What’s the best soup at Panera Bread? That simple question can turn into a major dilemma when you stand in front of that menu board. Panera Bread offers so many delicious choices, from creamy classics to hearty bowls. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed! You want a satisfying lunch, but picking the wrong soup can leave you feeling either too full or still hungry.
Navigating the soup section at Panera can be tricky. Do you stick with the familiar Broccoli Cheddar, or dare to try the seasonal special? We all have our favorites, but discovering a new winner or ensuring you pick the perfect soup for your mood is half the battle. That’s why we dove deep into every simmering pot Panera offers.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the most popular soups, highlight what makes each one special, and even offer tips on pairing them perfectly with your sandwich or salad. Get ready to become a Panera soup expert!
Top Soup At Panera Bread Recommendations
- One 16 oz cup of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Store Panera soup in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to prepare
- Thick soup that is made with chopped broccoli and shredded carrots and simmered with select seasonings in a velvety smooth cheese sauce
- Panera Bread at home microwave soup made with no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources
- Bakery-cafe inspired Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup cup that’s easy to enjoy at your convenience
- Tender chicken, roasted corn, diced tomatoes, cheese, jalapeños and tortilla chips
- Made with premium ingredients
- Freezable—just heat and eat
- Campbell's Slow Kettle Style: One (1) 15.5 oz microwavable bowl of Campbell's Slow Kettle Style Tomato & Sweet Basil Bisque
- Savory Flavors: Tomato bisque soup crafted with tangy tomatoes, cream and a hint of basil
- Vegetarian Soup: This smooth and rich tomato bisque is vegetarian
- Pantry Staple: Enjoy this slow kettle style soup at home or work as part of a delicious, flavorful lunch or dinner
- Microwavable Soup: Easy to microwave soup is simple to prepare, just heat for 1.5 to 2 minutes and serve for a restaurant-quality experience
- Campbell's Chunky Soup: Eight (8) 15.25 oz microwavable bowls of Campbell's Chunky Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
- Big Flavors: Chicken soup crafted with chicken meat with no antibiotics, chunks of carrots and celery, and enriched egg noodles for a delicious and filling comfort food classic
- 15 grams of Protein: Hearty soup that has vegetables and 15 grams of protein in each bowl
- Pantry Staple: Enjoy this soup at home or at work as part of a delicious, filling lunch or dinner
- Microwavable Soup: This easy to microwave soup is simple to prepare, just heat and serve
- Chang, Lina (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 123 Pages - 10/18/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- One (1) 10.5 oz can of Campbell's Condensed Broccoli Cheese Soup
- Vegetarian soup crafted with broccoli, rich cheddar cheese and farm-fresh cream for a rich and cheesy flavor
- Use it as an ingredient in recipes like Cheddar Broccoli Frittata, try it as a broccoli cheddar soup base, or substitute it for roux or bechamel
- This convenient canned soup is also delicious on its own, topped with fresh herbs or olive oil, or enjoyed with a sandwich or salad
- Each 10.5 oz recyclable can contains about 2.5 servings of microwave soup and features a non-BPA lining
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Panera Bread Soup
Panera Bread offers a delicious variety of soups every day. Knowing what to look for helps you pick your favorite. This guide will help you make the best choice for your next meal.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at the Panera soup menu, several things stand out. These features make a soup great.
Flavor Profile and Seasoning
- Balance: Good soups have flavors that work well together. You want the salt, spice, and richness to be just right.
- Fresh Herbs: Look for soups that use fresh-tasting herbs. This adds a bright flavor.
- Spice Level: Decide if you want something mild or something with a little kick. Panera clearly labels spicy options.
Texture and Consistency
- Creaminess: Cream-based soups should feel smooth, not grainy.
- Chunkiness: Broth-based soups should have plenty of vegetables and meat pieces. You do not want mostly watery broth.
- Thickness: A good soup has the right thickness. It should coat a spoon nicely, but still pour easily.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients determine how healthy and tasty your soup is. Panera often highlights quality ingredients.
Core Components
- Protein: Check if the soup uses real chicken, turkey, or beans. High-quality meat tastes better.
- Vegetables: Fresh or well-preserved vegetables are crucial. Large, colorful vegetable pieces show care in preparation.
- Broth Base: The broth is the foundation. Chicken or vegetable stocks should taste deep and savory, not just salty water.
Additives to Note
Panera tries to avoid certain artificial ingredients. Always check the full ingredient list if you have strong dietary needs. Many people prefer soups with fewer artificial thickeners.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bowl of soup better than another? Small details really matter.
Quality Boosters
- Freshness: Soups made fresh daily taste significantly better. The aroma should be inviting the moment it is served.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a swirl of good quality cream elevates the soup instantly.
- Temperature: Soup must be served piping hot. Cold soup ruins the experience quickly.
Quality Reducers
- Over-Salting: Too much salt hides the other flavors. This is a common way quality decreases.
- Stale Ingredients: If the vegetables seem mushy or the bread chunks are soggy, the soup has likely sat too long.
- Separation: Cream soups that look oily or separated are not prepared correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you are ordering soup. This helps narrow down your choice.
When to Choose Which Soup
- For a Quick Lunch: Choose a hearty, filling soup like Broccoli Cheddar or Creamy Tomato. These feel substantial.
- When You Feel Sick: Stick to simple, gentle soups like Chicken Noodle. These are easy on the stomach.
- For Dipping Bread: Thicker soups work best for soaking up Panera’s famous bread bowls or slices.
- For a Lighter Meal: Broth-based options or vegetable soups are great if you are watching calories.
The overall experience includes how fast you receive your order and the cleanliness of the serving area. A pleasant environment makes the soup taste even better.
Panera Bread Soup Buying FAQs
Q: What is the most popular soup at Panera?
A: The Broccoli Cheddar soup is generally considered the most popular choice. Many customers order this one regularly.
Q: Do Panera soups contain gluten?
A: Many soups do contain gluten, especially those thickened with flour or served in bread bowls. You must check the daily allergen guide for exact details.
Q: Can I get a half-and-half order?
A: Yes, Panera allows you to combine two different half-soups with a salad or half-sandwich. This lets you try more flavors.
Q: Are Panera soups vegetarian?
A: Not all of them are. The Creamy Tomato and French Onion soups are often vegetarian options, but always confirm the current ingredients.
Q: How can I make my Panera soup taste better at home?
A: A simple trick is adding a dash of black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This brightens up the flavor profile.
Q: What is the difference between a cream soup and a broth soup?
A: Cream soups use milk or cream as a base, making them thick and rich. Broth soups use a thin stock base, making them lighter and more watery.
Q: How fresh are the ingredients used?
A: Panera emphasizes using fresh, whole ingredients whenever possible. They cook their soups in small batches throughout the day.
Q: Are the soups very high in sodium?
A: Like most restaurant soups, Panera soups do have notable sodium levels. If you watch your salt intake closely, choose the lighter broth options.
Q: Can I order soup online for pickup?
A: Absolutely. You can easily order any soup online through the Panera app or website for quick pickup.
Q: Which soup is best for a cold day?
A: For maximum warmth and comfort on a cold day, the hearty Beef Chili or the rich French Onion soup are excellent choices.