While a sandwich might seem like a simple bite, the bread makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. Panera knows bread and is ready to roll out a new option. Hungry for the first bite of Croissant Toast?
Crafting the perfect croissant is a quest for many bakers. Lamenting layer after layer to create the perfect honeycomb requires skill. Still, one thing can be missing when that croissant is used in a sandwich. The soft buttery layers do not have a crunch.
Panera’s new Croissant Toast has all those buttery layers but in a different presentation. The sandwich bread is made from croissant dough. Basically, it transforms the classic pastry into a slice.
Speaking about the new Croissant Toast, said Scott Uehlein, Vice President of Culinary, Panera Bread said, "Our new Croissant Toasts are an innovative gamechanger for our sandwich menu. These unique sandwiches are curated with an all-butter, flaky croissant sliced bread, delivering a truly delicious product and experience like nothing Panera has had on its menu before. Its amazing appearance is only surpassed by its taste – a perfect balance of a crisp crust and buttery, layered interior that makes these menu items truly special. It's everything our guests love about croissants and sandwiches made into two irresistible offerings."
The new bread is used in two sandwiches, Croque Monsieur Croissant Toast and Fromage Croissant Toast. As the names suggest, the slightly French twist makes these food offerings feel even a touch more indulgent.
Although the name suggests a custardy bread, the Croque Monsieur Croissant Toast is really a take on a ham and cheese. Nestled in between the buttery bread is black forest ham, provolone and asiago cheese. The melty cheeses add to the luscious texture. With a caramelized onion and gruyere spread adds a tanginess to the other rich flavors.
Overall, this sandwich feels rich, indulgent. Although some people might crave a little fruity spread as a dipper or a sprinkling of powdered sugar, the riff on the classic French sandwich stands up on its own. Some people might want to order the sandwich to-go so that they can enjoy it with a glass of wine at home.
The other sandwich, Fromage Croissant Toast, is a reimagined take on a grilled cheese. While other recipes might pair fruit or a soupy dip with that original comfort food, this Panera version celebrates the bread.
The combination of the crispy, buttery croissant toast with the melted provolone and American cheese hits that lovely note of newstalgia. The arugula adds a peppery note and the caramelized onions add some sweetness. Finished with a garlic aioli, it is the grilled cheese that is worthy of a fine dining establishment.
The new Croissant Toast sandwiches are available in restaurants now. Check with locations for availability and pricing.