Andy Montoya
Panera Bread's grilled cheese sandwich has been a popular menu item, with some customers even calling it their go-to food choice. However, in 2018, the restaurant made changes to this classic sandwich, sparking a debate among its patrons. The new version features a 'four-cheese' blend, moving away from the traditional American cheese, and a different type of bread, which some have described as tough to chew. These changes have led to mixed reactions, with some loyal customers petitioning to bring back the original grilled cheese they know and love.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Change in the grilled cheese recipe | Addition of a "four cheese" blend |
| Option to get American cheese | |
| Change in bread | |
| Option to get All Natural White Pan Bread | |
| Option to get kids grilled cheese on white bread | |
| Option to get sesame bread, country loaf, and tomato mozzarella flatbread | |
| Customer response | Positive response to the taste of the four-cheese blend |
| Negative response to the crust of the new bread | |
| Negative response to the amount of cheese | |
| Petition to bring back the classic grilled cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Panera Bread's classic grilled cheese
However, Panera Bread made some adjustments to their grilled cheese sandwich, substituting the original American cheese with a four-cheese blend. While some customers found this new blend tastier, others remained loyal to the classic American cheese filling. The bread also underwent a change, as the natural white "Miche" bread was replaced with a different type of white bread. This alteration proved controversial, with some diners finding the crust of the new bread tough to chew and believing that the overall baking execution was lacking.
The changes to Panera Bread's classic grilled cheese sparked strong reactions from customers, with some even choosing to stop patronizing the restaurant due to their children's dislike of the new version. A petition was started, urging Panera Bread to bring back the original grilled cheese sandwich. The petitioners acknowledged the option to request American cheese and the availability of different bread types, but they still longed for the familiar comfort of the classic sandwich.
The method of preparation for the classic grilled cheese at Panera Bread also contributed to its appeal. Employees have shared that the sandwich was prepared in high-quality turbo chef ovens or toaster ovens. The bread was placed on grill paper, with the cheese added on top, and then toasted open-faced to ensure proper melting of the cheese. This technique likely enhanced the flavour and texture of the grilled cheese, making it a memorable and crave-worthy option for many customers.
Despite the changes to the grilled cheese, Panera Bread's commitment to delivering a satisfying dining experience remains. The restaurant chain has demonstrated its willingness to adapt and innovate its menu, even if it means facing some criticism from customers with a strong affinity for the classic versions of their favourite dishes.
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Changes to the grilled cheese sandwich
Panera Bread's grilled cheese sandwich has been a popular menu item for many customers, especially those seeking a quick, classic, and comforting meal. However, changes to this seemingly simple sandwich have sparked strong reactions, with some patrons even starting petitions to bring back the original version. So, what exactly has changed about Panera's grilled cheese?
The original grilled cheese sandwich offered by Panera Bread featured a blend of American cheese melted between slices of fluffy, toasted white bread. This combination of salty, creamy cheese and soft, toasted bread created a satisfying and familiar comfort food. Over time, however, Panera made alterations to this classic sandwich, replacing the traditional American cheese with a four-cheese blend. While customers could still request American cheese, the default option had changed.
The new four-cheese blend introduced a mix of diverse cheeses, adding complexity to the flavour profile of the sandwich. Some customers welcomed this change, finding the new blend tastier than expected. However, others lamented the loss of the classic, nostalgic combination of American cheese and white bread. The new blend also raised concerns about the amount of cheese used, with some patrons feeling that the portion size was insufficient.
In addition to the cheese, the bread used for the grilled cheese sandwich also underwent changes. Panera discontinued the use of the Natural White "Miche," a type of bread that some bakers found challenging to execute properly. They introduced a new bread option, the "All Natural White Pan Bread," which was similar in taste and texture but presented in a different shape. This change aimed to address the issues with the previous bread, which was reportedly often overproofed and underbaked.
The modifications to the grilled cheese sandwich at Panera Bread sparked mixed reactions among customers. While some embraced the new four-cheese blend and appreciated the option to customise their sandwich, others felt a strong connection to the original version. For some, the classic grilled cheese was a go-to meal, and they believed that certain menu items, like this classic sandwich, should remain unchanged. These customers expressed their desire for the original grilled cheese to be brought back or at least re-added to the menu as an option.
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A four-cheese blend
In 2018, Panera Bread changed the cheese in their grilled cheese sandwich from American cheese to a four-cheese blend. This change sparked controversy among loyal customers, with some signing a petition for the classic grilled cheese to be brought back.
