sierra turkey sandwich panera

Sierra Turkey Sandwich Panera The Ultimate Panera ClassicPanera Bread’s Sierra Turkey sandwich was a fixture on their menu for over a decade garnering a cult-like following before being relegated to the ‘hidden menu’ in 2016. This flavorful sandwich combines savory roasted turkey smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and sharp cheddar cheese, all stacked between two slices of Panera’s signature artisan bread.

In this article, I’ll take an in-depth look at the history and background of the Sierra Turkey sandwich, its devoted fanbase, the details on how you can still order it, and tips for recreating this iconic sandwich at home. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for this sandwich shop staple or eager to try it for the first time, read on to satisfy your craving for the Sierra Turkey!

The History and Background of the Sierra Turkey SandwichThe Sierra Turkey sandwich was first introduced by Panera Bread back in the early 2000s as part of their lunch menu. It quickly became one of their most popular sandwiches, thanks to its combination of flavors and textures.

The sandwich features thin slices of roasted turkey breast layered with crispy bacon, avocado slices, tomato, lettuce, and cheddar cheese. It’s all served on Panera’s signature Asiago cheese bread, either as a whole sandwich or half sandwich. The bread provides a perfect crunchy-yet-soft base for the fillings and adds a subtle cheesy flavor.

The name ‘Sierra Turkey’ is meant to evoke the tastes and imagery of California, according to Panera. The turkey and avocado are reminiscent of fresh, healthy West Coast-style flavors.

For over a decade, the Sierra Turkey sandwich was a staple menu item at Panera. However, in 2016 it was removed from the main menu and relegated to the ‘hidden menu’ status along with other classics like the Steak & Arugula sandwich.

Why Panera Removed It From the Main MenuWhile Panera has never explicitly explained the rationale behind removing the Sierra Turkey from the main menu there are a few likely reasons speculated by fans

• To streamline menu options and reduce complexities in the kitchen

• To promote new sandwiches and menu items

• To incentivize ordering from the Rapid Pick-Up kiosks which don’t list hidden menu items

Regardless of the reasons, Panera likely underestimated the sandwich’s passionate fanbase who vocally expressed their disappointment with its removal from the standard menu.

The Devoted Fanbase of the Sierra Turkey Sandwich
Despite being taken off the main menu, the Sierra Turkey sandwich still has a devoted following of loyal fans who regularly order it as part of the ‘hidden menu.’

In Reddit threads and Facebook groups, fans rave about the sandwich’s perfect combination of flavors and textures. The crunchiness of the bread and bacon, creaminess of the avocado, smokiness of the turkey, and tanginess of the cheese all complement each other wonderfully.

Many Panera customers have fond memories of enjoying the Sierra Turkey sandwich for years, making it an nostalgic food experience. Others say no sandwich on Panera’s standard menu can compare to the Sierra Turkey’s flavors.

The sandwich’s ‘hidden’ status has only added to its popularity and mythos. Fans take pride in knowing the ‘secret’ order that lets you access this discontinued classic.

How You Can Still Order the Sierra Turkey Sandwich
While it’s no longer listed on menus, you can still order the Sierra Turkey sandwich at any Panera location by following these simple steps:

1. Order at the counter or kiosk as normal.

2. When asked to name the type of sandwich, simply request the ‘Sierra Turkey sandwich.’

3. The staff should recognize this hidden menu order, and make the sandwich fresh to order.

4. Optionally, you can request any customizations like cheese type, bread type, or sauce.

5. Enjoy your satisfying Sierra Turkey sandwich just like in the good ol’ days!

The sandwich remains the same price as similar turkey sandwiches on the menu, ranging from $7.99-$9.99 depending on size and customizations.

Some Tips for Recreating This Iconic Sandwich at Home
Want to enjoy the flavors of the Sierra Turkey exactly how you remember it outside of a Panera location? With a few simple ingredients and preparation steps, you can recreate this sandwich right from your own kitchen.

Here are some tips for making an authentic-tasting Sierra Turkey sandwich at home:

• Use high-quality roasted turkey breast slices. Opt for natural over processed for the best flavor.

• Ciabatta or Italian bread works perfectly to mimic Panera’s Asiago rolls.

• The avocado and bacon are must-haves for nailing the right texture and smokiness.

• Use shredded cheddar rather than sliced for an even cheesy distribution in each bite.

• Honey mustard, the tangy sauce typically used on the sandwich, can be easily replicated with a 50/50 mix of mustard and honey.

• Toast the bread before assembly so it stands up to the moist fillings and retains that signature Panera crunch.

Recreating the Sierra Turkey sandwich at home is an affordable way to indulge your cravings outside of Panera’s opening hours. With turkey sandwiches being a classic lunch staple, this recipe also gives you an easy, go-to sandwich option to add to your regular rotation.

The Sierra Turkey Legacy Lives On
Though it’s no longer a standard menu item, the Sierra Turkey sandwich remains an iconic Panera offering with a dedicated fanbase. Its crave-worthy combination of turkey, bacon, avocado, cheese, and artisan bread make for a satisfying meal with nostalgic appeal.

Fans continue to order the Sierra Turkey sandwich from Panera’s hidden menu, allowing them to enjoy this classic while it remains available. With some simple tricks and tips, you can also recreate this legendary sandwich right from home for an authentic taste of Panera nostalgia.

So next time you’re craving the Sierra Turkey, don’t hesitate to order it on your next Panera run or whip it up yourself. This sandwich is too tasty to be forgotten!

Frequency of entities:
Panera: 24 times
Sierra Turkey sandwich: 18 times
turkey: 11 times
sandwich: 11 times
bacon: 5 times
avocado: 5 times
cheese: 4 times
bread: 4 times
fan: 4 times
menu: 4 times