Panera Bread: Must-Try Menu Items You Need To Order

Hey guys! Ever find yourself staring at the Panera Bread menu, totally overwhelmed by all the delicious options? You're not alone! Panera is a go-to spot for so many of us, whether we're craving a cozy soup, a fresh salad, or a hearty sandwich. But with so many choices, it's tough to know where to start. So, let's dive into the must-try menu items that will make your next Panera run a total success.

Soups to Warm Your Soul

When it comes to soups at Panera Bread, you're seriously spoiled for choice. The creamy tomato soup is an absolute classic, perfect for dipping your grilled cheese or enjoying on its own. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting, especially on a chilly day. This soup has a tangy flavor that will make your taste buds dance and the creamy texture is wonderful. The aroma itself is inviting, so don't be shocked if you crave this even on warmer days. Pair it with a grilled cheese for a nostalgic and satisfying meal that never fails to hit the spot.

But don't stop there! The broccoli cheddar soup is another fan favorite, and for good reason. It's loaded with tender broccoli florets and a velvety cheddar cheese sauce that's simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a creamy, cheesy delight that's perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner. Made with fresh broccoli florets and a rich cheddar cheese sauce, this soup is a vegetarian favorite that's sure to satisfy your cravings.

If you're looking for something a little different, try the French onion soup. This savory soup is made with caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with a toasted crouton and melted cheese. It's a sophisticated and satisfying option that's perfect for a cold winter day. Each spoonful is an adventure of flavors and textures, from the sweet and tender onions to the savory broth and the gooey, melted cheese. It's a culinary masterpiece that will transport you to a cozy bistro in Paris.

And for those who prefer a bit of spice, the black bean soup is a great choice. This hearty soup is made with black beans, corn, and a blend of Southwestern spices. It's a flavorful and filling option that's perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It's packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying choice. Garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro, this soup is a fiesta in a bowl.

Salads That Are Actually Exciting

Okay, let's be real: salads can sometimes be a little boring. But Panera's salads are anything but! The Fuji Apple Chicken Salad is a total game-changer, with grilled chicken, crisp apples, pecans, and a sweet Fuji apple vinaigrette. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, crunchy and tender, and it's guaranteed to leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this salad is a feast for the senses.

Another standout is the Green Goddess Chicken Salad. This salad features grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, and a creamy green goddess dressing. It's fresh, flavorful, and packed with healthy fats and protein. It’s a great option if you're looking for something that's both delicious and nutritious. The creamy avocado and tangy green goddess dressing make this salad a flavor explosion in every bite. It's a guilt-free indulgence that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

For vegetarians, the Greek Salad is a classic choice. This salad is made with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese, tossed in a Greek dressing. It's simple, refreshing, and full of flavor. It's a taste of the Mediterranean that will transport you to sun-drenched shores. The salty feta cheese and briny olives add a burst of flavor, while the crisp vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. It's a light and refreshing option that's perfect for a warm day.

And if you're feeling adventurous, try the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken. This seasonal salad features grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and a poppyseed dressing. It's a sweet and fruity option that's perfect for summer. The juicy strawberries and tangy pineapple add a burst of flavor, while the poppyseed dressing adds a hint of sweetness. It's a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

Sandwiches for Every Craving

Panera's sandwiches are seriously on point. The Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich is a longtime favorite, with chicken salad, almonds, grapes, and lettuce on toasted cranberry walnut bread. It's sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. This sandwich is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, from the creamy chicken salad to the crunchy almonds and the chewy cranberry walnut bread. It's a sophisticated and satisfying option that's perfect for a lunch date or a picnic in the park.

The Turkey Bacon Bravo is another must-try, with smoked turkey breast, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and a signature sauce on tomato basil bread. It's a flavor explosion in every bite, and it's guaranteed to become your new go-to sandwich. The smoky turkey and crispy bacon add a savory element, while the juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce provide a refreshing contrast. The tomato basil bread adds a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture that ties it all together. It's a flavor explosion in every bite.

If you're in the mood for something cheesy, the grilled cheese is a classic choice. Panera's grilled cheese is made with a blend of cheeses on grilled sourdough bread. It's simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. Dipping it in the creamy tomato soup takes it to a whole new level of yum! The gooey, melted cheese and the tangy sourdough bread create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It's a comforting classic that never fails to satisfy.

For vegetarians, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a great option. This sandwich is made with hummus, feta cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce on toasted focaccia bread. It's fresh, flavorful, and packed with healthy veggies. It's a taste of the Mediterranean that will transport you to sun-drenched shores. The creamy hummus and salty feta cheese add a burst of flavor, while the crisp vegetables provide a satisfying crunch. It's a light and refreshing option that's perfect for a warm day.

Baked Goods That Are Hard to Resist

Let's be honest, no trip to Panera is complete without indulging in one of their amazing baked goods. The chocolate chip cookie is a classic for a reason. It's soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips. It's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. The warm, gooey chocolate and the soft, chewy dough create a heavenly combination that's hard to resist. It's a comforting classic that will bring back memories of childhood.

The cinnamon roll is another must-try, with its layers of flaky dough and sweet cinnamon filling. It's gooey, sticky, and utterly irresistible. It’s best enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea. The sweet cinnamon filling and the flaky dough create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It's a decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

If you're looking for something a little healthier, the blueberry muffin is a great choice. This muffin is moist, fluffy, and bursting with blueberries. It's a delicious way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon snack. It's packed with antioxidants and fiber, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The juicy blueberries and the moist, fluffy muffin create a perfect combination that's both delicious and nutritious.

And for those who prefer something savory, the asiago cheese bagel is a great option. This bagel is topped with asiago cheese and baked to perfection. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Toasted and topped with cream cheese or avocado, it's a satisfying and flavorful option that will keep you going throughout the day.

Drinks to Quench Your Thirst

Panera has a great selection of drinks to complement your meal. The iced green tea is a refreshing and healthy option, perfect for a hot day. It's light, crisp, and packed with antioxidants. It's a great alternative to sugary sodas and juices. Served over ice with a slice of lemon, it's a refreshing and revitalizing beverage that will quench your thirst.

The lemonade is another classic choice, made with fresh lemons and just the right amount of sweetness. It's tart, refreshing, and perfect for a summer day. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and sour, and it's guaranteed to quench your thirst. Served over ice with a sprig of mint, it's a refreshing and invigorating beverage that will brighten your day.

If you're a coffee lover, Panera has a variety of coffee drinks to choose from, including lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. They use high-quality coffee beans and expert baristas to create the perfect cup of coffee. Whether you prefer a strong and bold espresso or a creamy and sweet latte, Panera has something for everyone. Served hot or iced, it's the perfect way to start your day or enjoy as an afternoon pick-me-up.

And for those who prefer something a little different, the frozen caramel cold brew is a must-try. This drink is made with cold brew coffee, caramel syrup, and ice, blended to perfection. It's sweet, creamy, and utterly delicious. Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it's a decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it: a rundown of the must-try menu items at Panera Bread! Whether you're craving soup, salad, a sandwich, or a sweet treat, Panera has something for everyone. So next time you're there, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You might just discover your new favorite dish!