20 Panera Menu Items Evaluated For Taste And Variety
Panera’s menu can feel endless until you are the one at the counter trying to decide. Do you want cozy soup, a bold melty sandwich, or a fresh salad that actually fills you up.
This quick guide walks through 20 popular picks with straight talk on taste and variety value, so you can order with confidence. Let’s find the bowl, bread, or bowl-with-bread that hits the spot today.
1. Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Bread Bowl)
Broccoli Cheddar is the classic comfort move when you need something warm and undeniably cozy. The soup is thick, cheesy, and just salty enough, with tender broccoli that still has a tiny bite.
Order it in a bread bowl when you want the full experience, because tearing into that crust while scooping cheese feels downright celebratory.
Flavor wise, it leans creamy and savory, not overly sharp or vegetal. The portion feels hearty, especially if you nibble the bowl edges.
Variety wise, it anchors countless You Pick Two combos and pairs beautifully with an apple or chips.
If you crave pure comfort and no guesswork, this is the iconic Panera vibe. Add hot sauce for kick, or keep it pure.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup
When you want simple, soothing, and reliable, chicken noodle delivers without drama. The broth is light and savory, the noodles are tender, and the chicken pieces are soft rather than stringy.
It tastes like a warm hug, especially on days when you want low effort comfort.
It is not flashy, but that is the point. Variety wise, it fits perfectly into a You Pick Two with a half sandwich or salad.
Add a baguette or chips for texture, or squeeze a lemon wedge if available for brightness.
This is the safest choice when you want warmth without heaviness. If your appetite is modest or you are under the weather, it lands just right.
3. Creamy Tomato Soup
This tomato soup is smooth and slightly sweet-tangy, built for dunking. It coats your spoon with a velvety texture that feels richer than a basic canned version.
If grilled cheese vibes are your thing, pairing it with a half sandwich makes every bite more satisfying.
The flavor leans bright but not acidic, with a little cream to soften the edges. Variety wise, it is a combo superstar because it complements both turkey sandwiches and veggie melts.
A baguette side turns it into a light but cozy meal.
When you want classic comfort without heaviness, this hits the middle lane perfectly. Add cracked pepper for a tiny kick, or keep it mellow.
4. Bistro French Onion Soup
If you crave deep, savory, onion-forward comfort, this one feels more restaurant style. The broth is rich and slightly sweet from caramelized onions, capped with a melty, cheesy lid.
Every spoonful brings that crouton chew which soaks up flavor like a sponge.
It is saltier than lighter soups, so pair it with water or a fresh salad. Variety wise, it satisfies when you want something cozy but a bit elevated.
It works nicely in a You Pick Two with a bright salad to balance the richness.
On chilly days, this is the move if broccoli cheddar feels too heavy. Expect a robust, savory profile that lingers pleasantly.
5. Mac & Cheese
Panera’s mac and cheese is thick, ultra creamy, and basically irresistible when you want comfort. The sauce clings to every elbow, delivering a buttery, cheddar-rich bite.
It is simple in the best way, a steady classic that never disappoints.
As a main, it is filling, especially with a baguette side for textural contrast. Variety wise, it balances well with a crisp salad if you want something fresher on the side.
It is easy to share, or to keep as your guilty pleasure.
When soup is not calling, this delivers that cozy blanket energy. Add black pepper or hot sauce to customize, or enjoy it exactly as is.
6. Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich
Bacon Turkey Bravo balances smoky bacon, tender turkey, and a sweet-savory signature sauce on tomato basil bread. The bread adds aroma and a soft chew that keeps bites from feeling heavy.
Each mouthful hits salty, sweet, and creamy notes without overdoing any one vibe.
It is a signature for a reason, memorable yet easy to love. Variety wise, it pairs with tomato soup or a light salad, depending on your mood.
The portion feels satisfying at lunch without immediate food coma.
If you like layered flavors that stay tidy, this is a strong go-to. Add pickles for snap, or keep it classic and let that sauce shine.
