The Starbucks Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini showcases a winning trio of flavors – savory turkey, melty provolone cheese, and bright pesto sauce. This popular lunchtime pick delivers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. I’ll explain everything that makes this panini so crave-worthy and share tips for recreating it at home.
Overview of the Starbucks Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini
This hot toasted sandwich contains just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Here’s what’s layered between slices of ciabatta bread:
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Sliced turkey breast – Boar’s Head brand turkey provides premium flavor
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Tangy provolone cheese – Melts beautifully.
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Zesty pesto sauce – Made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil.
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Roasted red peppers – For sweetness.
With quality ingredients in ideal proportions, this panini serves up pure sandwich joy. The combination of smoky turkey nutty pesto creamy cheese, and sweet peppers brings an explosion of textures and tastes in each bite.
At around 550 calories, it provides a satisfying lunch or snack. And with the protein from the turkey plus fiber from the ciabatta bread, it keeps you feeling full.
Why the Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini Became Popular
When Starbucks added this panini to menus nationwide in 2017, it quickly gained a loyal following. Here are some key reasons for its widespread appeal:
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Universal flavors – Turkey, cheese, and pesto make a crowd-pleasing match. The flavors have wide appeal.
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Satisfying yet light – At 550 calories, it’s lighter than many lunch choices but still very filling.
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High-quality ingredients – Premium turkey breast and real ciabatta bread make a difference.
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Toasted perfection – Hot and crispy from the panini press with melty cheese.
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Customizable – Can request it without peppers if desired.
With its simple ingredients and broad appeal, this became a go-to selection for the Starbucks lunch crowd.
How to Make a Copycat Starbucks Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini
Recreate this popular Starbucks sandwich at home with fewer calories and more flavorful fillings.
Here are tips for building the ultimate turkey panini:
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Use fresh bakery ciabatta rolls if possible. Take-and-bake rolls also work well.
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Choose quality sliced turkey, not the thin pre-packaged stuff.
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Opt for provolone over mozzarella for better melting.
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Make your own pesto or use the best quality store-bought.
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Roast or grill red peppers for a smoky flavor.
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Spread a generous layer of pesto mayo on bread before building.
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Cook in a grill pan with weight on top to get it crispy.
With high-quality ingredients and proper cooking technique, you can make an even better version at home!
Creative Ways to Personalize the Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini
The beauty of making this sandwich yourself is getting to customize it to your tastes. Play around with these fun additions:
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Other cheeses like smoked gouda, havarti, or aged cheddar
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Hearty greens like arugula, spinach, or kale
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Caramelized onions or roasted garlic
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Sun-dried tomatoes for tang
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A schmear of olive tapenade, fig jam, or goat cheese
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Spicy components like jalapeños, chili oil, or sriracha
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A variety of nut and seed pestos like walnut, sunflower seed, etc.
The possibilities are endless when you make it your own!
Handy Hacks for Making Turkey Provolone Pesto Paninis
Use these clever tips for easily making restaurant-quality paninis at home:
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Brush the outsides of the bread with olive oil or butter before cooking for extra crispy, flavorful exteriors.
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Weigh down the sandwiches with a heavy pan, foil-wrapped bricks, or a panini press to flatten and crisp.
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Cook over medium-low heat to allow the cheese time to melt before the bread burns.
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Mix pesto into mayo or softened butter for an easy spreadable pesto layer.
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Let paninis rest for a few minutes after cooking so the fillings set up.
With a few simple tricks, you can achieve that satisfying crunch and melty cheese!
Complementary Sides for the Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini
While the panini alone makes a hearty meal, rounding it out with sides never hurts! Here are some tasty complements:
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Fresh fruit like berries, grapes, or melon
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Greek yogurt for a protein punch
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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
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Tomato bisque for dunking
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Vinegar-based coleslaw or potato salad
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Air-fried French fries or sweet potato fries
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Hummus and baked pita chips
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Pickles and olives for tangy contrast
Any of these would perfectly pair with the savory-sweet panini flavors.
FAQs about the Starbucks Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this popular Starbucks sandwich:
What bread does Starbucks use?
It’s made with slices of toasted ciabatta bread.
What brand of turkey and cheese do they use?
The turkey is Boar’s Head. The cheese is likely provolone from a major brand like Sargento.
Does it contain any gluten-free or vegan options?
No, the standard version contains wheat, dairy and possibly traces of nuts from the pesto.
Can you request any customizations?
Yes, you can ask for no veggies or sub different cheese or bread.
Does it come hot or cold?
Hot! It’s pressed on a panini grill so the bread is crispy and the cheese melted.
Enjoy a Satisfying Turkey Panini at Home
With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, the Starbucks Turkey Provolone Pesto Panini makes an ideal lunch or snack any time. With quality ingredients and proper cooking techniques, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home.
Take inspiration from the classic panini but also unleash your creativity by customizing it to suit your tastes. Paired with a side or two, it becomes a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. So next time a panini craving strikes, whip up this turkey pesto version and enjoy!
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Starbucks American Menu Turkey, Provolone & Pesto on Ciabatta represents a choice that falls short of cleaner food standards. The product is not organic, which results in a deduction for those seeking organic-only sandwich options. Furthermore, the inclusion of non-GMO ingredients is not confirmed, posing another concern for consumers prioritizing non-GMO foods.
A closer examination of the ingredients reveals the presence of added sugars, specifically turbinado sugar, which detracts from the product’s healthfulness. The ciabatta roll, made with enriched flour, is a significant drawback. Enriched flour, while common in many bread products, is often viewed as a less nutritious option compared to whole grain alternatives. This is due to the refining process stripping away essential nutrients that are only partially replaced during enrichment.
The sandwich also contains oils such as peanut, canola, and unspecified vegetable oils, which are considered less desirable by those advocating for cleaner eating. These oils are often processed and may be sourced from genetically modified organisms, which adds to the concerns for health-conscious consumers.
The product does include some positive aspects, such as turkey breast raised without antibiotics, which aligns with cleaner eating principles. Additionally, the use of real provolone cheese and basil pesto with natural ingredients like basil and parmesan cheese adds to the quality of the sandwich. However, these positives are overshadowed by the aforementioned issues.
The overall score reflects the need for improvement in ingredient selection to elevate this product to a cleaner, healthier standard. Offering an organic version, eliminating added sugars, opting for whole grain flour, and using oils that are non-GMO and minimally processed would significantly enhance the product’s standing within the clean food market.
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient line information, check product packaging.
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