Panera Introduces Ciabatta Dippers, Joining the Fast-Food Dipping Craze

Panera has announced that it is adding a new item to its menu. The Ciabatta Dippers are the latest sandwiches to join the fast-food dipping craze. Here are all the details about this exciting new menu item.

Panera Unveils New Ciabatta Dippers

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A press release revealed that the new Ciabatta Dippers, two melty sandwiches designed for dipping, are now available at participating bakery-cafés around the country, and Panera Bread has announced that spoons are now optional. This new offering combines the best of both worlds: flavorful Panera sandwiches and the ideal amount of soup for dipping, creating a satisfying meal that guests will enjoy. These delicious, dippable pairs, inspired by the soup and sandwich combo that its patrons already adore, are only offered for a short period.

“At Panera, our guests have shown us just how much they enjoy pairing menu items, especially dipping their sandwiches into our signature soups,” said Mark Shambura, chief marketing officer, in a statement accompanying the press release. “Inspired by this love for creative combinations, we’ve crafted two delicious new menu items for guests to ditch the spoon and embrace the dip. There’s nothing better than the pairing of a melty sandwich with the perfectly portioned, savory soup, and we’re excited to bring both together for a great value.”

The Ciabatta Dippers come in two flavors:

• French Dipper: Marinated steak, provolone, asiago, and a touch of garlic aioli on ciabatta, served with a side of Bistro French Onion Soup for dipping.
• Spicy Chicken Dipper: Grilled chicken with salsa verde spread and provolone on ciabatta, served with a side of Creamy Tomato Soup for dipping.

Burger King Started the Dipping Craze

Panera is just the latest restaurant to jump on the “dipping craze.” Last month, Burger King launched “The Big Dip” through its partnership with Hidden Valley Ranch.

The two brands collaborated to provide guests with a unique dish that would get them talking and dipping. The Big Dip cup substitutes 8 ounces of creamy, zesty Hidden Valley Ranch for the typical 1-ounce dip cup.

While supplies last, the Big Dip cup is available for purchase at Burger King locations in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Dallas, Houston, and San Francisco as of Oct. 16. Using a unique tracker to find the nearest location that offers the Big Dip cup, customers in these markets can purchase any BK sandwich and request it in-restaurant at no additional cost.

“Once we introduced Hidden Valley Ranch to Burger King restaurants nationwide, we knew we wanted to celebrate the partnership in a big way,” said Pat O’Toole, chief marketing officer of Burger King North America, in a statement accompanying the press release announcing The Big Dip. “We know our Guests love dipping everything in ranch — even their sandwiches — so we’re excited to deliver a Hidden Valley Ranch dip cup big enough for all of their dipping and dunking needs.”

“We are thrilled that Hidden Valley Ranch is now available at Burger King,” added CC Ciafone, marketing director at Hidden Valley Ranch. “A Big Dip cup big enough for a Whopper sandwich felt like the perfect way to celebrate the exciting news that America’s Favorite Ranch is now available at Burger King.”

Meanwhile, last month, Panera celebrated its customers with the week-long MyPanera Week promotion, which gave customers seven days of savings.

“MyPanera Week will feature offers all week long and has something for every Panera fan, whether you enjoy Unlimited Sips, soups, salads, sandwiches, or bakery items in-cafe or delivered to your door,” the company stated in the announcement about MyPanera Week. “MyPanera Week will celebrate loyalty members with exclusive Panera perks and offers, including a FREE meal after qualifying purchases.”