The Sierra Turkey Sandwich from Panera Bread features tender turkey breast, smoky bacon, melted mozzarella, and fresh tomato layered on toasted ciabatta, delivering a savory and satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Oven
- Grill or Panini Press
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Baking Sheet
- Tongs
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) turkey breast, sliced
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 loaf ciabatta bread
When preparing the Sierra Turkey Sandwich, it's essential to use fresh, high-quality turkey breast for tender and flavorful results. Opt for thick-cut bacon to ensure a smoky, crispy texture that complements the sandwich's richness. Use ripe, firm tomatoes to add freshness without excess moisture that could sog the ciabatta bread. Choose a fresh ciabatta loaf with a sturdy crust to hold the sandwich ingredients without falling apart. This copycat Sierra Turkey Sandwich from Panera Bread replicates the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors for a satisfying meal you can enjoy at home.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place bacon slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake bacon for 15–20 minutes until crispy; set aside.
- Slice tomatoes and set aside.
- Slice ciabatta bread horizontally; cut into sandwich-sized portions.
- Layer turkey slices, bacon, tomato slices, and mozzarella on bottom half of ciabatta.
- Place top half of ciabatta on sandwiches.
- Preheat grill or panini press.
- Place assembled sandwiches on grill or press.
- Grill until bread is toasted and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Remove sandwiches using tongs or spatula.
- Cut sandwiches with knife on cutting board and serve.
Substitution
The Sierra Turkey Sandwich copycat recipe from Panera Bread combines tender turkey breast, smoky bacon, melted mozzarella, and fresh tomato on toasted ciabatta to recreate that signature savory flavor. If ciabatta bread is unavailable, a crusty baguette or sourdough can serve as a great substitute to maintain texture and toasting quality. When crispy bacon is preferred, cooking it in a grill pan or oven on a baking sheet can yield evenly cooked results while minimizing mess. Your turkey can be warmed gently on a grill or skillet before assembling if you prefer a hot sandwich experience. Be sure to slice tomatoes evenly to balance the moisture content and avoid soggy bread.
Tips
Ensure the oven is fully preheated to 400degF (200degC) before baking the bacon for even crispiness. Use tongs or a spatula to safely remove bacon and sandwiches to avoid burns or mess. When slicing ciabatta, cut horizontally with a sharp knife to keep sandwich portions intact without squishing the bread. You'll achieve the best texture by grilling the sandwiches just long enough to melt the mozzarella and toast the bread without overcooking.
Nutritions
The Sierra Turkey Sandwich offers a well-balanced source of protein from lean turkey breast and bacon, supporting muscle repair and growth. Mozzarella cheese provides calcium and essential fats, contributing to bone health and sustained energy. Fresh tomato adds antioxidants, vitamins A and C, which promote immune function and skin health. Your meal includes complex carbohydrates from ciabatta bread, delivering energy while complementing the hearty ingredients for a satisfying and nutritious option.
Storage
Store leftover Sierra Turkey Sandwiches wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Keep them refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 days for optimal taste and safety. Before eating, reheat the sandwiches in a preheated oven or panini press until the cheese melts and the bread crisps up to restore the original texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile that still melts nicely. Try using smoked turkey breast to enhance the smoky notes from the bacon. For a crispier sandwich, lightly brush the ciabatta with garlic butter before grilling. Adding fresh basil or arugula inside the sandwich introduces a fresh, peppery element to balance the savory ingredients.
Allergies
The Sierra Turkey Sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and gluten from the ciabatta bread, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or wheat allergies. Bacon and turkey are less common allergens but can cause sensitivity in some people, especially those with meat allergies. Your best approach is to review the ingredients carefully and consult with Panera Bread staff to ensure the sandwich meets your dietary restrictions and allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
The Sierra Turkey Sandwich from Panera Bread is popular for its flavorful combination of smoked turkey, smoked Gouda, and apple slices, layered with chipotle mayo on rustic country bread. The blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors creates a satisfying and well-balanced taste experience. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your preference and enjoy a restaurant-quality sandwich at home. Your efforts in replicating this menu item can save money and provide a fresh homemade alternative.