Panera Bread has become a go-to spot for folks looking for tasty sandwiches that feel a bit fancier than fast food. With so many choices on their menu, it can be hard to know which sandwich to pick when hunger strikes.
I’ve tried them all so you don’t have to – here’s my ranking of Panera’s sandwich lineup from disappointing to delicious.
1. Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
Soggy bread ruins this veggie-packed option. The feta cheese and hummus blend together in an unappetizing way, creating a mushy texture that’s hard to enjoy.
Fresh vegetables should add crunch, but they often wilt under the weight of too much spread. Even die-hard vegetarians might want to look elsewhere on the menu.
2. Tuna Salad Sandwich
Fishy disappointment awaits with this uninspired option. The tuna mixture lacks proper seasoning, often tasting like it came straight from a budget cafeteria.
Mayo overwhelms any seafood flavor, creating a one-note experience. The bread frequently gets soggy before you’re halfway through, turning what should be a classic into a sad lunch choice.
3. Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich
Sweetness overtakes this chicken mixture in an unpleasant way. The almonds add texture but can’t save the overly sugary dressing that masks the chicken’s natural flavor.
Grapes in the mix create odd pockets of wetness. What could be a refreshing option ends up tasting like dessert trying to masquerade as lunch.
4. Bacon Turkey Bravo
Signature status doesn’t guarantee quality with this overhyped option. The smoked turkey often tastes processed, while the bacon rarely achieves proper crispness.
Signature sauce disappoints with its bland flavor profile. The tomato basil bread is the saving grace, but can’t rescue the mediocre fillings that fail to live up to the sandwich’s popular reputation.
5. Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT
Avocado promises creaminess but delivers disappointment. Often under-ripe or brown, this key ingredient fails the sandwich before you take your first bite.
Turkey slices tend toward the dry side. The BLT elements try their best to save this option, but the whole experience falls short of what you’d expect from the appealing menu description.
6. Heritage Ham & Swiss
Nostalgic lunch box vibes don’t save this basic offering. The ham lacks the smoky depth you’d want, while the Swiss cheese never melts properly to create that gooey texture.
Maple mustard sauce adds sweetness but not complexity. This sandwich feels like something you could easily make at home for a fraction of the price.
7. Steak & White Cheddar Panini
Chewy meat ruins what could be a standout. The steak pieces often resist your bite, creating an awkward eating experience that no amount of cheese can fix.
White cheddar provides nice sharpness but frequently separates into oil. The horseradish sauce lacks the punch needed to cut through the heaviness.
8. Smokehouse BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Cloying sweetness overwhelms this saucy option. The BBQ sauce tastes more like sugar than smoke, drowning out the chicken’s flavor entirely.
Fried onions add texture but turn soggy quickly. The sandwich falls apart halfway through eating.
9. Mediterranean Bowl (Warm Grain Bowl)
Technically not a sandwich, this bowl sneaks onto the menu as a bread-free option. The combination of grains, vegetables, and protein creates a healthier alternative to traditional sandwiches.
Fresh ingredients shine with bright flavors. Though it lacks the handheld convenience of its sandwich siblings, it satisfies without weighing you down like some of Panera’s heavier options.
10. Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
Smoky heat from chipotle mayo elevates this chicken sandwich. The gouda cheese melts perfectly, creating a creamy layer that complements the spice rather than competing with it.
Avocado adds richness without overwhelming. The bread gets nice grill marks, giving a satisfying crunch.
11. Toasted Frontega Chicken Sandwich
Smoky chipotle sauce gives this sandwich its distinctive personality. The pulled chicken stays moist, while the red onions add a sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Melted mozzarella creates those irresistible cheese pulls. The focaccia bread holds up well to the substantial fillings.
12. Turkey Sandwich
Simple doesn’t mean boring with this reliable classic. The roasted turkey tastes genuinely like Thanksgiving leftovers, not the processed deli meat many competitors serve.
Fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness. Sometimes the basics done right outshine fancier options.
13. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Childhood comfort meets grown-up execution in this simple pleasure. The blend of cheeses creates the perfect melt factor, stretching into those Instagram-worthy pulls with each bite.
Buttery bread achieves golden perfection. When paired with tomato soup, this classic becomes the ultimate comfort food duo.
14. Roasted Turkey & Avocado Sandwich
Fresh ingredients shine in this lighter option. The turkey tastes house-roasted rather than processed, while ripe avocado adds creamy richness without heavy mayo.
Greens provide a peppery crunch that balances the softer textures. The whole grain bread delivers nutty notes that complement the fillings.
15. Cuban Sandwich
Authentic flavors surprise in this unexpected menu star. The pulled pork remains juicy, while the ham adds a smoky counterpoint that creates depth in every bite.
Swiss cheese melts perfectly between the meats. The mustard sauce delivers tanginess that cuts through the richness.
16. Classic Grilled Cheese On White Miche
Buttery perfection makes this the ultimate comfort sandwich. The blend of American and cheddar cheeses creates the ideal melt factor – gooey without becoming greasy.
Crispy exterior gives way to molten interior. The white miche bread provides a slightly tangy note that elevates this beyond kids’ menu fare. Guilty pleasure that adults shouldn’t hesitate to order.