7. Frontega Chicken Sandwich
The Frontega brings smoky chicken, melty mozzarella, and a lively chipotle-tomato zip pressed into warm focaccia. It is bold but controlled, never sloppy, with juicy chicken and just enough sauce.
The toasted bread gives crunch and aroma that make each bite pop.
It satisfies when you want flavor that wakes you up without melting your face. Variety wise, it teams well with creamy tomato soup or a small green salad.
Portion wise, it eats like a meal even in a You Pick Two.
If you enjoy a little smoke and brightness, this scratches that itch. Add a side pickle for contrast and you are set.
8. Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
This melt layers creamy avocado with gently smoky chipotle heat, giving every bite a soft-spicy hug. The gouda melts smoothly, and the chicken stays juicy under that toasted focaccia.
It tastes indulgent, but the avocado’s cool richness keeps it balanced.
Variety wise, it is a standout when you want mild spice without going full fire. Add a crisp salad or kettle chips for crunch.
The portion is generous enough to satisfy dinner cravings, especially paired with soup.
If creamy-spicy is your lane, this strikes an easy sweet spot. Consider extra chipotle sauce if you like a bolder kick, or keep it mellow.
9. Toasted Italiano
Toasted Italiano brings big deli energy with layered meats, provolone, and tangy peppers. It is salty, hearty, and satisfying, especially when you want something that eats like dinner.
The toast adds crunch while the melted cheese ties everything together.
It can run salty, so pairing with water or a bright salad helps. Variety wise, it is a strong pick when you crave a hot, filling sandwich.
A side of chips or an apple offers a nice contrast.
If you want bold without being messy, this hits the spot. Ask for extra pickled veg if you love zip, or keep it classic and savory.
10. Tuna Salad Sandwich
This is the comfort of a classic tuna sandwich, creamy and familiar without surprises. The filling is well seasoned, not watery, and the bread options keep texture interesting.
When you want a simple, lunch-y vibe, it absolutely delivers.
Variety wise, it pairs well with chicken noodle or tomato soup for a cozy combo. Add pickles or red onion for extra snap if you like.
It is underrated on days when heavy, melty sandwiches feel too much.
If nostalgia calls, this is your no fuss answer. It keeps you satisfied without slowing you down, perfect for quick work lunches or errands.
11. Turkey Chili
Turkey chili brings warm spices and a hearty, bean-forward texture without feeling heavy. It lands somewhere between comfort food and a lighter, protein-rich bowl.
The flavor is cozy and balanced, not overly smoky or fiery.
Variety wise, it is a welcome break from creamy soups and cheesy dishes. Pair it with a baguette, chips, or a crisp salad, depending on your mood.
It works great in a You Pick Two when you still want substance.
If you are craving warmth with some fiber and protein, this checks boxes. Add hot sauce if you want a kick, or enjoy its mellow, satisfying baseline.
12. Caesar Salad
Sometimes you need a dependable Caesar with crisp romaine, salty parmesan, and creamy dressing. This one hits that classic lane with satisfying crunch and just enough tang.
Add chicken if you want more bite and staying power.
Variety wise, it is a great base for mixing and matching in You Pick Two. It balances heavier items like mac or grilled sandwiches nicely.
The portion feels right for lunch, clean and predictable in a good way.
When you want familiar and crisp, this delivers without fuss. Keep the dressing light or go extra creamy, and finish with black pepper for lift.
13. Greek Salad
Bright and briny, the Greek salad is your not too heavy, very fresh option. Feta adds creamy salt, olives bring punch, and the vinaigrette ties it together.
Every bite feels crisp and lively, especially on busy days when you need clarity.
Variety wise, it pairs well with a warm soup for balance. Add chicken if you want more protein without losing that light feel.
The textures stay interesting from first forkful to last.
If you crave freshness over richness, this is an easy win. It is also a smart reset when you have been leaning hard on bread and cheese.
14. Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken
Fuji Apple Salad walks the sweet-tangy line with crisp apple slices, gorgonzola, and a lively dressing. The chicken adds substance while candied pecans give crunch and a dessert-adjacent vibe.
It feels refreshing and different from standard greens plus protein builds.
Variety wise, it offers contrast to salty, melty sandwiches. The textures are playful, so you do not miss bread as much.
Portion wise, it stays filling without tipping into heavy.
When you are bored of samey salads, this perks everything up. Pair with a cup of tomato soup if you want extra warmth, or keep it bright and standalone.
15. Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (seasonal)
This seasonal salad is fruity, light, and very summery, with strawberries, citrus, and pineapple leading the way. The poppyseed dressing is sweet but not cloying, coating the greens with a refreshing sheen.
Chicken keeps it from feeling like just fruit on leaves.
Variety wise, it is a smart break from creamy dressings and cheese-heavy choices. Pair with a cup of chicken noodle or a baguette if you want warmth.
The flavors shine brightest in warmer months when you crave freshness.
If your appetite skews light and bright, this is the move. It is the salad equivalent of a breezy afternoon, easy to enjoy and satisfying.
16. Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken
When you want a big salad that actually keeps you full, this Cobb delivers. The green goddess dressing is creamy-herby, clinging to every bite of chicken, avocado, and bacon.
Pickled onions add zip, and eggs bring satisfying richness.
Variety wise, it is your best bet for salad-as-meal without needing bread. It pairs fine with a cup of light soup if you want extra comfort.
The textures bounce between crunchy and creamy in a very satisfying loop.
If you need staying power and crave something green, start here. It is balanced, hearty, and still feels fresh enough for daytime energy.
17. Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
This meatless sandwich brings bright, tangy, veggie-forward satisfaction. Hummus adds creamy depth, while feta, cucumbers, and pickled peppers keep it lively.
The bread choice matters here, so go whole grain for heartiness and chew.
Variety wise, it is a strong alternative to heavier melts without feeling like a compromise. It pairs well with tomato soup or a small Greek salad for synergy.
The portion and crunch make it genuinely satisfying.
If you want fresh and flavorful without meat, this is a reliable go-to. Add extra peppers for more zing, or keep it mellow and hummus-forward.
18. Steak and White Cheddar (when available)
When available, this sandwich hits the hearty, hot lane beautifully. Tender steak meets melty white cheddar and a gentle horseradish zip for contrast.
The toasted bread keeps structure while soaking up savory juices.
It is rich, so pairing with a bright salad helps balance. Variety wise, it scratches that steakhouse-adjacent itch without needing a fork and knife.
The portion feels dinner-worthy, especially with a side pickle or chips.
If you want big flavor that feels indulgent, this delivers. Expect a satisfying chew, creamy cheese, and heat that stays friendly rather than aggressive.
19. Asiago Cheese Bagel
Asiago Cheese Bagel is salty, cheesy, and dangerously snackable. The exterior has a golden, baked-on cheese crust, while the inside stays pleasantly chewy.
Toast it for extra aroma and a sharper bite.
Variety wise, it works plain, with cream cheese, or as a breakfast sandwich base. It is more satisfying than a plain bagel when you crave savory.
Pair it with black coffee for a bold morning combo that cuts richness.
If you want a bakery item that feels like more than bread, start here. It turns a quick stop into a little treat, no extra effort required.
20. Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
Cinnamon Crunch is sweet, crunchy, and straight-up treat like. The caramelized sugar topping brings crackle and warmth, while the interior stays soft and bready.
Toasting intensifies aroma, making the whole cafe smell like cinnamon.
Variety wise, it shines with plain or honey walnut cream cheese. It doubles as dessert pretending to be breakfast, especially with a latte.
The texture contrast keeps bites fun from first to last.
If you want a cheerful, sweet start, this is the move. It is great for sharing too, though you might not want to after one bite.
