I absolutely adore Panera. With so many great options on their menu, it’s always hard for me to decide what to order. You Pick 2 and the double bread bowls make it a little easier. But with the new items on Panera’s summer menu, it’ll be tough to choose which soups, salads and sandwiches to get.
So what’s new at Panera?
It looks like Panera is better than ever before! Here’s the quick list:
- Lobster Roll
- Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Summer Caprese Salad
- Frozen Mocha Cold Brew
- Frozen Caramel Cold Brew
It all sounds incredible, but I’ve done some serious thinking about this. Here are my top picks:
Lobster Mac and Cheese
You heard that right. Panera’s summer menu has lobster! The classic mac just got fancier. This version has chunks of lobster and breadcrumbs, which is sure to make it a fan favorite. The Lobster Mac and Cheese also comes with a lemon tarragon mayo dressing, so my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
These dishes are only available in some locations in the Northeast, but the next menu items will be available more widely. Here’s what else you need to know about the food at Panera.
Summer Caprese Salad
If you like the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad, try switching it up with this dish. Panera describes the Summer Caprese Salad as “romaine and arugula drizzled with olive oil, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, salt and pepper, topped with strawberries and balsamic glaze.”
With its fresh fruits and vegetables, this salad screams summer. (I understand if you’re committed to the classic Strawberry Poppyseed Salad, though.)
Frozen Cold Brews
This is for when you’re craving a milkshake and also a caffeine fix. The best of both worlds! Because cold brew and iced coffee are already so different, this brings another twist to the traditional cup of coffee.
The frozen cold brews come in two flavors, mocha and caramel. Both are topped with whipped cream and chocolate or caramel syrup. I personally can’t wait to sip the sweet Caramel Cold Brew while enjoying the sun.
I guess it wasn’t so hard to build a Panera order after all!
Can't make it out for lunch? Whip up a Panera copycat recipe at home.
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Inspired by: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
New to baking bread? Check out ultimate bread baking guide.
Inspired by: Bacon Turkey Bravo
My family thinks this sandwich is pure heaven, thanks to the cranberry-pecan mayo. It's so good, they ask me to make it all year long. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Inspired by: Pecan Roll
Soft and sweet, these rolls will get a lip-smacking smile from everyone. They rise nice and high, hold their shape and have a gooey caramel sauce that's scrumptious. There's no better way to start the day! —Carolyn Buschkamp, Emmetsburg, Iowa
Inspired by: Watermelon Feta Salad
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Inspired by: Four Cheese Souffles
No matter when I've made these soufflés, they have always been a success. Although I've never seen the centers start to fall, it's best to plan on serving them hot from the oven. —Jean Ference, Sherwood Park, Alberta
Inspired by: Bear Claw
This bear claw pastry recipe is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious! It's impossible to resist the delicate dough, rich almond filling and pretty fanned tops sprinkled with sugar and almonds. I made yummy treats like this when I worked in a bakery years ago. —Aneta Kish, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Ham & Swiss Cafe Sandwich
Who knew that the humble pickle could add so much pep to a grilled ham and cheese? Splitting the baguette four ways makes these a manageable size for devouring! —Louise Gilbert, Quesnel, British Columbia
Inspired by: Southwest Chile Lime Ranch with Chicken Salad
My husband loves salads, and this flavorful chicken recipe is easy, nutritious and very tasty. Serve it over greens, tucked in a pita or rolled up in a tortilla. —Sara Hobbs, West Tawakoni, Texas
Inspired by: Asiago Cheese Bagel
Discover a cheesy alternative to the usual sweet bread brunch offerings. There's no need to stop by a bakery when you can make this asiago bagel recipe at home. —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Inspired by: Bistro French Onion Soup
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does. I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Inspired by: The Italian Sandwich
Pesto and focaccia bread make this pretty sandwich deliciously different from most deli sandwiches. This is great to serve at football parties and other group gatherings. —Mary Humeniuk-Smith, Perry Hall, Maryland
Inspired by: Strawberry Poppyseed with Chicken Salad
This pretty salad is always a hit when I serve it! The recipe came from a cookbook, but I personalized it. Sometimes just a small change in ingredients can create a big difference. —Laura Pounds, Andover, Kansas
Inspired by: Blueberry Muffin
