If you’ve ever swooned over those golden, flaky soufflés at Panera and wished you could enjoy them fresh from your own oven, you’re in for a treat. My Copycat Panera Style Soufflés bring all that creamy, cheesy magic right to your kitchen, complete with buttery puff pastry, savory fillings, and irresistible aroma. This recipe delivers all the elegance and satisfaction of the original, but with the joy of baking it yourself. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch or want to upgrade your lunch game, these soufflés will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Copycat Panera Style Soufflés Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these Copycat Panera Style Soufflés is how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Every component plays its part, lending richness, texture, or flavor to ensure the soufflés turn out just as delightfully as your favorite café’s version!

Puff pastry sheet: Store-bought, defrosted according to package instructions — easy, flaky, and absolutely essential to creating that iconic soufflé crust.
Large eggs: The backbone of your custardy filling; if you only have medium-sized eggs, use four to keep things rich and fluffy.
Heavy cream: Adds luxurious silkiness and helps the soufflés puff up tenderly while baking.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Gives sharp, nutty flavor and gorgeous golden color as it bakes.
Mozzarella, shredded: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy texture everyone loves.
Salt: A tiny bit amplifies all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.
Sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained: Brings bursts of tang and color that make each bite pop.
Prosciutto: Thin slices lend salty, savory layers and special-occasion flavor.
Fresh rosemary, chopped: A sprinkle of this earthy herb brightens up the entire soufflé and makes your kitchen smell heavenly.

How to Make Copycat Panera Style Soufflés

Step 1: Prepare Your Bakeware

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter four individual ramekins or one 9-inch pie dish generously—this keeps the soufflés from sticking and ensures that perfect, golden release. Set these aside and take a moment to appreciate how much you’re about to level-up brunch at home!

Step 2: Whisk the Eggs

Crack your eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk them thoroughly until they’re blended, frothy, and a lovely uniform yellow. Season with salt and pepper. This step is key to getting that signature soufflé texture—don’t rush it, and be generous with your arm power!

Step 3: Mix Up the Cheesy Custard

Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella to your eggs. Mix everything until just combined. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy mixture with a promise of cheesy goodness in every bite—already it smells fantastic, doesn’t it?

Step 4: Prep and Place the Puff Pastry

Carefully unroll your puff pastry sheet, taking a moment to marvel at those buttery layers. Cut it into four equal pieces and gently place each one into your buttered ramekins, letting the edges drape over for that classic soufflé look. Use a fork to prick holes in the base of each pastry—this keeps everything light and prevents any dramatic pastry puff-ups that would steal space from your filling.

Step 5: Layer the Good Stuff

Divide the sun dried tomatoes and prosciutto slices among the ramekins, adding a layer of savory, tangy, and just a little bit fancy flavor. Pour your egg and cheese custard evenly over the top, then sprinkle with freshly chopped rosemary. The aroma at this point will make you want to bake them immediately!

Step 6: Fold and Egg Wash

Fold the corners of your puff pastry neatly toward the center to create those charming little soufflé parcels. Dab a bit of your leftover egg mixture onto the pastry edges—this acts as the world’s easiest egg wash, guaranteeing that signature bakery shine when they bake up golden in the oven.

Step 7: Bake Until Beautiful

Place the soufflés on a baking sheet and transfer to your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching as the pastry puffs and browns. When they’re done, the soufflés will be golden, set in the center, and the smell will make it hard to wait for them to cool. But trust me—letting them cool just a bit before serving means you get all those distinct layers and flavors in every bite.

How to Serve Copycat Panera Style Soufflés

Garnishes

For that irresistible bakery finish, sprinkle a few extra leaves of fresh rosemary or a light grating of Parmesan right before serving. A tiny drizzle of olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper adds a touch of sophistication and makes these Copycat Panera Style Soufflés look (and taste) extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your soufflés with a vibrant green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside a bowl of fresh fruit for a bright, balanced meal. Want to go all out? Roasted potatoes or a cup of soup will turn this dish into a cozy brunch spread that rivals any café experience.

Creative Ways to Present

You can bake mini soufflés in muffin tins for a bite-sized party treat, or make one giant Copycat Panera Style Soufflé in a pie dish to slice and share. Serve them right in the ramekins for that bakery-chic look, or unmold them onto plates alongside colorful accompaniments for extra flair—the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Copycat Panera Style Soufflés (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them a brilliant grab-and-go breakfast or lunch option for busy mornings.

Freezing

To stock up for future cravings, wrap each cooled soufflé tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully frozen for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—your future self will thank you!

Reheating

When you’re ready to bring your soufflés back to life, simply reheat them (uncovered) in a 350 degree oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the pastry is re-crisped. If in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but the crust will be softer—oven is always best for recreating that fresh-baked magic.

FAQs

Can I substitute other cheeses in these Copycat Panera Style Soufflés?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap mozzarella for Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar, or play with the ratios for a custom blend. Different cheeses will add their unique flavor notes and textures, so have fun with it.

What’s the best way to prevent soggy bottoms on the pastry?

Pricking the bottom of the puff pastry with a fork does wonders to keep things crisp. You can also make sure your toppings (especially the sun dried tomatoes) are well-drained, so excess moisture doesn’t pool into the pastry as it bakes.

Can I make Copycat Panera Style Soufflés ahead?

Yes! Assemble everything the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge in the morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure a thoroughly cooked, golden soufflé.

Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?

Of course! Just skip the prosciutto or substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a handful of spinach for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs a flavorful punch.

What if I don’t have ramekins?

No problem! You can build your Copycat Panera Style Soufflés in a standard muffin tin for individual portions, or use a pie plate for a single, shareable soufflé slice. Baking time may vary, so keep an eye on the color and the set of the custard as your guide.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate in homemade brunch or a savory bakery treat, these Copycat Panera Style Soufflés are simple, swoon-worthy, and bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share them with you. Give them a try and find out just how magical your own kitchen can taste!