Frederic Melton
Panera Bread's grilled cheese sandwich has been a popular menu item for many customers. However, in 2018, the company made changes to the grilled cheese recipe, sparking a debate among fans. The original recipe featured American cheese on white Miche bread, cooked on a flat panini press. The new recipe introduced a four-cheese blend, keeping the option for American cheese, but the bread changed to a tougher, chewier crust. This sparked a petition to bring back the classic recipe, with customers expressing their love for the original combination of salty, toasted white bread and melted cheese. Some even shared tips on how to recreate the classic at home. While Panera Bread has made no indication of reverting to the original recipe, the debate highlights the strong feelings customers have for their beloved grilled cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for Change | The Natural White "Miche" bread was difficult for bakers to pull off correctly. |
| Old Bread Type | Natural White "Miche" |
| New Bread Type | All Natural White Pan Bread |
| Old Cheese Type | American |
| New Cheese Type | Four-cheese blend |
| Old Cooking Method | Flat panini press |
| New Cooking Method | Turbo Chef/Convection Ovens |
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What You'll Learn
Panera's grilled cheese was made with American cheese
However, in 2018, Panera made changes to their grilled cheese sandwich, replacing the American cheese with a four-cheese blend. This change was not well-received by all, with some customers expressing their disappointment and even starting petitions to bring back the classic grilled cheese. Despite the change in cheese, Panera did keep the option to choose American cheese on the sandwich, which was welcomed by those who preferred the original.
The process of making the grilled cheese at Panera involved using a turbo chef oven or a flat panini press to toast the sandwich. The bread, specifically the All Natural White Pan Bread or the White Miche, was placed on grill paper, and the cheese was added on top. The sandwich was then toasted open-faced to ensure the cheese melted properly.
Some customers even attempted to replicate the sandwich at home, experimenting with different cooking methods and types of bread to recapture the taste of Panera's grilled cheese. The soft and gooey texture of the sandwich was a unique feature that many tried to achieve, with some success, in their home kitchens.
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The company changed the recipe to a four-cheese blend
In 2018, Panera Bread made changes to its grilled cheese sandwich, altering the recipe to a four-cheese blend. This change prompted a petition on Change.org, where customers expressed their disappointment and requested the return of the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
The four-cheese blend used in the new recipe was described as "tastier than expected" by some customers, but others lamented that it was not as good as the classic version. The specific cheeses in the blend are unknown, but it seems that American cheese was still available as an option.
The classic grilled cheese sandwich at Panera Bread was made with American cheese and white bread, creating a salty and fluffy snack that many customers adored. The bread used was reportedly challenging for bakers to get right, often resulting in overproofed and underbaked loaves.
Despite the change in the cheese blend, some customers remained dissatisfied with the new grilled cheese sandwich, citing the bread as the main issue. The new bread, known as Natural White Miche, had a very tough crust that was difficult to chew. This change seems to have particularly impacted families with children, as the classic grilled cheese was a popular option for kids over fried fast food.
While Panera Bread has not reverted to the original recipe, the company has acknowledged the importance of grilled cheese to its customers. The ability to customize the sandwich with American cheese shows a willingness to listen to customer feedback and find a balance between innovation and tradition.
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The bread used was a white sandwich bread called 'Miche'
The bread used for Panera's grilled cheese sandwich was a type of white sandwich bread called Miche. This bread, paired with classic American cheese, created a beloved grilled cheese sandwich that many customers enjoyed as a go-to meal. The combination of salty, melted cheese and fluffy, toasted white bread made for a perfect snack or meal any time of day.
However, some customers noticed a change in the bread used for the grilled cheese sandwich, which led to a petition to bring back the classic version. The new bread was described as having a very tough crust, and some bakers found it challenging to prepare correctly. The previous bread, the ""Natural White Miche," was replaced with the "All Natural White Pan Bread," which had the same recipe but a different shape.
The Miche bread used for the grilled cheese was cooked in a convection oven at a temperature of around 500-550°F for about 2 to 3 minutes. This cooking method helped create a soft and gooey grilled cheese sandwich, which was a signature characteristic of Panera's version. The bread was placed on grill paper, and the cheese was added on top to ensure proper melting.