In Michigan there are lots of blueberries, so I enjoy trying recipes with them, like a jumbo version of a classic muffin. — Jackie Hannahs, Brethren, Michigan
Inspired by: Vegetarian Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It’s quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT Sandwich
With this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Inspired by: Ham & Swiss Souffle
I like to serve this tasty dish for brunch along with fresh fruit when I'm having guests. Not only is it easy, but everyone enjoys it. Make it the night before, then the next day all you need to do is bake it. —Airy Murray, Williamsport, Maryland
Inspired by: Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
Once you get the hang of it, you won’t believe how simple it is to make these bakery-quality bagels right in your kitchen. —Kristen Streepey, Geneva, Illinois
Inspired by: Green Goddess Cobb with Chicken Salad
I'm a huge fan of taking classic dishes and adding some flair to them. I also like to change up heavier dishes, like Cobb salad. I've traded out typical chicken for crunchy falafel that's just as satisfying. — Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Inspired by: Caramel Apple Thumbprint Scone
A drizzle of caramel complements the apple and whole wheat flavors of these rustic-looking scones. —Arlene Cook, Bainbridge, Georgia
Inspired by: Baked Potato Soup
My husband and I enjoyed a delicious baked potato soup at a restaurant while on vacation and I came home determined to duplicate it. It took me five years to get the taste right! —Joann Goetz, Genoa, Ohio
Inspired by: Fuji Apple with Chicken Salad
My favorite memory of eating this dish was when my mom made it for lunch on weekends when we were home from school and could have something other than "brown bag" lunches. Happy memories of childhood and late summer days just make this salad extra special. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Inspired by: Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
I love the excellent texture of this easy coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida
Inspired by: Tuna Salad Cafe Sandwich
Sometimes I make a tuna melt out of this sandwich and serve warm. The tuna salad spread is also yummy as a dip. —Kimberly Stewart, Omaha, Nebraska
Inspired by: Mac & Cheese
This is a great way to make America's most popular comfort food. The dish turns out cheesy, rich and creamy. —Jennifer Babcock, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Inspired by: Cinnamon Crunch Scone
I love baking and am crazy about cinnamon rolls, but they take a lot of time to put together. I made this recipe to satisfy the craving!—Camilla Saulsbury, Nacogdoches, Texas
Inspired by: Pumpkin Muffin
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Inspired by: New England Clam Chowder
This is the best clam chowder recipe, ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Inspired by: Blueberry Scone
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Inspired by: Spinach & Bacon Souffle
This souffle is not only absolutely delicious, but light and beautiful. Your guests will be impressed every time this brunch dish is served. So grab your fork and dig in to this little taste of Florence! —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Inspired by: Spicy Thai with Chicken Salad
This healthful recipe looks time-consuming, but it’s as simple as can be. Aside from mixing, the only prep work is chopping a red pepper. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. —Elinor Ives, Fiskdale, Massachusetts
Inspired by: Double Fudge Brownies
A neighbor brought over a pan of these rich fudge brownies along with the recipe when I came home from the hospital with our baby daughter. I asked her how to make brownie frosting like that, and I've made them ever since for family occasions, potlucks and parties at work. —Sue Soderlund, Elgin, Illinois
Inspired by: Apple Crunch Muffin
Waking up to the smell of apple muffins will start your family’s day off right. Cream cheese filling makes them moist and tender, and oats and nuts in the topping add crunch.—Connie Boll, Chilton, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Modern Greek with Quinoa Salad
Packed with flavorful power foods, this salad is as delicious as it is healthy and good for you. Served cold, it's perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings. —Julie Stockel, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Inspired by: Cinnamon Roll
These pretty cinnamon rolls are absolutely marvelous and taste just like the ones sold at the mall. Topped with a sweet cream cheese frosting, they are best served warm with coffee. Or reheat leftover rolls in the microwave and enjoy any time of day. —Velma Horton, LaGrange, California
Inspired by: Asian Sesame with Chicken Salad
When my friends and I meet for Sunday get-togethers, this is the one dish they always ask me to make. I don’t mind since it travels well, is super easy to make, and absolutely delicious. —Stacy Reed, Gresham, Oregon