Panera Adds 9 New Menu Items in Largest Menu Change in History

Panera restaurant chain

Panera's menu got a deep cleaning just in time for spring.

The cafe announced today that its largest menu change ever would be taking place this April, and it's set to serve up over 20 new and revamped options in an effort to streamline operations while continuing to give customers the "craveable" flavors they desire.

Of the new additions, four are hearty sandwiches, four are fresh salads and one is destined to be a fan-favorite pasta dish. All of the 9 new items are supposed to be available nationwide on Tuesday, April 4, according to a press release.

The new lineup of sandwiches is said to include Italian-inspired eats and handheld hoagies made especially for meat lovers, see the full list below:

  • Toasted Italiano - Black Forest ham, soppressata and provolone, romaine, red onion, sliced pepperoncini peppers, garlic aioli, and Greek dressing on Panera’s toasted French Baguette

  • Ciabatta Cheesesteak – Tender marinated sliced steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions, and zesty sweet Peppadew? peppers on Ciabatta

  • Tomato Basil BLT - Applewood smoked bacon, crisp mixed greens, vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic aioli, salt and pepper on Tomato Basil Miche

  • Chicken Bacon Rancher - Grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, aged white cheddar, and n ranch dressing on our Black Pepper Focaccia

<p>Panera</p>

Panera

The salads, on the other hand, will full customers with the flavors of spring as they're packed with fresh produce, a variety of protein and savory dressings. See the full list below:

  • Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains - Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in Greek Dressing, topped with hearty whole grain blend of farro & red rice, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, zesty sweet Peppadew? peppers, sliced cucumbers, and a sprinkle of Panera’s Mediterranean shawarma seasoning

  • Southwest Chicken Ranch - Romaine tossed in ranch dressing, with grilled chicken and drizzled with chipotle aioli, topped with fresh avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, fresh cilantro, and blue corn tortilla strips

  • Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains - Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, with hearty whole grain blend of farro & red rice, sliced cucumbers, topped with sliced pepperoncini peppers, fresh avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of Green Goddess dressing

  • Ranch Cobb Salad - Romaine and crisp mixed greens tossed in ranch dressing, topped with grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, applewood smoked bacon, feta, and a hard-boiled egg

<p>Panera</p>

Panera

Related: The Viral Panera Menu Hack That Has Everyone Going Wild

And that one-of-a-kind pasta dish? Well, it's the epitome of comfort food:

  • Bacon Mac & Cheese – Tender shell pasta in a blend of rich cheeses including our tangy aged white cheddar sauce, topped with applewood smoked bacon

<p>Panera</p>

Panera

For the items getting a refresh, a Panera rep confirmed "12 classic favorites" have received enhancements, but didn't offer any details as to what they could be. That said, we know the Bravo Club Sandwich, Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt, the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad are included in the list of recipe updates.

"We are getting back to Panera at its best with these menu updates that are centered completely on our guests and what they love about us," Alicia Mowder, SVP of product strategy and insights at Panera Bread said in a statement. "We've listened to thousands of guests on our path to unveiling more than 20 new or enhanced menu items and are thrilled to bring these products to Panera bakery-cafes nationwide."

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