This Panera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich is a savory and smoky recipe, which features creamy smoked Gouda and the famous signature sauce. It’s a cafe classic, ready in about 15 minutes.
Jump to RecipePanera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices Tomato Basil Bread (essential for the authentic flavor)
- 4 oz oven-roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced
- 2 slices smoked Gouda cheese
- 2 slices applewood smoked bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2-3 slices vine-ripened tomato
- ½ cup Emerald Greens (lettuce, spinach, or arugula blend)
- 2 tbsp Panera Signature Sauce (Bravo Sauce – see previous recipe)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Panera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich
- Prepare the bread: Slice two thick pieces of Tomato Basil bread. Panera typically serves this bread soft and fresh, but you can lightly toast it if you prefer a bit of crunch.
- Spread the sauce: Generously spread the Signature Sauce (Turkey Bravo Sauce) on one side of each slice of bread. This sauce provides the crucial tangy and savory flavor profile of the sandwich.
- Layer the cheese: Place the slices of smoked Gouda cheese on the bottom slice of bread. Using smoked Gouda rather than regular Gouda is key to replicating the “Bravo” taste.
- Add the meat: Layer the thinly sliced oven-roasted turkey breast on top of the cheese. Arrange the crispy applewood smoked bacon strips on top of the turkey.
- Add the vegetables: Place the tomato slices on top of the bacon and season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Top with the fresh emerald greens.
- Assemble and serve: Place the second slice of bread (sauce side down) on top of the greens. Press down gently to secure the filling. Slice the sandwich in half with a serrated knife and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- The Bread matters: The Tomato Basil bread is slightly sweet with a savory tomato glaze topping. If you can’t find it, a sun-dried tomato bagel or a soft sourdough bread is the next best alternative.
- Cheese selection: Smoked Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a distinct smoky flavor. If you can’t find slices, buy a wedge and slice it thinly yourself; the smokiness pairs perfectly with the bacon.
- Turkey texture: Use high-quality deli turkey that is “roasted” or “smoked” rather than honey-glazed, as you don’t want the meat to be too sweet against the sweet tomato bread.
- Make it ahead: If packing for lunch, put the lettuce and tomato in the middle of the turkey slices to prevent the bread from getting soggy from the tomato juice.
What To Serve With Panera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich
This rich sandwich needs lighter or crisp sides.
- Creamy Tomato Soup: Complements the tomato bread perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crunchy side.
- Apple: The classic Panera side option.
- Pickle Spear: Cuts through the richness of the Gouda.
How To Store Panera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich
- Refrigerate: This sandwich is best eaten fresh. If stored, wrap tightly in parchment and eat within 24 hours.
- Soggy Bread Warning: The signature sauce and tomatoes will make the bread soggy if left too long.
Panera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 630kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturates: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Salt: 2.1g
Nutrition information is estimated per sandwich.
FAQs
You can, but the sandwich will lack that specific “campfire” smokiness that defines the “Bravo.” If using regular Gouda, ensure your bacon is very smoky to compensate.
Panera uses a blend often called “Emerald Greens,” which typically consists of romaine, arugula, spinach, and kale. Any mixed salad green blend works well.
If you cannot find tomato bread, use a high-quality Focaccia. You can mix a little tomato paste into the mayonnaise sauce to mimic the tomato flavor of the bread.
Panera Bread Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings15
minutes630
kcalThe signature Panera sandwich featuring smoked turkey, bacon, and smoked Gouda on sweet tomato basil bread, finished with the tangy Bravo sauce.
Ingredients
2 slices Tomato Basil Bread
4 oz roasted turkey breast
2 slices smoked Gouda cheese
2 strips cooked bacon
2 slices tomato
½ cup mixed greens
2 tbsp Signature Sauce (Bravo Sauce)
Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels.
- Spread Signature Sauce on both slices of bread.
- Layer smoked Gouda on the bottom slice.
- Add roasted turkey and bacon.
- Top with seasoned tomatoes and mixed greens.
- Close with the top slice of bread.
- Slice in half and serve.
Notes
- The combination of smoked Gouda and applewood smoked bacon creates a double layer of smokiness that contrasts beautifully with the slightly sweet tomato basil bread.
- Seasoning the tomato slices with salt and pepper is a small step that makes a huge difference in lifting the flavor of the fresh vegetables.
- To get the most authentic experience, slice the bread relatively thick (about 3/4 inch) so it can hold up to the generous amount of fillings and sauce.
