Indulge in the flavors of Panera Bread without leaving home! With our easy-to-make copycat recipes, you can recreate your favorite dishes and treats right in your own kitchen. Do you have a go-to order at Panera, or do you like to mix things up?
Personally, I’m a sucker for their chicken and wild rice soup – it’s just too good! I also appreciate the fact that Panera bakes all its bread fresh in-house, filling the air with an irresistible aroma when it emerges from the oven.
Baja Grain Bowls
For burrito bowl enthusiasts, this dish is a must-try. The quinoa-rice combination provides a delightful texture contrast and an added boost of protein. Meanwhile, the zesty dressing complements the medley of tomatoes, corn, and beans beautifully, allowing for a straightforward vegetarian adaptation by omitting any meat toppings altogether.
Napa Almond Chicken Salad (Panera Copycat)
Chicken salad is a culinary delight that never fails to satisfy my cravings. The harmonious combination of tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy onion creates a sandwich filling that’s simply irresistible.
But this recipe takes the classic to new heights! A zesty dressing, crafted with a medley of flavors including mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and rosemary, adds a depth and complexity that elevates the dish.
The incorporation of toasted almonds and grapes brings a sweet and crunchy texture that’s simply addictive.
The added extras make this chicken salad truly exceptional, and you’ll want to find sturdy bread to accommodate the generous filling.
Panera Bread Bistro French Onion Soup
The simplicity of this recipe is part of its enduring charm. At its core lies a flavorful foundation built upon onions and beef broth, which may seem unassuming but yields a surprisingly robust taste experience. While the beef plays a crucial role in this soup’s character, vegetarians can easily substitute vegetable stock to create a variant that still packs plenty of flavor, even if it doesn’t quite match the depth and richness of its meat-based counterpart.
To elevate the dish further, consider whipping up your own croutons by baking leftover bread – a process sure to reward you with crunchy, flavorful bites. And when it comes to cheese, don’t be afraid to get bold; the suggested varieties will melt beautifully into the soup, imparting a complexity that milder options simply can’t match.
Watermelon Mint Salad
While not my personal favorite, this classic summer salad is undoubtedly a crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity is perhaps its greatest virtue, requiring just 20 minutes of preparation time from start to finish. In fact, the only ingredient that may require a special trip to the store is the fresh mint; otherwise, you likely have all the other necessary components on hand.
As I’ve used this dressing in various other salads, I prefer to substitute honey for sugar, and add a dash of chili flakes for an added kick.
Ham & Cheese Breakfast Soufflé
Indulge in the savory delight of this meat-lovers crescent roll soufflé, where the harmonious union of salty ham and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to start your day on the right note. This versatile recipe is not only easy to prepare but also lends itself beautifully to creative modifications. I’ve experimented with versions featuring caramelized onions and garlic, as well as leftover rotisserie chicken and rosemary – the possibilities are endless!
Panera Bread Cobblestone Muffins
Indulge in these scrumptious muffins, packed with a delightful combination of cinnamon-raisin and spiced apple filling, topped with a crunchy streusel crust and finished with a sweet icing drizzle. As a breakfast treat, they’re hard to beat – loaded with flavor and substantial enough to keep you satisfied until lunchtime.
The secret to their tender yet satisfying texture lies in the use of yeast-based dough, which requires some planning ahead as it needs time to rise, yielding a cinnamon roll-like experience.
Strawberry Chicken Salad With Poppy Seed Dressing
When it comes to creating a delicious salad, I’m a big fan of incorporating fruit into the mix. Not only does it add natural sweetness to balance out savory elements like meat or dressing, but it also introduces a pop of color that elevates the entire dish. This particular recipe took things to the next level by including blueberries, which added an extra layer of fruity flavor. The crunch provided by the pecans was the perfect complement to these sweet and tangy components.
While the poppy seeds brought an intriguing texture and subtle flavor to the dressing, I understand that they may not be everyone’s cup of tea – feel free to omit them if you can’t find them in stores or simply prefer a different taste.
Panera Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
The inaugural attempt at this recipe left me in awe – its unorthodox approach to breakfast bagels is nothing short of revolutionary. A crucial step that’s often overlooked is the toasting process for the walnuts, which only requires a few minutes but significantly amplifies their flavor profile. Once you’ve achieved the desired level of toastedness, blend the remaining ingredients until they reach a silky smooth consistency before incorporating your chopped nuts.
Kitchen Sink Cookies
These indulgent treats are a must-mention for any sweet-tooth. Their soft, chewy, salty, and sweet profiles make them impossible to resist. The classic Panera combination of chocolate chips, pretzels, toffee bits, and a sprinkle of sea salt is incredibly close to perfection. But the beauty lies in their customizability – feel free to add your own twists! To achieve that signature softness, it’s crucial to remove them from the oven when the center is still slightly yielding.
As they cool, they’ll continue to firm up on the tray, ensuring a delightful texture.
