Copycat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo

Panera Bread’s menu is a constantly evolving beast. What began as a simple soup, sandwich and salad cafe has morphed over the years to include pasta (hello, Panera mac and cheese), flatbread, chicken sandwiches, grain bowls, smoothies and more. One of our all-time favorites, however, has to be the bacon turkey Bravo sandwich.

This fan-favorite item briefly disappeared from the menu in 2024, and, out of pure panic, we created a copycat Panera bacon turkey Bravo recipe to ease the pain. Thankfully, the sandwich returned (probably due to public outcry), and we now consider this Panera Bread copycat recipe a long-term insurance policy. Should the Panera menu gods ever decide to axe the sandwich again, we’ll have this recipe to fall back on.

This recipe has all of the same goodness as the original: layers of roasted turkey breast, crisp applewood-smoked bacon, smoked Gouda, fresh greens, tomato and a homemade rendition of Panera’s signature Bravo sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that keeps this sandwich securely at the top of our list of all-time favorite sandwich recipes.

Ingredients for Copycat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo

• Tomato basil bread: For the truest copycat recipe, head to your local Panera for a whole loaf of tomato basil bread. Alternatively, try our recipe for homemade tomato bread or use a slice of brioche or another type of sandwich bread you enjoy.
• Signature Bravo sauce: Bravo sauce is similar to Thousand Island dressing, but with a few tweaks that give it its distinctive flavor. We’ve recreated it with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and a dash of hot sauce.
• Turkey: Choose a classic oven-roasted turkey from the deli for this homemade bacon turkey Bravo recipe. Save the cuts with strong smokiness (or other flavors) for another sandwich recipe.
• Bacon: A few strips of crispy, smoky bacon contrast with the slightly sweet and tangy Bravo sauce. There are 15 ways to cook bacon, but cooking bacon in the oven might be easiest, since you can keep your counter and stovetop completely clear while you prep the other parts of the sandwich.
• Cheese: The original recipe for a bacon turkey Bravo called for smoked Gouda, while the updated recipe is made with aged white cheddar cheese. Choose whichever cheese you enjoy and have access to. Both taste divine in this copycat recipe.
• Vegetables: Finish your copycat Panera Bread bacon turkey Bravo sandwich with some fresh mixed greens or chopped Romaine lettuce and a few slices of ripe tomato.

Directions

Step 1: Make the sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and hot sauce. Stir until evenly combined.

Editor’s Tip: For a special treat, try making homemade mayonnaise as the base for this simple sandwich sauce.

Step 2: Assemble the sandwiches

TASTE OF HOME

Spread the sauce onto four slices of the bread. Then, layer them with mixed greens, tomato slices, turkey, white cheddar slices and bacon. Spread the remaining sauce evenly over the remaining bread slices and place one on top of each sandwich.

Step 3: Slice and serve

TASTE OF HOME

Secure the sandwiches with toothpicks and then cut each into halves or triangles.

Editor’s Tip: Serve your sandwiches just like Panera does, with a side of potato chips, an apple or a piece of baguette.

TASTE OF HOME

Copycat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo Variations

• Make it a club: Panera Bread also offers a Bravo Club at select locations, which is made with Black Forest ham slices. If you have other cold cuts on hand, this is a great sandwich to help you use up a package of deli meat.
• Make it a wrap: Transfer all the awesome flavors in a Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo to a wrap. Swap out the bread for a large sun-dried tomato tortilla. Then assemble the wrap using all of the same tips and tricks from our favorite chicken Caesar wrap recipe.
• Add more toppings: Anytime we do a mobile order from Panera, we always look at what “freebies” are available to add to our sandwiches and salads. Sliced red onion, pepperoncini peppers, arugula and cucumbers are just a few that we’ve piled onto our Bacon Turkey Bravo sandwich before.

How to Store Copycat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo

Once assembled, a copycat Panera bacon turkey Bravo is best enjoyed within a few hours for the best taste and texture. (The same goes for many other cold sandwich recipes.) If you don’t plan to enjoy it right away, wrap the sandwich in storage wrap, parchment paper or place it in an airtight food storage container. Keep it refrigerated.

How long does a prepared bacon turkey Bravo last?

An assembled bacon turkey Bravo is best enjoyed within three or four hours of assembling, but can be stored for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. If you plan to store beyond four hours—for example, if you want to make it as a sandwich to bring to a tailgate—we suggest omitting the mixed greens as they will become wilted. Add them to your sandwich just before serving. If you have extra sauce, store it in an airtight food storage container for up to four days.

Copycat Panera Bacon Turkey Bravo Tips

TASTE OF HOME

What else can you do with copycat Panera bacon turkey Bravo sauce?

This copycat signature Bravo sauce shouldn’t be limited to only sandwiches. It also makes a delicious dip for homemade chicken tenders, and can be drizzled over a bountiful grilled chicken chopped salad.

What can you serve with a copycat Panera bacon turkey Bravo?

Make your meal a “You Pick Two” situation and pair this copycat Panera Bread bacon turkey Bravo with your favorite soup, salad or mac recipe. Try this copycat Panera Bread lemon chicken soup or Panera tomato soup recipe if you’re in the mood for something cozy. Alternatively, lighten things up with this Panera-inspired strawberry poppy seed salad or this green goddess Mediterranean cobb salad.