Panera Grilled Cheese Recipe

I want you to feel super sure that I can help you make this the right way, so I’m keeping things simple and clear. This panera grilled cheese recipe is something I’ve made many times, and I know exactly what makes it taste like the real deal.

Panera grilled cheese recipe: a sandwich made with soft white or artisan bread, real cheese such as Fontina and cheddar, and a buttery, toasted exterior that is cooked until the cheese melts evenly.

As you read on, I’ll show you the exact cheese to use, how to toast it just right, and the little steps that make it taste like Panera. You’ll learn every tiny detail so you can make it perfect at home.

Why This Copycat Panera Grilled Cheese Tastes Just Like the Café

Panera’s grilled cheese has a flavor profile built around creamy, mild-but-buttery Fontina and a sharp white cheddar that adds just enough tang. We tested multiple cheese ratios, bread types, and cooking methods until we landed on a version that melts, stretches, and crisps up just like the real deal.

What Makes the Panera Fontina Grilled Cheese Stand Out

• Fontina cheese melts effortlessly, giving the sandwich that silky texture Panera is known for.

• White cheddar adds flavor depth so the grilled cheese doesn’t taste flat.

• Sourdough or artisan white bread gives structure without overwhelming the cheese blend.

• Slow, even heat ensures the outside crisps perfectly while the cheese stays gooey inside.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the Panera grilled cheese taste café-quality, the secret is in the cheese ratio and the low-and-slow grilling technique.

Ingredients You Need for the Panera Fontina Grilled Cheese

To get as close as possible to the original Panera grilled cheese recipe, it’s essential to use the right combination of cheeses and high-quality bread. Here’s your full ingredient breakdown:

Cheese Blend

• 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese (about 4 oz)

• ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese (about 2 oz)

Bread

• 4 slices sourdough or artisan white bread
  (each slice ½–¾ inch thick)

Butter

• 3 tablespoons softened butter
  (for spreading on the bread)

Optional Add-Ons (If You Want Variations)

• 2–3 slices cooked bacon (for bacon grilled cheese)

• 2–4 thin tomato slices (for tomato variation)

• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (for extra-melty kid-friendly version)

• Pinch of garlic powder or herb mix for flavored butter

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan

2. Spatula

3. Cheese grater

4. Cutting board

5. Sharp knife

6. Small mixing bowl

7. Butter spreader or offset spatula

8. Measuring cups

9. Panini press or air fryer (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes

How to Make Panera Grilled Cheese (Step-by-Step Guide)

This is the easiest, most reliable way to recreate a copycat Panera grilled cheese at home:

Step 1 – Prepare the Fontina and Cheddar Cheese

Shred both cheeses by hand. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Aim for a ratio of 2 parts Fontina to 1 part white cheddar.

Step 2 – Butter the Bread for Perfect Crisp

Spread a generous, even layer of butter on one side of each bread slice.
The key to the Panera-style crust is a softened butter, not melted butter – softened butter spreads evenly and helps the bread crisp without burning.

Step 3 – Assemble Your Copycat Panera Grilled Cheese

Place the unbuttered sides of the bread together with a thick layer of the Fontina–cheddar blend in between. The cheese should reach the edges of the bread for maximum melt.

Step 4 – Grill Low and Slow

Heat a skillet over medium-low.
Place the sandwich buttered-side down and cook until the bread turns golden and crusty. Flip and repeat. Low heat mimics Panera’s flat-top process and ensures the cheese melts before the bread browns too deeply.

Tips for the Best Copycat Panera Grilled Cheese

To achieve that signature Panera flavor and melt, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Shred your cheese fresh – it melts smoother and creamier.

• Use low to medium-low heat – high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts.

• Let the sandwich rest for 1 minute before cutting – the cheese sets slightly and won’t leak out.

• Choose quality bread – a soft yet sturdy loaf is essential for the Panera texture.

• Consider mixing in a little cream cheese for extra silkiness (a trick many copycat versions use).

