There is nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty meal from Panera. In my opinion, Panera falls right in the middle of the fast food and restaurant scale. It’s classier than most fast food chains, but not as fancy as a sit down restaurant. Haters of Panera call it “glorified hospital food,” and compare it to eating in a cafeteria.
But what Panera haters don’t see is the beauty of it. With a wide menu ranging from savory to sweet, Panera has something for everyone. Seriously, there are so many options on the menu that I often have trouble deciding what to get: a sandwich, soup, salad, or even baked goods from the bakery. And don’t even get me started on drinks. So, here’s a comprehensive list of the best Panera items to help you choose what to order.
1. Tomato Soup
This seems like a lame item to rank as number one, but let me explain. I am a tomato soup enthusiast. I can’t eat a sandwich without some tomato soup to dip it into. That being said, Panera’s tomato soup is top tier, and is definitely its best soup. It’s creamy and not too tomato-y (let’s pretend that’s a real word). You can elevate your soup experience by getting it in a sourdough bread bowl! And, you can dip your side of bread into it! It’s perfect for dipping and sipping.
2. Mac & Cheese
The feeling of eating Panera’s mac and cheese can be compared to the feeling of being wrapped in a warm, fluffy blanket. It really hits the soul. It’s definitely one of my comfort foods, and I get it delivered whenever I’m feeling down. The shell pasta to cheese ratio is on point, and the cheese is the perfect flavor.
I’ll even let you in on a life hack: take a spoonful of the mac and cheese, and dip it into the tomato soup. It’s basically like dipping a grilled cheese into a tomato soup, but even better. Trust me.
3. Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
Panera has a bunch of sandwich options, but my favorite is definitely the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. Chipotle sauce is an essential part of any sandwich in my opinion, which is why I love this sandwich so much. I also love a good avocado. Basically, this sandwich has all the components of a perfect sandwich. Another hack: dip into the tomato soup (I really do love the tomato soup).
4. Margherita Flatbread Pizza
I know what you’re thinking: pizza from Panera? And as a New Yorker, and therefore a pizza expert, I hear you. You shouldn’t eat pizza from chain restaurants. However, Panera is the one exception. Its margherita pizza is delicious, even though it’s no brick oven pie. It’s not too thin or doughy. It’s just right.
5. Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Warm Bowl
Dare I call this a Cava/Chipotle dupe? With its rice base and delicious teriyaki flavor, this bowl is filling and flavorful. It’s items like this one that sets Panera apart from other fast food chains; it’s luxury. Who else is selling warm bowls? No one. It’s also a chef’s pick item, so you know it’s good!
6. Classic Grilled Cheese
Sometimes all you need is a simple grilled cheese sandwich! This one is perfectly gooey, giving you the cheese pull of your dreams. It’s also paired great with… you guessed it, tomato soup! What’s better than dipping a warm grilled cheese into a flavorful bowl of tomato soup? Literally nothing. And with Paneras You Pick 2 option, you can pair two entrees together, letting you save money while still getting to enjoy both meals.
7. Chicken & Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt
This sandwich is a part of Panera’s relatively new line of stacked toasted baguettes. Considering that it’s Panera, the sandwich is pretty gourmet. It includes smoked pulled chicken, pepperoni, (fresh) mozzarella, fontina and mozzarella blend, and tomato bell pepper sauce, all pressed between the slices of a french baguette. How fancy and delicious!
8. Strawberry Lemon Mint Charged Lemonade
The charged lemonade closely resembles the beloved Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher, except way more caffeinated. On days when I’m lacking sleep and motivation, I find myself GrubHub-ing Panera just to get the charged lemonade, specifically the Strawberry Lemon Mint one. Not only is it tasty, but it gives you the energy you need to power through your day without making you too jittery.
9. Cinnamon Swirl & Raisin Bagel
Before I get backlash from the raisin haters, I need to preface that I am also a raisin hater. You will never catch me chowing on a box of raisins. But, the Cinnamon Swirl and Raisin Bagel is an exception to the raisin slander. I get mine toasted with cream cheese, but it’s delicious on its own, or with butter. It’s perfect for breakfast, or even as a side to your meal.
10. Brownies
What’s a meal without a sweet treat after? The brownies from Panera’s bakery section taste just like ones your grandma would make in the oven. They’re soft and chocolatey, which is how every sweet treat should be! No matter how full I am, I’ll always find room for a brownie.
Even though they didn’t make the list, the chips and bread that you can get as a side are honorable mentions. They complete every and any meal.