There is no doubt that Panera Bread is a go-to spot for many busy people when it comes to breakfast and lunch. With fantastic coffee and a menu of delicious items from grab and go, to sitting and having a full meal, it’s no wonder why people love this chain so much.
In addition to the current menu, which is already quite extensive, the secret menu also offers some tasty selections for customers to try out. In this article, we will be going over some of our favorite picks from the Panera Bread secret menu, and sharing some of our favorite hacks at Panera Bread.
Note: Availability of the items in these secret menu offerings varies by location. Further, some of these customizations are not known by name to employees, so it is important to ask for them by ingredient if your employee doesn’t know the dish by name.
Does Panera Bread Have A Secret Menu?
Yes, Panera Bread does have a hidden menu. It consists of a variety of items that are not listed on the regular menu, but can be requested when ordering. Unlike other chains though, Panera has formulated their own “hidden menu” with plenty of delicious offerings. While they’re technically no longer considered available, you should still be able to order these items.
You will find that many of our items below are located on this hidden menu, but we have also included some fun customizations that you can add to some of their regular menu items that can take these dishes to a whole new level.
Power Breakfast Egg White Bowl Served With Roasted Turkey
With a great deal of protein and plenty of flavor, this egg white bowl is a great start to the day. You might find that you will come to Panera Bread just for this meal on a regular basis. The addition of the savory basil pesto really adds a special touch that can’t be missed.
Panera Bread released this item as one of their hidden menu options, which means that all you have to do is ask for it specifically by name!
Power Breakfast Egg Bowl with Steak
Here’s a delicious way to take your steak and eggs to the next level. The top sirloin, eggs, avocado, tomato, and other ingredients in this delicious menu option will satisfy your hunger and keep you feeling full and energized for a long time.
To order this, just let your cashier know you’d like to order off the secret menu and ask for the power breakfast egg bowl with steak.
Power Steak Lettuce Wraps
With the option to customize your Panera wraps how you wish, this secret menu option is perfect for a delicious and filling lunch! The dish offers sirloin steak, lettuce to make your wraps with, cucumber, onions, and tomatoes.
As another Panera secret menu option, you can ask to order off the secret menu and get these delicious wraps!
Tomato Mac & Cheese
This might turn into a favorite once you give it a try. Order mac and cheese and a cup of tomato soup, and stir the soup in the mac (or vice versa), and enjoy this delicious twist on Panera’s popular and creamy mac and cheese.
Chili-Mac
In a departure from the official secret menu, this employee hack is a favorite of many. When you combine deliciously rich mac and cheese with the well-loved chili recipe from Panera, you might never go back to one or the other any more.
It is important to note that this isn’t on the official secret menu, so you will need to order this in a special way. If your local Panera has chili available, simply ask for a half-and-half serving of mac and cheese along with chili or order a cup of each. *Note that chili is not always available at all locations.
BBQ Avocado Flatbread
This is a wonderful choice if you want a vegetarian take on a classic dish at Panera Bread. This flatbread adds the richness of avocado to the already delicious flatbread. This creaminess also compliments the tang of the barbecue sauce perfectly.
To order this, ask for the BBQ Chicken Flatbread and ask for the chicken to be subbed with avocado instead.
Feta Mac & Cheese
If you’re looking for another way to customize mac and cheese that you’ll absolutely love, here’s another hack that does the trick. The feta in this adds a salty compliment that breaks through the richness of mac and cheese.
To get this, ask for a bowl of mac in cheese in whichever size you want, and ask for some feta to be put on top.
Avocado Topping
There is no doubt that avocado lovers will love this hack! There are many ways to enjoy avocado at Panera Bread, whether you want it in salads, sandwiches, or simply as a side dish with your meal.
To get this, all you have to do is ask for your order to be topped with avocado, or get avocado on the side.
Power Mediterranean Roasted Turkey Salad
This is a great choice for anyone looking to stay away from some carbs but still get a delicious and filling meal. With delicious kalamata olives, and the tender and tasty roasted turkey that’s a staple at Panera, you’ll definitely get all you’re looking for in this salad.
