover with a cloth and let the starter ferment at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- For the dough, combine 3/4 cup warm water, 3 tablespoons honey, and 4 teaspoons fresh yeast in the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir to dissolve the yeast fully. Add 1/4 cup vegetable shortening, 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon salt, the cheeses, and the fermented starter. Mix on low speed until the dough is fully developed, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the dough from the mixing bowl.
- Divide the dough into 2 pieces, each weighing about 22 ounces. Set aside any remaining dough and freeze for future use. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Place the dough on the counter or in a proofing basket and cover with a warm, damp cloth. Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F while the dough is resting. After 30 minutes, form the dough into loaves. Cover with a warm, damp cloth and proof at room temperature for another 30 minutes.
- Score the loaves with a sharp knife, spray with water, and bake for 30 minutes, or until the crusts are a deep golden brown and the middle of the loaves reaches 190-200°F.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and place on a cooling rack for 30 minutes. If the bread was baked in loaf pans, be sure to remove it from the pans before cooling.