From Panera’s Fresh Delights to Your Kitchen: Crafting the Ultimate Homemade Veggie Panini

There’s an undeniable, comforting joy that comes with bread. For many, it’s more than just a food staple; it’s a culinary cornerstone, a source of warmth, and a symbol of gathering. My love affair with bread is profound and unapologetic. From rustic whole-grain loaves brimming with wholesome goodness to soft, airy white breads perfect for any occasion, I embrace them all wholeheartedly. While I naturally gravitate towards healthier, fiber-rich options, I confess to a general adoration for every variety. Bread truly holds a special place in my heart, and in my kitchen.

Imagine my sheer delight when Panera Bread recently reached out, inviting me to share my culinary experiences with their brand. The news alone was enough to make my day! For anyone who has ever stepped into a Panera cafe, the immediate sensation is an intoxicating aroma – a comforting blend of freshly baked bread, simmering soups, and aromatic coffees that instantly signals a promise of deliciousness. It’s a place where I often find myself having to exert considerable willpower to bypass the tempting sample baskets usually positioned near the ordering line. A single bite can quickly turn into a full-blown tasting session, and while I strive for moderation in my daily life, those samples test my resolve!

Just last week, an opportunity arose to share some comfort with a dear friend who was recovering from foot surgery. We planned a relaxed Friday lunch at her home, nestled comfortably in her recliner, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food and company in front of the TV while our children were at school. Naturally, Panera Bread was our top choice for the occasion. We opted for a delightful spread, deciding to split two different gourmet sandwiches and a fresh salad, offering a diverse tasting experience. What truly sets Panera apart for me is their unwavering commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients evident in their diverse menu of sandwiches, soups, and salads. And of course, the star of the show for any bread lover: their freshly baked bread. That perfect little slice of sourdough they serve alongside their soups and salads is simply divine, ideal for soaking up broth or scooping up every last bit of dressing. I also appreciate their transparency in listing calorie information directly on the menu board. For those of us who aim to be mindful of our dietary intake, this feature is incredibly helpful for making informed meal choices – though, I must admit, on this particular treat-yourself-kind-of-day, calories were the last thing on our minds!

(Featured: Tomato and Mozzarella Hot Panini and Mediterranean Veggie Cafe Sandwich from Panera)

Absolutely delightful!

Beyond our delicious lunch, I couldn’t resist picking up a freshly baked baguette to take home. The plan? To share its crusty, aromatic goodness with my family, along with some adorable Valentine’s Day cookies. The drive home was an olfactory delight; my car was filled with the irresistible scent of warm, yeasty bread, making the journey truly heavenly. That baguette, with its perfect golden crust and soft interior, sparked an idea for a creative culinary project.

So, what became of that magnificent baguette once it arrived home, you might wonder? It became the foundation for a spectacular homemade veggie panini! Inspired by the fresh flavors we enjoyed at Panera, I decided to recreate a similar experience in my own kitchen, tailoring it to my family’s preferences.

The star ingredient, a testament to Panera’s quality, ready for its transformation:

And the magnificent final product, a testament to homemade deliciousness:

Pure deliciousness in every bite!

Aggie’s Veggie Panini Recipe

Recipe from Aggie’s Kitchen

(Click here for a printable recipe)

Ingredients:

1 freshly baked baguette, portioned for sandwiches (sliced lengthwise but not completely through to create a hinge)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese (or a blend)
1/2 cup caramelized onions (see quick recipe below)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
1-2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sliced artichoke hearts (canned or jarred, drained)
Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray for the skillet

Instructions:

Prepare the Bread: Take your baguette portion and gently open it on a cutting board, creating a sturdy base for your panini. The hinge will help keep all the delicious fillings in place.
Layer the Cheese: Spread a light, even layer of shredded cheese on both inner sides of the baguette. This not only adds flavor but also helps to ‘glue’ the other ingredients in place as it melts.
Add the Veggies: Layer generously with fresh spinach leaves, ensuring good coverage. Next, arrange the sliced artichoke hearts and plum tomatoes over the spinach.
More Cheese, More Flavor: Add another lighter layer of shredded cheese over the vegetables. This second layer helps create that wonderfully gooey, melted texture throughout the panini.
Caramelized Onion Topping: Spoon about a tablespoon of the prepared caramelized onions (or more, to taste!) evenly over the top layer of cheese. These onions add a fantastic depth of sweet and savory flavor.
Close the Sandwich: Carefully close the baguette, pressing gently to compact the fillings.
Panini Pressing: Heat a skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray. Once hot, carefully place the assembled panini into the skillet.
Apply Pressure: If you have a panini press, use it according to its instructions. If not, use a heavy pan (like another cast iron skillet) or a heavy object (like a large can of tomatoes) to gently but firmly press down on the sandwich. This helps to create that signature flat, crispy panini texture.
Cook First Side: Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom of the bread is golden brown and toasty, and the cheese just begins to melt.
Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the panini to the other side, and apply pressure again. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, the bread is beautifully golden and crisp, and the filling is heated through.
Serve Immediately: Remove from the skillet, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful blend of fresh vegetables, melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions!

Enjoy this delightful homemade creation!

Easy Caramelized Onions Recipe

Caramelized onions are a true culinary secret weapon, transforming any dish with their rich, sweet, and savory depth. They take a little time but require minimal effort, yielding incredible flavor.

Ingredients:

2-3 large onions (yellow, red, or a mix), sliced very thinly
2 teaspoons olive oil
Pinch of dried thyme (optional, but adds a lovely aromatic note)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat.
Add Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the hot skillet. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using). Stir well to coat the onions in the oil.
Initial Sauté: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. They might start to pick up a little color around the edges.
Reduce Heat and Caramelize: Once the onions start to brown slightly, reduce the heat significantly to low. This is the crucial stage for caramelization. Continue to cook, stirring every 5-7 minutes, for another 15-20 minutes (or even longer, up to 30-40 minutes for deeply caramelized onions). The goal is to allow the natural sugars in the onions to slowly caramelize, turning them a deep golden brown, very soft, and incredibly fragrant. If they start to stick, add a tiny splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
Check for Doneness: The onions are perfectly caramelized when they are deeply golden, incredibly tender, and have a rich, sweet aroma.
Serve or Store: Use immediately as a topping for sandwiches (like our veggie panini!), steaks, burgers, pizzas, or mixed into a delicious dip with sour cream and mayonnaise. Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Whether you’re indulging in the fresh, flavorful offerings at your local Panera Bread or bringing that inspiration home to craft your own culinary delights, the joy of good food is truly boundless. The simple pleasure of a perfectly made sandwich, especially when shared with loved ones, creates memories that linger long after the last bite. I encourage you to explore Panera’s extensive menu for your next meal out or to grab some of their excellent bakery items, like a fresh baguette, to elevate your home cooking.

Stay connected with Panera Bread and their latest offerings by following them on Facebook and Twitter. Don’t miss out on exclusive rewards and benefits – remember to register for their fantastic MyPanera rewards program!

(Disclaimer: Panera Bread provided me with compensation for writing this post. My opinions and experiences, however, are always entirely my own and reflect my genuine appreciation for their products.)