Andy Montoya
Panera's classic grilled cheese was a popular menu item that was discontinued in 2018. The classic grilled cheese was made with American cheese on White Miche bread. It was replaced by a new four-cheese blend (fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda) on a Country Rustic XL loaf, a type of sourdough bread. The change sparked mixed reactions from customers, with some expressing disappointment over the loss of the classic version and others praising the new four-cheese blend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | June 14, 2018 |
| Replacement | A new 4-cheese blend (fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, smoked gouda) on a Country Rustic XL loaf |
| Bread | White Miche |
| Cheese | American cheese |
| Preparation | Bread is placed on grill paper, cheese is placed on top, and the sandwich is toasted open-faced |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Panera's classic grilled cheese was made with American cheese
Panera's classic grilled cheese was a simple yet delicious combination of American cheese and white Miche bread. The bread, with its mild sourdough taste, provided the perfect base for the cheese, creating a comforting and indulgent grilled cheese sandwich.
The classic grilled cheese, a staple on the Panera menu, was a favourite among many customers. The sandwich was made with two or three slices of American cheese, grilled to perfection, resulting in a gooey, melted texture. The cheese was carefully selected to ensure the perfect flavour and melting consistency.
The preparation technique was a crucial aspect of the classic grilled cheese's appeal. Panera used turbo chef ovens or flat panini presses to achieve the ideal toastiness. The cheese was placed on top of the bread, which was lined with grill paper, and toasted open-faced to ensure the cheese melted evenly. This attention to detail elevated the classic grilled cheese, making it a standout item on the menu.
While the classic grilled cheese was a beloved menu item, Panera made the decision to discontinue it in 2018. The sandwich was replaced by a new four-cheese blend, including fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda, on a Country Rustic XL loaf. This change was met with mixed reactions, as some customers lamented the loss of the classic version while others embraced the new, more sophisticated blend of cheeses.
Despite the changes to the menu, the legacy of Panera's classic grilled cheese lives on. Its simplicity and comforting flavours continue to be a source of inspiration for those attempting to recreate it at home. The sandwich remains a testament to the enduring appeal of grilled cheese, a comfort food that evokes a sense of warmth and satisfaction.
The Ancient Origins of Grilled Cheese and Burgers
You may want to see also
It was served on white Miche bread
In 2018, Panera discontinued its classic grilled cheese, which was served on white Miche bread. This bread is described as a "classic staple" by some customers. The white Miche bread used in the classic grilled cheese was available for purchase in Panera cafes, and customers could ask for it to be thick-sliced. The white Miche bread is also described as "plain ole white Miche without butter."
The classic grilled cheese at Panera was made with American cheese and was cooked in turbo chef ovens or on a flat panini press. The bread was placed on grill paper, and the cheese was placed on top before being toasted open-faced to ensure proper melting. The amount of cheese used varied, with some customers reporting two pieces of cheese and others reporting three pieces for a full sandwich and 1.5 for a half.
After discontinuing the classic grilled cheese on white Miche bread, Panera replaced it with a new four-cheese blend (fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda) on a Country Rustic XL loaf, which is technically a sourdough bread but tastes more like a hearty white bread. This change was made to switch to a shredded cheese blend for easier melting.
Crafting the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich at Home
You may want to see also
The bread was replaced with a Country Rustic XL loaf
In 2018, Panera replaced its classic grilled cheese sandwich with a new blend of four cheeses: fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda. The new sandwich was served on a Country Rustic XL loaf, a type of sourdough bread. The previous classic grilled cheese sandwich was made with American cheese on White Miche bread.
The Country Rustic XL loaf is technically a sourdough bread, but it has a very mild "sourness" and tastes more like a homemade hearty white bread. It's larger than the White Miche loaf, hence the "XL" in the name. The larger loaf allows for a more generous filling, and the switch to a shredded cheese blend may have been made for easier melting.