Copycat Panera Bread Green Goddess Cobb Salad
When I’m not a huge fan of salad, Panera’s offering is an exception that proves the rule. The combination of ingredients in this dish makes it incredibly satisfying, despite my initial reservations. The pickled red onions bring a delightful balance of sweet and sour notes to the party, complementing the chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, boiled egg, juicy tomatoes, crumbly feta, and tangy green goddess dressing.
For those who prefer their onions unpickled, adding them raw yields a delightful peppery crunch, offering another layer of flavor to enjoy.
Copycat Panera Wild Blueberry Muffins
It’s wonderful that you have the option to use frozen blueberries for this recipe, but if fresh are available, be sure to incorporate those as well. The end result is a batch of generously-sized and delightfully tender muffins boasting a richly textured crumb and bursts of juicy blueberry flavor in every bite. While the sugar topping can certainly be omitted, I find that it adds a satisfying crunch to the soft, fluffy muffin.
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The initial apprehension surrounding this dish was understandable – after all, it’s a rich and creamy soup that could easily be mistaken for a decadent cheese dip or an indulgent fondue experience. However, my concerns were quickly alleviated as I discovered the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The robust cheese flavor is expertly complemented by the subtle sweetness of the carrot, the earthy undertones of the broccoli, and the savory depth provided by the chicken stock.
What’s more, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless experimentation with different cheeses, resulting in unique flavor profiles each time. For instance, I recently combined a sharp cheddar with a smoky element, yielding a bold and intriguing taste experience that further solidified my affection for this satisfying soup.
Copycat Panera Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
There’s something undeniably appealing about a well-crafted white macaroni and cheese dish. For me, the stark contrast between the vibrant orange hue of other macaroni and cheeses and the creamy white sauce is what sets this version apart. The addition of crispy bacon bits on top adds a delightful textural element that elevates the entire dish.
To achieve the perfect cheesy goodness, it’s essential to start with high-quality cheese and take the time to grate it yourself rather than relying on pre-packaged alternatives. The coatings found in many processed cheeses can inhibit their ability to melt smoothly and stick together properly, resulting in a lackluster sauce. By taking a little extra effort to prepare your own grated cheese, you’ll be rewarded with a rich, velvety sauce that complements the pasta perfectly.
Panera Creamy Tomato Soup Copycat Recipe
While canned tomato soup can be a convenient option, I find myself craving something more nuanced in terms of flavor. In fact, when I worked at a bakery that served daily soups, my love affair with soup began! To satisfy my cravings, I make my own or opt for Panera’s version, using vine-ripened tomatoes and roasting them with onions and garlic to create an intense flavor profile. This process elevates the taste of my soup, making it a true delight.
Additionally, I’ve found that adding a touch of sugar balances out the acidity, resulting in a harmonious blend that will surprise you if you’re used to relying on canned soups.
Copycat Panera Squash Soup
While it’s natural to assume that a soup featuring squash, carrot, and pumpkin would be a nutritious option, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. Upon further examination, this particular recipe stands out for its impressive health benefits. To make it entirely vegan-friendly, simply omit the butter and cream cheese in favor of plant-based alternatives.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more indulgent approach by incorporating heavy cream or, if you’re looking for something in between, coconut cream provides an excellent middle ground.
Panera’s Thai Chicken Salad
This salad is an explosion of flavors and textures – spicy, crunchy, and packed with exciting extras. The combination of Thai chili vinaigrette and spicy peanut sauce is a game-changer. Edamame, often overlooked, brings a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch, while sliced mango adds a refreshing burst.
To elevate the dish to new heights, make extra vinaigrette and allow the chicken to marinate for a few hours before grilling, which will result in a deeply flavored and tender grilled component.
Copycat Panera Turkey Chili
As the crisp autumn air sets in, my mind turns to two fall favorites: the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice and the hearty, satisfying taste of homemade chili. The moment the temperature drops, I fire up my slow cooker, filling it with a batch of turkey-based chili that’s both nourishing and delicious. While I stick to this tried-and-true recipe for the most part, I like to mix things up by adding some roasted pumpkin or squash chunks for an extra burst of color and texture.
Spinach and Cheese Egg Soufflé
If the term ‘soufflé’ makes you hesitant, don’t worry – this recipe is more akin to a baked egg pastry or quiche than a delicate French classic. Forget about whipping egg whites; instead, rely on ready-made convenience in the form of crescent rolls for your crust. Simply pour the filling into the dough and let it bake to perfection. While smaller, shallower dishes work well for these individual-sized treats, you can also use a larger pie plate if that’s what you have on hand.
Panera Bread Baked Potato Soup
The humble potato has earned a special place in my heart – it’s a culinary chameleon that can be used in countless ways. In this particular recipe, its addictive qualities shine through, making it not only delicious but also budget-friendly. The key to this soup’s rich flavor is the use of a high-quality chicken base, which provides a depth of flavor that stock alone can’t match.
To add some texture and interest to the dish, I like to mash half of the potatoes and leave the remaining pieces diced. This contrast in texture adds a satisfying element to each spoonful.
