US-based retail bakery-café Panera has added Black Forest Ham & Gouda Melt to its line-up of Toasted Baguette sandwiches.

The Toasted Baguettes sandwich line launched in January is now the company’s highest-earning sandwich line.

The Black Forest Ham & Gouda Melt is prepared with Black Forest ham, country mustard, arugula and smoked gouda on a toasted baguette.

According to Panera, the sandwich will be available at locations across the US starting 22 June.

The new offering joins three other Toasted Baguette flavour offerings—Green Goddess Caprese Melt, Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt and Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt.

The sandwiches are made using all-natural ingredients and start at $9.49 each.

Panera Bread head chef Claes Petersson said: “We’re so excited to bring ham back onto the Panera menu.

"Our focus was on enhancing these sandwiches with amazing, unforgettable flavours that we knew our guests would love.

“Our chefs created our new delicious country mustard, finding the perfect blend of three mustards to compliment the flavours and create two irresistible new menu items we can’t wait for guests to try.”

Panera Bread chief brand and concept officer Eduardo Luz said: “At Panera, two of our top priorities for our guests are delicious taste and incredible value.

“Our popular Toasted Baguette platform will now give guests even more options for exceptional taste in an abundant sandwich option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.”