Planning lunch for a group can feel stressful. Whether it’s an office meeting, school event, family gathering, or casual get-together, food is always the biggest question. You want something fresh, filling, easy to serve, and liked by everyone. That’s where Panera Bread lunch catering truly shines.
Panera continues to be one of the most trusted catering choices in the U.S. Their menu focuses on clean ingredients, baked-fresh bread, balanced meals, and flexible options. From individual boxed lunches to full sandwich spreads with salads and soups, Panera makes group ordering simple and reliable.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Panera lunch catering menu with prices, including new seasonal items, portion details, and real-world tips to help you order with confidence.
Why Choose Panera for Lunch Catering?
Panera is popular for good reasons. Their catering works well for both small and large groups, and the food feels fresh rather than heavy or greasy.
Here’s why many people trust Panera for lunch catering:
- Fresh ingredients baked and prepared daily
- Wide variety of meat, vegetarian, and lighter options
- Clear labeling for dietary needs
- Easy online ordering and delivery
- Consistent quality across locations
From my own experience ordering for a 12-person office workshop, Panera delivered neatly packed boxes, fresh sandwiches, and clearly labeled meals. Everyone found something they liked, including vegetarians.
Overview of Panera Lunch Catering Options
Panera offers several lunch catering formats depending on your event style:
- Boxed Lunches – individual meals, easy to distribute
- Sandwich Platters – buffet-style sharing
- Group Salads – fresh and filling
- Soups & Mac & Cheese – warm comfort options
- Beverage Totes – hot or cold drinks for groups
- Desserts & Fruit – sweet finishing touches
Most platters require a minimum of five servings. Boxed lunches usually have no minimum, making them ideal for smaller groups.
Boxed Lunches (Individual Meals)
Panera Boxed lunches are one of Panera’s most popular catering options. They are perfect for meetings, workshops, and events where everyone needs their own meal.
Each boxed lunch includes:
- One whole sandwich (or salad option)
- Kettle-cooked chips
- A freshly baked cookie
- Napkin and utensils
- Cold sandwiches include a pickle spear
Popular Boxed Sandwiches with Prices (January 2026)
| Item Name | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| French Ciabatta Dipper | $15.89 | 1120 |
| Chicken Pesto Ciabatta Dipper | $14.49 | 930 |
| Ciabatta Cheesesteak | $15.89 | 1050 |
| Grilled Chicken & Avocado BLT | $15.89 | 900 |
| Bacon Turkey Bravo | $14.09 | 860 |
| Mediterranean Veggie | $12.39 | 490 |
| Toasted Italiano | $15.89 | 1280 |
New ciabatta dippers are a highlight for 2026, adding bold flavors and dipping sauces that guests enjoy.
Sandwich Platters for Group Sharing
If you want a buffet-style setup, sandwich platters are a great choice. These come with half-sandwiches arranged neatly on trays for easy access.
Popular Catering Assortments
| Item Name | Price | Serves | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Assortment | $100.39 | 5–7 | 10 half-sandwiches, shared salad, chips, cookies, and baguette |
| Entertaining Assortment | $304.79 | 15–20 | 24 half-sandwiches, two salads, mac & cheese, fruit bowl, chips, pickles, baguettes, and cookies |
These platters work especially well for team meetings, casual parties, and events with mixed tastes.
Salads for a Fresh and Balanced Lunch
Panera salads are filling and full of flavor, not just greens. Group salads usually serve up to 10 people and come with dressings on the side.
Popular Group Salads
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Harvest Medley Chicken Salad | $79.09 |
| Ranch Parm BLT Salad | $79.09 |
| Green Goddess Chicken Cobb | $79.09 |
| Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains | $79.09 |
| Fuji Apple Chicken Salad | $72.19 |
| Greek Salad (Vegetarian) | $57.69 |
These salads are great for balancing heavier sandwich options.
Soups and Mac & Cheese for Comfort Meals
Warm items are perfect for winter events or cozy lunches.
Group Soups (Serve 4, includes baguette)
| Item Name | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hearty Fireside Chili | $22.99 | Seasonal |
| Autumn Squash Soup | $22.99 | Vegetarian, seasonal |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup | $22.99 | — |
| Creamy Tomato Soup | $22.99 | — |
| Bistro French Onion Soup | $22.99 | — |
Mac & Cheese Trays
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Mac & Cheese | $26.99 |
| Bacon Mac & Cheese | $29.99 |
Mac & cheese is a crowd favorite and works well alongside sandwich trays.
Drinks and Beverage Totes
Panera offers beverage totes that serve about 7–8 people each.
Popular Beverage Options
| Item Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Coffee Tote (Regular or Decaf) | $21.99 |
| Hot Chocolate Tote | $23.49 |
| Hot Tea Tote | $21.99 |
| Blueberry Lavender Lemonade | $17.99 |
| Agave Lemonade | $13.99 |
| Citrus Punch | $13.99 |
| Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea | $13.99 |
| Passion Papaya Iced Green Tea | $13.99 |
Bottled drinks are also available for individual servings.
Desserts and Fruit to Finish Strong
No lunch is complete without something sweet.
| Item Name | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies & Brownies Assortment (12 pieces) | $26.29 | Assorted cookies and brownies |
| Dozen Brownies | $29.49 | 12 full-size brownies |
| Fresh Fruit Bowl | $28.59 – $46.69 | Small to large sizes |
| Brownie Bites 3-Pack | — | New bite-size option |
These are perfect for meetings, celebrations, or client lunches.
Tips for Ordering Panera Lunch Catering
To get the best experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Order at least 24 hours in advance
- Mix boxed lunches with platters for variety
- Add a salad or soup for balance
- Check rewards and catering deals
- Prices may vary by location
- Inform Panera about allergies or dietary needs
Ordering online or through the Panera app is the fastest and easiest option.
FAQs
Boxed lunches, sandwich trays, mac & cheese, and group salads are top favorites.
Yes. Mediterranean Veggie sandwiches, Greek salad, tomato soup, and squash soup are good vegetarian choices.
Yes, delivery is available for catering orders, with fees based on distance and location.
Most platters require five servings. Boxed lunches usually have no minimum.
Yes. All items are made fresh, sealed, and clearly labeled.
Final Thoughts
If you want a reliable, fresh, and flexible lunch time, catering option, Panera Bread delivers every time. With clear pricing, wide variety, and easy ordering, the Panera lunch catering menu with prices is ideal for both small meetings and large events.
Whether you choose boxed lunches, sandwich catering, or a full spread with salads and soups, Panera Menu makes lunch planning simple, stress-free, and satisfying for everyone.