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These copycat Panera Asiago cheese bagels are everything you love—perfectly chewy, slightly crisp on the outside, and topped with a generous layer of melted Asiago cheese.

Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, lunch sandwiches, or a snack with cream cheese, this recipe is a total winner.

If you’ve ever walked into Panera Bread and been hit with the irresistible smell of freshly baked bagels, then you already know just how amazing their Asiago cheese bagels are. Soft, chewy on the inside, golden on the outside, and loaded with cheesy goodness—these bagels are hard to resist.

The good news? You can recreate that same bakery-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bakery-style texture at home
• Loaded with real Asiago cheese
• Perfect for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Better (and cheaper!) than takeout

Ingredients You’ll Need for Panera Asiago Cheese Bagels

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

For Boiling:

• 2 quarts of water
• 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda

For Topping:

• 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded Asiago cheese

How to Make Copycat Panera Asiago Cheese Bagels

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a dough forms.

Knead the dough for about 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your thumb to indent the dough. That is what makes these bagels different. The hole does not go all the way through.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

Bring water and sugar to a boil. Carefully drop in the bagels, 2–3 at a time, and boil for about 1 minute per side.

This step gives the bagels their classic chewy texture!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove the bagels from the water and place them back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with shredded Asiago cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Perfect Bagels

• Use bread flour for the best chewy texture
• Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s essential!
• Freshly shredded Asiago melts better than pre-shredded
• Add extra cheese halfway through baking for an extra cheesy crust

Variations to Try

• Add garlic powder to the dough for a garlic Asiago twist
• Mix cheddar with Asiago for a milder flavor
• Turn them into breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon
• Spread with whipped cream cheese or herb butter

How to Store & Freeze Panera Asiago Cheese Bagels

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the toaster or oven for the best texture

Final Thoughts

These copycat Panera Asiago cheese bagels bring the magic of Panera Bread straight to your kitchen. They’re soft, chewy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Once you make them from scratch, you may never go back to store-bought again!

Love bagels? Check out these other delicious recipes

• Hearty Brunch Bagel Sandwich
• Sourdough Discard Bagels
• Everything Bagel Breakfast Casserole