There is another item that was released on the official secret menu, so if you want to order this from the secret menu, simply mention you want to order from the secret menu and ask for it by name
Unlimited Sip Club
The last item on our list isn’t a secret menu item, but a subscription that you can get through Panera Bread. There are two ways to purchase an Unlimited Sip Club pass: either on a monthly basis or on an annual basis.
The Unlimited Sip Club allows you to get a free drink from Panera Bread once every two hours. The drinks that are available on the Unlimited Sip Club pass are the charged lemonades, iced & hot tea and coffee, and fountain beverages.
In addition to the free drinks, you can also get exclusive deals from Panera Bread on handcrafted drinks or food items on the menu. If you pay annually, you also get the benefit of free delivery on your orders.
DIY Hacks
Here are a few ways to create your own Panera Bread Secret Menu:
- Choose any type of bread for your sandwich from what is available, including flatbreads, ciabatta, focaccia, bagels, etc.
- Use toppings as stir-ins: Like adding avocado, you can order a side of any of Panera’s toppings to stir into soup or mac and cheese. Fresh basil, pickled red onions, crispy carrots, frizzled onions, spicy pickle chips, and parmesan crisps are just some of the options. Get creative!
- Ask for a side of Black Bean and Corn Salsa to add to your salad or even your sandwich.
- The bowls are served with brown rice and quinoa. Ask for a side to stir into your tomato soup.
- Instead of mayo or mustard on your sandwich, ask for cream cheese – or one of their flavored cream cheeses (may be extra $).
- If you want a vegetarian sandwich, just order the regular with-meat version, then ask for avocado instead of meat. According to policy, they’ll make the swap for free.
Find More Secret Menus In Orange County
Panera Bread FAQs
When was Panera Bread founded?
Panera started out as St. Louis Bread Company in 1987, and the first location was in Kirkwood, Missouri. There are still a few locations under the St. Lois Bread Co. name, and combined, there are over 2,000 locations in 48 states, DC, and Canada.
Who owns Panera Bread?
Panera is privately held by JAB Holding Company, who also owns Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Caribou Coffee, and Einstein Bros. Bagels, as well as many others.
Is Panera open for breakfast?
Yes, Panera Bread is open for breakfast from opening to 10:30 AM. They serve a variety of breakfast pastries, bagels, muffins, breakfast sandwiches, baked egg souffles, oatmeal, fruit, and yogurt.
Does Panera Bread serve dessert?
Yes, Panera has a selection of dessert items such as cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.
What time does Panera Bread open?
Most Panera Bread locations open at 6AM or 6:30AM. Sundays, they generally open at 7AM. Hours vary by location.
What time does Panera Bread close?
Most Panera Bread locations close at 9 or 10PM. Hours vary by location.
Does Panera Bread cater?
Yes, Panera Bread offers a variety of catering options for all types of events.
Does Panera Bread deliver?
Yes, Panera Bread offers delivery. MyPanera members can earn free delivery and other perks. Delivery orders can be placed online. Delivery may not be available at all locations. Delivery may also be available through third party apps like DoorDash and Postmates.
Does Panera Bread have gift cards?
Yes, Panera has physical and digital gift cards that can be purchased online and in-store. Gift card balances can be checked online and can also be reloaded.
Does Panera Bread have an app?
Yes, Panera has an app. The app can be used to place orders for pick up and delivery, subscribe to the unlimited sips club, earn rewards, and more.
Does Panera have free wifi?
Panera Bread offers free wifi access to its customers. While at a Panera location simply go to your device’s wifi settings to find the appropriate network and accept the terms of agreement in order to connect.
What is Panera Cares?
Panera Cares was an experimental cafe concept where select locations offered a “pay-what-you-can” system. There were a total of five locations but all were closed by the end of 2019.
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Morgan Mulac is a freelance writer who has spent years on the road as a nomad and now has settled back in California with her family. Some of her favorite spots to travel to in California are in Orange County and the many beaches along the coast. She’s an avid writer about her journeys and enjoys sharing the beauty California has to offer.