Planning food for an event can feel overwhelming, especially when you want something that tastes good, fits your budget, and keeps everyone happy. That’s where the Panera sandwich catering menu truly shines. Whether you’re organizing an office lunch, a holiday gathering, a team meeting, or a family get-together, Panera Bread offers fresh, flavorful, and convenient catering solutions.
Panera is known for its bakery-café quality, clean ingredients, and flexible menu choices. January 2026 approaches and events become more frequent, many hosts turn to Panera for reliable catering that feels both comforting and premium. From shareable sandwich platters to individual boxed lunches, Panera makes feeding groups easy and stress-free.
In this complete guide, you’ll find updated prices, menu options, calories, recent changes, and practical tipseverything you need to confidently order Panera catering.
Why Choose Panera Bread for Catering?
Panera Bread stands out from typical fast-food catering for several important reasons. First, the brand focuses on freshly baked bread, wholesome ingredients, and bold flavors. Many sandwiches feature antibiotic-free chicken, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces.
Another reason Panera is so popular for events is convenience. Orders arrive ready to serve, neatly packaged, and labeled. Utensils and serving tools are usually included, saving you time and effort. In addition, Panera offers options for vegetarian, vegan, protein-rich, and gluten-conscious diets, which is a huge plus when serving mixed groups.
Most importantly, Panera delivers consistency. When you order catering, you know exactly what you’re getting reliable quality that guests recognize and trust.
Overview of Panera Catering Options
Panera’s catering menu is designed to fit different group sizes and event styles. You can choose between:
- Sandwich assortment platters for sharing
- Boxed lunches for individual meals
- Add-on sides like chips, salads, cookies, and baguettes
Additionally, Panera offers delivery in many locations, making it easy to bring everything directly to your venue. This flexibility allows hosts to plan memorable events without added stress.
Panera Sandwich Catering Menu 2026
The heart of the Panera sandwich catering menu is its assortment platters. These are perfect for meetings, parties, and group lunches where sharing is preferred.
Sandwich Catering 2026 with Prices
| Assortment Name | Price | Serves | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Assortment | $101.99 | 5–7 | 10 half sandwiches, café salad, chips, cookies, baguette, pickles |
| Hot Deluxe Assortment | $109.99 | 5–7 | 10 hot half sandwiches with salad, chips, cookies, baguette |
| Cold Assorted Sandwiches | $66.99 | 5–7 | 10 cold half sandwiches with chips and pickles |
| Hot Assorted Sandwiches | $67.99 | 5–7 | 10 hot half sandwiches with chips |
| Entertaining Assortment | $309.99 | 15–20 | 24 half sandwiches, salads, chips, cookies, mac & cheese, fruit bowl |
These platters combine classic favorites with signature Panera flavors. You can also mix hot and cold sandwiches to add variety and keep guests satisfied.
Boxed Lunch Options in the Panera Sandwich Catering Menu
If you prefer individual meals, boxed lunches are a great choice. Each box includes a full sandwich, a side, and often a sweet treat. Boxed lunches work especially well for outdoor events, hybrid meetings, or workplaces where people eat separately.
Cold Sandwich Boxed Lunches
| Item Name | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT | $16.19 | 900 |
| Bacon Turkey Bravo | $14.49 | 840 |
| Tomato Basil BLT | $12.69 | 760 |
| Mediterranean Veggie | $12.69 | 490 |
| Tuna Salad | $12.69 | 550 |
| Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad | $12.69 | 640 |
| Turkey & Cheddar | $12.69 | 790 |
These cold options are fresh, lighter, and ideal for daytime events.
Hot Sandwich Boxed Lunches
| Item Name | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| French Ciabatta Dipper | $14.49 | 1120 |
| Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper | $14.49 | 930 |
| Chicken Bacon Rancher | $14.49 | 900 |
| Spicy Fiesta Chicken | $14.49 | 850 |
| Ciabatta Cheesesteak | $16.19 | 1050 |
| Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt | $14.49 | 930 |
| Toasted Italiano | $16.19 | 1280 |
| Toasted Frontega Chicken | $14.49 | 790 |
| Toasted Garden Caprese | $14.49 | 890 |
| Smokehouse BBQ Chicken | $14.49 | 730 |
Hot boxed lunches are comforting, filling, and especially popular during colder months.
Recent Panera Catering Updates for January 2026
Panera has refreshed its catering lineup this season. The Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper and French Ciabatta Dipper have returned due to high demand, offering bold flavors and satisfying portions.
Seasonal updates also focus on fresh herbs, richer dips, and improved transparency around calorie information. These enhancements keep the menu exciting while helping customers make informed choices.
Personal Experience: Why Panera Works for Group Events
Recently, I organized an office lunch for about 15 people and chose Panera catering. We ordered a sandwich platter along with boxed lunches for employees with dietary preferences. Everything arrived on time, fresh, and clearly labeled.
The Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT was a crowd favorite, while vegetarian team members loved the Mediterranean Veggie. Most importantly, the process was smooth and stress-free, which is exactly what you want when hosting an event.
Tips for a Successful Panera Catering Order
- Place your order early, especially during holidays
- Estimate portions based on event length and guest appetite
- Mix hot and cold options for balance
- Check local pricing, as it may vary by location
Planning ahead ensures a smooth experience from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Each boxed lunch includes a sandwich, a side (chips, apple, or baguette), and a cookie for deluxe options.
Yes. Mediterranean Veggie and Garden Caprese are vegetarian, and gluten-conscious options are available upon request.
Absolutely. You can mix and match popular sandwiches on a single platter.
Panera is mid-range in price. Boxed lunches start around $11–$12, making it affordable for groups.
At least 3 hours in advance for small orders and up to 24 hours for large events.
Final Thoughts
The Panera sandwich catering menu with prices offers a perfect balance of freshness, convenience, and value. Whether you’re feeding five people or fifty, Panera delivers reliable quality that guests genuinely enjoy. With customizable options, transparent pricing, and trusted flavors, Panera remains a top choice for catering in January 2026 and beyond.