Unveiling the Mystery: A Copycat Recipe for Panera's Asiago Cheese Bread

Ah, Panera Bread. The aroma of freshly baked bread and endless pastry options can be enough to send anyone's taste buds into a frenzy. But there's one bread in particular that holds a special place in many hearts: the Asiago Cheese Bread.

This recipe unlocks the secret to recreating that irresistible combination of a crispy crust and a soft, cheesy interior, all in the comfort of your own kitchen. No need for fancy ingredients or techniques – just simple steps and a whole lot of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F / 40°C to 46°C)
• 1 parcel dynamic dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons).
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup grated Asiago cheese (plus extra for topping)

Instructions:

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy and active. This is your little yeast party getting started!
2. Dry ingredients join the fun: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. Time to combine: Add the olive oil and Asiago cheese to the activated yeast mixture. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead it out (gently): Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes. This helps develop the gluten and creates that wonderful texture we crave. Be gentle though, we don't want a tough bread!
5. Rise and shine: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shaping the future: Once risen, punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round loaf or a long baguette, whichever you prefer.
7. Second rise, second chance: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven: While the dough takes its final rise, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
9. Golden brown beauty: Brush the top of the bread with olive oil and sprinkle generously with additional Asiago cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
10. Fresh out of the oven bliss: Let the bread cool slightly on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips:

• Feeling adventurous? Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• For a softer crust, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking.
• Leftover bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.

This recipe allows you to create your own slice of Panera magic right at home. Enjoy it warm with butter, alongside a salad, or simply savor its cheesy goodness on its own.