Panera Bread's Sandwich Showdown

If you know me at all, you know I love carbs. Bagels, bread, pasta - you name it, I'll eat it.

My love for carbs is a big reason why I'm such a fan of Panera Bread. It's one of the select few fast food-style establishments I'll eat at - for their delicious bagels, sandwiches and pastries, but also for the variety of "fast food" they serve. It's nice to know I can have half a sandwich and a bowl of soup on-the-go, versus having to succumb to a greasy slice of pizza elsewhere.

My appreciation for Panera inspired me to participate in the restaurant's Sandwich Showdown - a contest that allows New England-based amateur chefs (like myself) to create their signature Panera sandwich for a chance to win some killer prizes.

Source: www.contestheat.com

Participants can submit their original sandwich creations through October 6 here. I created my sandwich last week, and it literally took me five minutes - the site is very user-friendly, and fun! You simply choose the bread, protein, toppings and condiments using their interactive virtual sandwich builder. Panera also asks for the story behind your sandwich, as well as why your creation should be named the next legendary Panera sandwich. With options like Asiago cheese bread, hard-boiled eggs, smoked gouda cheese and avocado to build your sandwich with, the opportunities are almost endless.

After October 6th, Panera will choose the top 20 entries. The public will then be invited to vote online to determine the grand prize winner. Panera will announce the winners on November 12th, and the top four runners-up will each receive $1,000 cash and one $150 Panera Bread gift card. The 15 remaining finalists will each win one $150 Panera Bread gift card. The grand prize winner will take home $10,000 cash, $500 worth of Panera gift cards, free Panera Bread bagels for a year, and will have their sandwich on the menu for a limited time at participating cafes in Boston and throughout the United States. Um, yeah...I'd like to win this one.

What Panera sandwich would you love to create/see on Panera's menu?

*I received a $25 gift card in return for writing this post. As always, the opinions expressed in this post are honest and 100 percent my own.

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