The four-cheese blend in Panera's grilled cheese sandwich is a combination of four diverse types of cheese. While the exact cheeses in the blend are not known, it is assumed that they complement each other well and add a unique flavour to the sandwich. Some customers have expressed that they enjoy the taste of the four-cheese blend, finding it tastier than expected.
The four-cheese blend is a departure from the traditional American cheese typically used in grilled cheese sandwiches. American cheese is known for its salty, savoury flavour and its ability to melt evenly and smoothly. It is a classic choice for grilled cheese, creating a comforting and familiar taste.
By contrast, the four-cheese blend offers a more complex and sophisticated flavour profile. Each type of cheese in the blend contributes its own unique characteristics, resulting in a grilled cheese sandwich with added depth and variety. The blend likely includes cheeses with different textures, melting points, and flavour profiles, creating a more dynamic and interesting eating experience.
However, despite the positive reception from some customers, others remain loyal to the classic American cheese grilled cheese. The combination of salty American cheese and fluffy, toasted white bread holds a special place in the hearts of many Panera fans, who view it as the perfect snack or meal.
In conclusion, the four-cheese blend in Panera's grilled cheese sandwich offers a new and distinct flavour profile that sets it apart from the classic American cheese variety. While some customers embrace this change, others continue to crave the familiar comfort of the original grilled cheese, sparking a debate about the role of classic dishes in restaurants and the importance of preserving long-standing menu items.
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The option to get American cheese
Panera Bread's grilled cheese sandwich has been a popular item on the menu. However, some changes have been made to the classic sandwich, including a shift from American cheese to a "four-cheese" blend. Despite this change, Panera has listened to its customers and retained the option to get American cheese on the sandwich. This is good news for those who prefer the classic combination of salty, classic American cheese and fluffy, toasted white bread.
The ability to customize the grilled cheese sandwich at Panera Bread is a testament to the company's willingness to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. While some customers may embrace the new "four-cheese" blend, others can still enjoy the familiar taste of American cheese. This option allows Panera to cater to a wider range of palates, satisfying both those who crave variety and those who prefer tradition.
In the past, Panera's grilled cheese was made with American cheese and prepared on a flat panini press or in a turbo chef oven. The sandwich was made with plain white Miche bread, with three pieces of American cheese for a full sandwich and 1.5 pieces for a half. The bread was placed on grill paper, and the cheese was added on top before toasting to ensure proper melting.
While some customers have expressed disappointment in the changes to the grilled cheese, particularly the bread, others have found the new "`four-cheese` blend to be surprisingly tasty." Ultimately, the option to choose between American cheese and the new blend gives customers the power to decide, ensuring that they can still enjoy their favorite comfort food or explore new flavors.
The ability to customize the grilled cheese sandwich at Panera Bread showcases the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. By retaining the option for American cheese, Panera respects the preferences of those who consider the classic grilled cheese a staple, while also offering the opportunity to try something new for those feeling adventurous. This flexibility in their menu options is a winning strategy for Panera, ensuring that their customers keep coming back for more.
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Bread type changes
In 2018, Panera Bread made changes to its grilled cheese sandwich, which didn't sit well with some of its customers. The changes were not just related to the bread type but also the cheese. The classic grilled cheese sandwich, which was a favourite for many, was made with American cheese and fluffy, toasted, white bread. However, the new version had a four-cheese blend and a different type of bread.
The new bread, a Natural White "Miche", was reportedly difficult for bakers to get right. It was often overproofed and underbaked. The crust of the new bread was also tough to chew. Some customers were so dissatisfied with the changes that they started a petition to bring back the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Despite the changes, Panera did offer the option to get the grilled cheese sandwich made with American cheese instead of the four-cheese blend. They also offered the sandwich on their regular white bread, which was the same bread as the "Miche" but in a different shape.
While some customers were open to the new four-cheese blend, the bread change was a deal-breaker for many. One customer even mentioned that their kids hated the new grilled cheese, and they no longer visited Panera because of this.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Panera changed the cheese in their grilled cheese sandwich to a four-cheese blend. However, customers can still request American cheese.
Panera previously used natural white "Miche" bread for their grilled cheese, but some customers found the crust very tough to chew. The chain now uses All Natural White Pan Bread, which is the same bread but in a different shape.
According to a former employee, Panera uses turbo chef ovens to make their grilled cheese. The bread is placed on grill paper, with the cheese on top, and toasted open-faced to ensure the cheese melts properly.
It is unclear why Panera changed the ingredients in their grilled cheese sandwich. Some customers have expressed disappointment with the changes and have even started petitions to bring back the classic version.
While the classic grilled cheese with American cheese and white bread is not listed on the menu, customers can still request this option when ordering.