Variations You Can Try

A classic Panera grilled cheese recipe is perfect on its own, but you can easily elevate it with these flavor-packed variations. Each option still keeps that comforting Fontina–cheddar melt while adding a twist that feels gourmet.

Fontina Grilled Cheese With Tomato

Fresh tomato slices add acidity that balances the creamy cheese blend.
Use Roma or heirloom tomatoes, sliced thin so the sandwich stays crisp and melty.

Three-Cheese Panera Copycat Version

If you want an extra-luxurious melt, try adding a third cheese:

• Fontina

• White cheddar

• Monterey Jack or Gruyère

This combination enhances both flavor and stretch, similar to Panera’s seasonal grilled cheese versions.

Panera-Style Grilled Cheese with Bacon

Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch and makes this a heartier version.
Great for brunch or a café-inspired lunch.

Kid-Friendly Extra-Melty Version

For kids (or adults who want something super creamy), add a tablespoon of cream cheese to your Fontina mix.
It melts smoother, doesn’t ooze out as easily, and makes a great lunchbox option.

What to Serve With Panera Fontina Grilled Cheese

A grilled cheese this good deserves the perfect sides. These pair beautifully with both the classic and the copycat Panera grilled cheese variations.

• Tomato soup – The traditional Panera pairing; acidic, silky, and comforting.

• Broccoli cheddar soup – Another Panera favorite that complements the cheese blend.

• Creamy potato soup – For a heavier, cold-weather meal.

• Green salads – Caesar, Greek, or a simple mixed greens.

• Chips or kettle crisps – Add crunch and contrast to the melty sandwich.

Whether you want a light café-style meal or a cozy dinner, these sides complete the experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftover grilled cheese, let the sandwich cool completely before wrapping it in parchment paper and placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days without becoming soggy. When you’re ready to reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat and warm the sandwich for a few minutes on each side to bring back its crisp exterior and melty interior. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread rubbery and the cheese oily. If you want to freeze grilled cheese for later, wrap each sandwich individually in parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag, then reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture.

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Yield: 2

Panera Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print

I want you to feel super sure that I can help you make this the right way, so I’m keeping things simple and clear. This panera grilled cheese recipe is something I’ve made many times, and I know exactly what makes it taste like the real deal.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese (about 4 oz)
• ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese (about 2 oz)
• 4 slices sourdough or artisan white bread (each slice ½–¾ inch thick)
• 3 tablespoons softened butter (for spreading on the bread)
• 2–3 slices cooked bacon (for bacon grilled cheese)
• 2–4 thin tomato slices (for tomato variation)
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (for extra-melty kid-friendly version)
• Pinch of garlic powder or herb mix for flavored butter

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Fontina and Cheddar Cheese

Shred both cheeses by hand. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Aim for a ratio of 2 parts Fontina to 1 part white cheddar.

Step 2 – Butter the Bread for Perfect Crisp

Spread a generous, even layer of butter on one side of each bread slice. The key to the Panera-style crust is a softened butter, not melted butter – softened butter spreads evenly and helps the bread crisp without burning.

Step 3 – Assemble Your Copycat Panera Grilled Cheese

Place the unbuttered sides of the bread together with a thick layer of the Fontina–cheddar blend in between. The cheese should reach the edges of the bread for maximum melt.

Step 4 – Grill Low and Slow

Heat a skillet over medium-low. Place the sandwich buttered-side down and cook until the bread turns golden and crusty. Flip and repeat. Low heat mimics Panera’s flat-top process and ensures the cheese melts before the bread browns too deeply.

Notes

To store leftover grilled cheese, let the sandwich cool completely before wrapping it in parchment paper and placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days without becoming soggy. When you’re ready to reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat and warm the sandwich for a few minutes on each side to bring back its crisp exterior and melty interior. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bread rubbery and the cheese oily. If you want to freeze grilled cheese for later, wrap each sandwich individually in parchment and store in a freezer-safe bag, then reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 200

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are helpful FAQ answers based on cooking experience, copycat testing, and actual kitchen results.

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