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Craving a Panera Turkey Sandwich? Make it Yourself!
Let’s be honest, that Panera Bread turkey sandwich is seriously tempting. But what if you could whip up a copycat version in your own kitchen? It’s easier than you think, and you get a delicious, satisfying sandwich without even changing out of your comfy pants.
Why Make Your Own Panera Turkey Sandwich?
Besides the convenience factor, making your own sandwich lets you control the ingredients. Want more avocado? Pile it on! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it! It’s all about customization and freshness.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the breakdown of what goes into our Panera-inspired masterpiece:
- Bread: Asiago cheese bread is the iconic choice, but sourdough or ciabatta works great too.
- Turkey: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality turkey breast.
- Lettuce: Crisp romaine lettuce is ideal.
- Tomato: Fresh, ripe tomato slices are a must.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little zing.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness.
- Mayo: Good quality mayonnaise.
Putting It All Together: The Sandwich Recipe
Ready to assemble? Here’s the super simple process:
- Prep the Bread: If using Asiago bread, you can lightly toast it or leave it as is. Slice it in half horizontally.
- Spread the Mayo: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both halves of the bread.
- Layer the Lettuce: Place a layer of romaine lettuce on the bottom half of the bread.
- Add the Turkey: Arrange the sliced turkey over the lettuce.
- Top with Tomato and Onion: Add the tomato and red onion slices.
- Add Avocado: Place the avocado slices on top of the vegetables.
- Close the Sandwich: Top with the other half of the bread.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut in half (optional) and enjoy immediately!
Tips for the Best Turkey Sandwich
- Quality Ingredients Matter: The better the ingredients, the better the sandwich. Spring for good turkey and ripe avocados.
- Toast the Bread: Toasting adds a nice texture and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
- Don’t Overload: Resist the urge to pile on too many toppings, or your sandwich will be difficult to eat.
- Adjust to Your Taste: This is just a guideline! Feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to your liking.
Variations to Try
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some ideas:
- Add Cheese: Provolone, Swiss, or cheddar would all be delicious.
- Spice it Up: Add a drizzle of sriracha mayo or a few slices of pickled jalapeƱos.
- Change the Bread: Experiment with different types of bread, like whole wheat or rye.
- Add Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts or other sprouts add a fresh, crunchy element.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- It’s best to eat the sandwich fresh, as the bread can get soggy. If you need to prep ahead, keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before serving.
- Can I use a different type of bread?
- Absolutely! Sourdough, ciabatta, or even a good quality whole wheat bread would work well.
- What kind of turkey is best?
- Look for thinly sliced turkey breast from the deli counter for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy Your Homemade Panera Turkey Sandwich!
There you have it! A simple and delicious way to enjoy a Panera-inspired turkey sandwich in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. Happy sandwich making!