The specific type of white sandwich bread, Miche, played a crucial role in the overall taste and texture of Panera's grilled cheese sandwich. Its soft and fluffy texture, when paired with melted cheese, created a comforting and crave-worthy dish that many customers adored.
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The sandwich was cooked in a turbo chef/convection oven
Panera Bread's grilled cheese sandwich has been a popular menu item for many customers, with some even considering it their ""go-to" food choice. However, changes to the grilled cheese sandwich in 2018 sparked disappointment among loyal patrons, leading to petitions to bring back the classic version. The modifications included switching from American cheese to a four-cheese blend and using a different type of bread, which some customers found tough to chew.
The cooking method for the sandwich also appears to have changed. According to a Panera employee on Reddit, the sandwich is cooked in a turbo chef/convection oven at a temperature of around 500-550 °F for about 2 to 2.5 minutes. This cooking method is a shift from the previous practice of using a flat panini press or a grill. The turbo chef oven is a high-quality, expensive toaster oven that likely contributes to the unique taste and texture of the grilled cheese sandwich.
Cooking the sandwich in the turbo chef/convection oven involves specific techniques to achieve the desired result. According to the employee, the bread, specifically White Miche, is placed on grill paper, with the cheese on top. The sandwich is toasted open-faced to ensure the cheese melts properly without over-toasting the bread. This technique is crucial to replicating the soft and gooey texture that Panera's grilled cheese is known for, as opposed to a crispy or crunchy result.
The use of the turbo chef/convection oven allows for precise temperature control and even cooking, resulting in a consistent outcome. The convection feature ensures that the heat is distributed evenly throughout the oven, preventing hot spots that could burn the sandwich. The controlled cooking environment helps achieve the perfect balance of melted cheese and toasted bread, creating a grilled cheese sandwich that meets customer expectations.
While some customers have attempted to recreate the sandwich at home, they have faced challenges in replicating the unique cooking environment of the turbo chef/convection oven. Home cooks have experimented with using toaster ovens, air fryers, and kitchen ovens, but have struggled to match the softness and gooeyness of Panera's grilled cheese. The turbo chef/convection oven plays a pivotal role in delivering the distinct texture and taste that has made Panera's grilled cheese sandwich a beloved classic.
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Panera Bread has received criticism for changes to its menu
The bread used for the grilled cheese sandwich was also changed, replacing the Natural White "Miche" with All Natural White Pan Bread. This modification proved controversial, with some customers complaining that the new bread was tough to chew and that the sandwich was not the same without the salty, fluffy white bread that had been a hallmark of the original offering. The change in bread also affected the baking process, with some bakers finding the new variety challenging to execute correctly, resulting in overproofed and underbaked loaves.
The grilled cheese sandwich was a popular choice for families with children, as it provided a healthier alternative to fried fast food. However, the changes to the sandwich's recipe led to a decline in its popularity among this demographic, with kids expressing dissatisfaction with the new version. The modifications to the grilled cheese sandwich were significant enough to prompt a petition on Change.org, urging Panera Bread to bring back the classic version. The petition garnered support from individuals who considered the sandwich a favourite and craved its unique combination of flavours.
In addition to the grilled cheese controversy, Panera Bread has faced broader criticism for changes to its menu over the years. Some customers have expressed disappointment with the removal of other menu items, such as the Roast Beef Asiago and steamed eggs, which were once favourites. The company has also been accused of falling from grace by some disgruntled patrons, indicating a perception of declining quality or customer satisfaction. These criticisms highlight the challenges faced by restaurants when making changes to established and well-loved menu items, particularly those that occupy a special place in the hearts of their loyal customers.
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Frequently asked questions
Panera changed the cheese in their grilled cheese sandwich to a four-cheese blend, but they still offer American cheese as an option. They also replaced the Natural White "Miche" bread with All Natural White Pan Bread, which is easier for bakers to prepare.
Panera uses a four-cheese blend in their grilled cheese, but customers can also choose American cheese.
Panera originally used Natural White "Miche" bread for their grilled cheese, but they switched to All Natural White Pan Bread.
Panera uses a turbo chef or convection oven to cook their grilled cheese at around 500-550 °F for about 2-3 minutes. They place the bread on grill paper and top it with cheese to ensure the cheese melts properly.
