Copycat Panera Four Cheese Soufflé (Air Fryer)
Description
A copycat of Panera's four cheese soufflé made in the air fryer, with a puff pastry crust standing in for their croissant dough and a smooth four-cheese egg custard inside. Six servings in 34 minutes, at 450 calories each — Panera's is 480 and sells for around $6.89 apiece.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large eggs, beaten, at room temperature
- ⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- ⅓ cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded (or Romano, for a closer copycat)
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Grease six 5-inch oven-safe ramekins.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in the milk and cook until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and cool until barely warm.
- Stir the cooled milk mixture into the beaten eggs along with the cream cheese, Parmesan, cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix until completely smooth.
- Cut the puff pastry into 6 squares. Press one into each ramekin, folding the overhang inward against the rim.
- Divide the egg mixture between the ramekins, filling each no more than two-thirds full.
- Place as many ramekins in the air fryer as fit without touching. Cover with foil and cook at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and cook another 2 to 4 minutes, until puffed and deep golden brown.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Ramekins
- Cooking Spray
Notes
Room-temperature eggs and fully cooled béchamel are essential — hot béchamel will scramble the eggs on contact. Shred your own cheese; pre-shredded is coated in starch that makes the custard grainy. Store cooled soufflés airtight in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 300°F for 4 to 6 minutes.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 445kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 14gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 152mgSodium: 756mgPotassium: 164mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 660IUCalcium: 227mgIron: 2mg