"The tip comes from a TikTok by @mukjamy. To assemble, smear plain cream cheese onto an Asiago bagel, order a small mac and cheese, spoon the mac on top, and enjoy. This sando can be enjoyed open-faced or closed-style. "Trust me on this," says the poster, "I know my way around food." Indeed, as a former Panera employee many moons ago, this creation sounds like something staff would have dreamt up during a slow closing shift."
"The poster recommends ordering the bagel extra toasted as a personal preference. But, a crispier toast could also help the bagel stave off sogginess as a structurally integral vehicle for all that creamy mac. Comments on the TikTok rave, "[B]read + pasta is always elite, no matter the combo," and the post even drew a comment from the official Panera social media account ("You took that cheesy bagel and said 'make it a double.' Love the hack")."
"Panera's entree mac and cheese already comes with a baguette side. But, spooning the mac directly on top of the bagel expedites the bread-dunking process, packing a chewy cheesy crumb into every bite of mac. Plus, the cream cheese delivers a tanginess that complements the Asiago's slight funk. Foodies can add a thin layer of the cream cheese, or slather on a thicker layer that would help this creation border on New York-style bagel"
Smear plain cream cheese onto a toasted Asiago bagel, spoon a small serving of Panera mac and cheese on top, and eat open-faced or closed-style. Extra toasting increases crispness and helps prevent sogginess from the creamy mac. The cream cheese adds tang that complements the Asiago's slight funk while the mac contributes chewy, cheesy crumbs in every bite. Panera's mac and cheese typically comes with a baguette side, but placing the mac on the bagel consolidates the bread-and-pasta experience. A thicker cream cheese layer can emulate a New York-style bagel texture. Pair with hot coffee and a Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken for a full meal.
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