If you’re like me, the best part of eating at Panera is the free bread. Nothing beats dousing a soft, crusty hunk of baguette in a warm, soul-soothing cup of soup. The chain has taken this customer-favorite tradition a step further with its latest launch, Ciabatta Dippers. They’re warm, satiating sandwiches that come with a small portion of soup that’s just right for dunking. I recently got to taste both varieties and am sharing my honest reviews below, so you can dig in with some intel. (P.S.: They’ll only be on the menu through early January, so I’d head to your nearest location ASAP.)
Panera Bread Just Launched 2 New Ciabatta Dippers—Here’s a Food Editor’s Honest Review
No spoon required
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Published Dec 6, 2024
Panera Bread
2. Spicy Chicken Ciabatta Dipper
- What Is It: grilled chicken, creamy salsa verde spread and provolone cheese on ciabatta bread, served with a side of Creamy Tomato soup
If there’s one word I’d use to describe this handheld, it’s zesty. The soup was thick, acidic and bright, giving off major vodka sauce vibes when eaten with a sandwich instead of a spoon…but maybe that’s the Jersey in me talking. The creamy salsa verde—which is sort of a like a cheesy jalapeño popper dip—was tasty and rich, but it could have been spicier. I recognized it from the Kickin’ Grilled Cheese that I reviewed back in August. I would’ve preferred a spicy pesto in its place, but this sammy was still delicious.
- What Is It: tender marinated steak, provolone cheese, Asiago cheese and garlic aioli drizzle on ciabatta bread, served with a side of Bistro French Onion soup
This is essentially a resourceful play (as in they made something new with ingredients they already had on hand) on the classic French dip, with the soup standing in for traditional au jus. I used to love the steak and white cheddar panini (RIP), so I was excited to try this variety. The steak was a bit tough but plentiful, and the hot soup added some much-welcome moisture to each bite. I really loved the garlic aioli (I’m a sucker for fancy mayo), which played nicely with every element of the sandwich and the peppery soup.
