Andy Montoya
Panera Bread's Fontina Grilled Cheese was a popular menu item that was removed in 2016. The sandwich was made with four types of cheese, including fontina, and was a favourite among customers, especially during winter. The removal sparked disappointment, with some customers even starting petitions to bring it back. It seems that the reason for its discontinuation may be due to Panera's new food qualifications, as the sandwich was considered a high-calorie item with artificial ingredients. However, some customers have expressed a desire for the sandwich to be adjusted to meet these new qualifications rather than being removed from the menu entirely.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for discontinuation | High calorie item, contains artificial ingredients |
| Number of cheeses used | 4 |
| Types of cheese used | Fontina, Provolone, Gruyère, and Cheddar |
| Other ingredients | White Miche bread, Boursin or garlic and herb-flavored cheese spread, butter, mayonnaise |
| Recipe availability | Yes, copycat recipes are available online |
| Customer reaction | Petitions and complaints demanding the return of the sandwich |
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What You'll Learn
Panera's Fontina Grilled Cheese was a popular menu item
The Fontina Grilled Cheese was an especially popular winter sandwich, with many customers eagerly awaiting the season to order it. Its removal from the menu left a lot of customers disappointed, with some even starting petitions to bring it back. The sandwich was considered a comfort food, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many, and was also praised for its simplicity and ease of preparation.
The exact reason for its discontinuation is not publicly known, but some speculate that it may be due to its high-calorie content and the presence of artificial ingredients. However, customers have requested that Panera either adjust the recipe to meet their new food qualifications or simply reinstate the original sandwich to please their customers.
Despite its removal from the menu, the popularity of the Fontina Grilled Cheese lives on, with several copycat recipes circulating online. These recipes allow people to recreate the flavours of the beloved sandwich in the comfort of their own homes, even if it's not exactly the same as the original.
The removal of the Fontina Grilled Cheese from Panera's menu serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the food industry, where menu items can come and go, leaving a lasting impression on customers' palates and memories.
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The sandwich contained four types of cheese
The Fontina Grilled Cheese was a popular menu item, especially during the winter months. However, it was discontinued by Panera, possibly due to its high-calorie content and the presence of artificial ingredients. This decision sparked disappointment among customers, with some even starting petitions to bring the sandwich back.
While the exact recipe for the Fontina Grilled Cheese may not be accessible, copycat recipes have emerged that attempt to replicate the flavours and textures of the original sandwich. These recipes often include similar combinations of cheeses, such as fontina, provolone, and Boursin cheese spread, grilled to perfection between slices of bread.
The appeal of the Fontina Grilled Cheese lies in the unique blend of cheeses it offers. Fontina, a creamy and nutty cheese, pairs well with the sharp and tangy provolone. The addition of a garlic and herb-flavoured cheese spread enhances the overall flavour profile. The fourth cheese, whether Gruyère or white cheddar, contributes to the gooey texture and savoury taste that made this sandwich a favourite among Panera patrons.
Creating a grilled cheese sandwich with four types of cheese elevates the classic comfort food to a new level of indulgence. The combination of different flavours and textures in each bite keeps palates guessing, making the Fontina Grilled Cheese a memorable and sought-after treat.
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It was removed from the menu due to high calorie count and artificial ingredients
The Fontina Grilled Cheese sandwich was a popular menu item at Panera Bread. The sandwich used four different types of cheese, including fontina, a creamy and nutty cheese that melts perfectly in the sandwich. However, it was removed from the menu due to its high calorie count and artificial ingredients.
While some customers may have been disappointed to see the Fontina Grilled Cheese go, Panera likely made the decision to remove it as part of a larger effort to offer healthier, more natural food options. As a popular restaurant chain, Panera has a responsibility to provide nutritious meals to its customers. By removing items with high calorie counts and artificial ingredients, they can encourage healthier eating habits and cater to customers with dietary restrictions or preferences.