The White Miche bread used in the original classic grilled cheese sandwich was available for purchase in Panera cafes, and some customers bought loaves to try to recreate the sandwich at home. It's not clear if the Country Rustic XL loaf is also available for purchase, but it's likely that some customers would be interested in buying it, especially those who prefer the new grilled cheese sandwich over the classic version.
The switch from the classic grilled cheese to the new version on the Country Rustic XL loaf was met with mixed reactions. Some customers expressed disappointment and even nostalgia for the classic version, while others embraced the change and enjoyed the new four-cheese blend and the larger, more rustic loaf.
Grilled Cheese: Healthy Lunch or Unhealthy Indulgence?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The new loaf is technically sourdough but tastes like white bread
In 2018, Panera replaced its classic grilled cheese sandwich with a new four-cheese blend (fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda) on a new Country Rustic XL loaf. This new loaf is technically sourdough but has a very mild "sourness" and tastes more like homemade hearty white bread. The new loaf is larger than the previous white miche loaf, which was considered a classic staple by some customers.
The switch to a shredded cheese blend was likely made for easier melting, and the new sourdough loaf provides a similar taste to white bread while offering the benefits of sourdough, such as improved digestibility and a potentially lower glycemic index. Sourdough bread is also known for its longer fermentation process, which can result in a more complex flavour profile and a chewier texture compared to other types of bread.
While some customers may have been initially hesitant about the change, the new Country Rustic XL loaf seems to have been well-received, with one customer commenting that the four-cheese grilled cheese "tasted so good." The mild sourness of the sourdough bread likely complements the blend of cheeses without overwhelming the other flavours in the sandwich.
For those who particularly enjoyed the classic grilled cheese on white miche, it may be worth noting that the All Natural White Pan Bread offered by Panera is reportedly the same bread in a different shape. This could be an option for those who want to recreate the classic grilled cheese at home using similar ingredients.
Overall, the new loaf for Panera's grilled cheese sandwich appears to be a successful change, offering a slightly different taste and texture while still retaining the classic flavours that made the original sandwich a favourite for many customers.
Grilled Cheese Without Cheese: Alternative Delicious Sandwiches
You may want to see also
The classic grilled cheese was replaced by a four-cheese blend
Panera's classic grilled cheese was replaced by a four-cheese blend in 2018. The classic grilled cheese was made with American cheese on White Miche bread. The new grilled cheese option features a blend of fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda on a Country Rustic XL loaf, a type of sourdough bread.
The decision to switch from the classic grilled cheese to the four-cheese blend may have been made to offer customers a more diverse and flavourful option. The new blend includes a variety of cheeses with different tastes and textures, which may appeal to those who want a more sophisticated grilled cheese experience. Additionally, the Country Rustic XL loaf, with its mild sourness and hearty taste, could be seen as an upgrade from the simpler White Miche bread.
The four-cheese blend also offers practical advantages in terms of preparation. The shredded blend of cheeses may have been chosen for its ease of melting compared to a single type of cheese slice. This could result in a more consistent and efficient cooking process for Panera's kitchen staff.
While some customers may have been disappointed to see the classic grilled cheese discontinued, the four-cheese blend has its own unique appeal. The combination of fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda creates a complex and savoury flavour profile that has earned the new grilled cheese option its own dedicated fan base.
The four-cheese blend grilled cheese from Panera has become a favourite for many, with some even trying to replicate the sandwich at home. The blend of cheeses and the unique Country Rustic XL loaf come together to create a grilled cheese experience that is both comforting and indulgent.
Cheese on Toast: Easy Digestion or Indigestion?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in June 2018, Panera discontinued the classic grilled cheese.
The classic grilled cheese was made with American cheese on White Miche bread.
Panera replaced the classic grilled cheese with a four-cheese blend (fontina, sharp cheddar, monteau, and smoked gouda) on a Country Rustic XL loaf.
The classic grilled cheese was made by placing the bread down on grill paper and putting the cheese on top. It was then toasted open-faced so that the cheese melted properly.
