Panera Adds a New Flavor to Its Toasted Baguette Sandwich Lineup

Also, McDonald’s is introducing a spicy version of its Quarter Pounder with Cheese sandwich.

June 16, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Panera is introducing a new sandwich in its toasted baguette sandwich lineup: Black Forest Ham and Gouda Melt. Panera says its toasted baguette menu items are its top earning sandwiches.

Members of Panera’s loyalty program, MyPanera, have exclusive early access to the item for a limited time from June 12-21. The new sandwich will be available nationwide starting on June 22.

The Black Forest Ham and Gouda Melt sandwich includes black forest ham, Panera’s new country mustard, arugula and smoked gouda on a toasted baguette and joins three toasted baguette flavor offerings—Green Goddess Caprese Melt, Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt and Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt. The sandwiches start at $9.49 each.

Panera is also launching a new Deli Ham sandwich, made with black forest ham, greens, tomatoes, red onions, Panera’s new country mustard and salt and pepper on sourdough bread, starting at $8.99.

“We're so excited to bring ham back onto the Panera menu, and our focus was on enhancing these sandwiches with amazing, unforgettable flavor that we knew our guests would love,” said Claes Petersson, head chef, Panera Bread. “Our chefs created our new delicious country mustard, finding the perfect blend of three mustards to compliment the flavors and create two irresistible new menu items we can’t wait for guests to try.”

Meanwhile, McDonald’s is launching a spicy version of its Quarter Pounder with Cheese sandwich. The Cheesy Jalapeño Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese includes a beef patty, two slices of melted American cheese, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon and pickled jalapeño slices and is topped with a creamy cheese sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun.

The spicy Quarter Pounder is available at select McDonald’s nationwide.

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