In addition, the removal of the Fontina Grilled Cheese from Panera's menu could be part of a strategy to stay competitive in the restaurant industry. With an increasing focus on health and wellness, many restaurants are updating their menus to include more nutritious options. By removing less healthy items, Panera can make way for new, healthier dishes that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
It's worth noting that Panera's decision to remove the Fontina Grilled Cheese may also be influenced by supply chain considerations. Fontina cheese may have become more difficult or expensive to source, especially if it was a key ingredient specifically sourced for this sandwich. By removing it from the menu, Panera could be streamlining its ingredient list and simplifying its supply chain management.
While the exact reasons for the removal of the Fontina Grilled Cheese from Panera's menu may not be publicly known, it is clear that the decision was likely made with the best interests of the business and its customers in mind. Restaurants regularly update their menus to reflect changing consumer preferences, industry trends, and supply chain realities. Ultimately, Panera's menu changes allow them to stay competitive, relevant, and responsive to their customers' needs and wants.
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A copycat recipe can be made at home
While Panera Bread's Fontina Grilled Cheese is no longer available, you can recreate this comforting, decadent sandwich at home with a few common pantry staples.
The original sandwich featured four types of cheese, including fontina, a creamy and nutty variety that melts perfectly in a sandwich. While the exact combination of cheeses is unknown, some speculate that it included fontina, Gruyère, and cheddar with an herbed cheese spread. Others suggest that it included provolone, which is described as sharp and tangy, and pairs well with fontina.
To make a copycat recipe at home, start by spreading Boursin, a garlic and herb-flavored cheese spread, on both slices of white bread. Top one slice with cheese slices, placing the provolone in the middle of the fontina. Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, Boursin-side down.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until light golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes. Spread butter on the top piece of bread, flip the sandwich, and cook until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about another 4 to 6 minutes. You can press down on the sandwich gently for even browning, but don't smash it.
Serve your homemade Fontina Grilled Cheese immediately, sliced diagonally. Enjoy the same delicious, comforting flavors you once loved at Panera Bread, now recreated in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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A petition to bring back the sandwich was started
A petition was started on Change.org to bring back the Fontina Grilled Cheese sandwich to the Panera menu. The petition, which was started in January 2016, has garnered support from many customers who loved the sandwich. The petition states that the Fontina Grilled Cheese was an "amazing winter sandwich" that customers looked forward to ordering during the colder months. It is believed that the sandwich was removed from the menu due to its high-calorie content and artificial ingredients. However, the petitioners argue that these issues could be addressed through necessary adjustments to the recipe, allowing the sandwich to meet Panera's new food qualifications.
The Fontina Grilled Cheese was a popular menu item that featured four types of cheese, including the key ingredient of fontina. The combination of creamy and nutty fontina with sharp and tangy provolone, along with other cheeses and a garlic and herb-flavored cheese spread, created a delicious and comforting grilled cheese sandwich. The removal of this sandwich from the menu has left customers disappointed and longing for its return.
The petition to bring back the Fontina Grilled Cheese sandwich highlights the strong feelings that customers have for this particular menu item. It is clear that the sandwich has a dedicated fan base that is passionate about its unique flavor and texture. While some customers have attempted to recreate the sandwich at home, it is not the same as enjoying it at Panera. The petition serves as a way for customers to express their love for the sandwich and their desire for Panera to reconsider its removal.
The impact of the petition is unknown, but it stands as a testament to the power of food in bringing people together and evoking strong emotions. The Fontina Grilled Cheese has become more than just a sandwich; it represents a source of comfort, nostalgia, and happiness for many customers. Whether or not Panera decides to bring back the sandwich, the petition has certainly drawn attention to the special place the Fontina Grilled Cheese holds in the hearts of its fans.
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Frequently asked questions
Panera got rid of the fontina grilled cheese because it was a high-calorie item and contained artificial ingredients.
The sandwich included four types of cheese, including fontina, Gruyère, and cheddar, with an herbed cheese spread on the inside.
The sandwich was made with white Miche bread.
Yes, Panera's website provides a recipe for a similar-sounding "Grown-Up Grilled Cheese" sandwich made with three types of cheese.
Yes, there are copycat recipes available online that use similar ingredients to recreate the flavours of the discontinued sandwich.
