A Food Editor’s Honest Review of Panera Bread’s New Asiago Bagel Stacks

• What’s On It: marinated steak, melty provolone, creamy salsa verde spread, arugula, red onions and zesty sweet peppers
• Price: $8

If heat is your top priority, go with this one. The peppery arugula and sharp, crisp onion get the ball rolling, while the salsa verde spread and zesty peppers double down on spice. However, I wouldn’t say it’s downright spicy. The steak itself is super tender and well-seasoned, sort of like cheesesteak meat. It’s adequately salted on its own, but you may get a few extra salty bites when you factor in the cheesy bagel and the spread. While it’s certainly tasty, this sandwich is visually the least impressive of the three, IMO.

• What’s On It: grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, arugula, green goddess dressing and garlic aioli
• Price: $8

This pick is beautifully balanced. The salty, savory bagel complements the mild, tender mozzarella like a charm, while the fresh herbs and a duo of creamy, flavorful condiments unite in stunningly herbaceous, just-acidic-enough harmony. I’m admittedly not a huge fan of Panera Bread’s chicken, but it’s succulent and plentiful on this sandwich. I wouldn’t mind a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a touch more sweetness and acidity. (Olives or tapenade would be nice, too.)

• What’s On It: grilled chicken, soppressata, provolone, basil, arugula, zesty sweet peppers and garlic aioli
• Price: $8

I had no idea Panera Bread carried soppressata, and I was so delighted to find out. As someone who loves all things zingy and sour, I much preferred this Asiago Bagel Stack to the other chicken option. It’s slightly spicy, thanks to the cured meat and pickled peppers (which lean more hot or sweet, depending on the bite you take), but it’s most notably bright and punchy. If you’re an Italian hero stan, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this handheld.