Panera Recipe
Make Panera Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Bread & Sandwich Components
Filling — Turkey, Greens & Spread
Optional Pickles & Finishing
Method
Bread & Sandwich Components
- 1
Prepare bread
Slice the sourdough boule horizontally into two even slabs (or cut 4 sandwich-sized slices if using loaf). Lightly hollow out any very large air pockets in the crumb to make assembly easier.
- 2
Make garlic butter for toasting
In a small bowl combine the unsalted butter (softened) and olive oil. Rub the halved garlic clove over the cut faces of the bread to impart a subtle garlic note, then spread the butter mixture evenly on the exterior (outside) faces of both bread halves.
- 3
Toast bread
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the buttered exterior faces down and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. If you prefer a finished melt on the cheese, toast one cut face lightly, then flip and layer cheese on the warm face so it begins to soften. Remove bread from skillet and keep warm.
Filling — Turkey, Greens & Spread
- 4
Make the spread
In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning — the spread should be tangy and slightly salty to balance the turkey.
- 5
Assemble sandwiches
Spread a generous layer (about half of the spread mixture) on the cut face of the bottom piece of toasted bread. Layer half the sliced turkey (5 oz) evenly over the spread. Add two slices of cheddar and two slices of havarti (or a total of ~2 oz each) on top of the turkey so the warmth of the bread softens the cheese slightly.
- 6
Add produce and bacon
Top the cheese with bacon pieces (2 slices per sandwich), tomato slices, red onion, avocado slices, and the leafy greens. Season tomato and avocado lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the remaining mayonnaise mixture on the top bread half and place it cut-side down onto the assembled sandwich.
Optional Pickles & Finishing
- 7
Griddle to finish (optional)
If you want a warm, pressed Panera-style sandwich, heat 1 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium-low. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and weigh it down with a heavy skillet or press for 2–3 minutes per side until cheese is melted and filling is warm. Rotate once to brown evenly. Remove and let rest 1 minute.
- 8
Serve
Slice the sandwich in half on the diagonal. Serve immediately with dill pickle slices or bread-and-butter pickles on the side.