Warm, comforting food can completely change the mood of any gathering. Instead of the usual sandwich trays, many people are now choosing the Panera Soup & Mac catering menu for office lunches, winter meetings, training days, and casual events. Creamy soups and rich mac & cheese feel cozy, filling, and crowd-pleasing.
In this complete 2026 guide, we’ll walk through Panera’s Soup & Mac catering options, prices, serving sizes, seasonal favorites, and smart ordering tips.
Why Choose Panera Soup & Mac Catering?
Panera Bread is well known for fresh ingredients, comforting recipes, and reliable catering service. Their Soup & Mac catering options stand out because they are:
- Warm and satisfying, especially in colder months
- Easy to serve for groups
- Made fresh daily
- Vegetarian-friendly with multiple choices
- Packed in thermal containers that stay hot
Most importantly, these items are filling. Many hosts are surprised by how well soup and mac trays satisfy a group without needing many extra sides.
Overview of Panera Soup & Mac Catering Menu
Panera’s Soup & Mac catering menu is designed for small to medium-sized groups. Most trays serve four people, while larger trays can feed 8 to 12 guests. The menu includes:
- Cafe Soups for a Group
- Mac & Cheese for a Group
- Optional pairings with salads, sandwiches, or boxed lunches
Each soup order usually comes with sliced French baguette, bowls, spoons, napkins, and proper packaging.
Cafe Soups for a Group (2026)
Panera group soups are one of the most popular catering choices. Each group soup typically serves four people and is priced at $22.99 at most locations.
Popular Panera Group Soup Options
| Soup Name | Price | Calories (Per Pot) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hearty Fireside Chili | $22.99 | 950 | Beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and chilies |
| Autumn Squash Soup | $22.99 | 760 | Creamy squash with warm seasonal spices |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup | $22.99 | 840 | Broccoli florets in rich cheddar cheese |
| Creamy Tomato Soup | $22.99 | 900 | Smooth tomato base with herbs |
| Bistro French Onion Soup | $22.99 | 720 | Caramelized onions in savory broth |
| Rustic Baked Potato Soup | $22.99 | 790 | Chunky potatoes with creamy texture |
| Homestyle Chicken Noodle | $22.99 | 430 | Chicken, noodles, and vegetables |
| Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice | $22.99 | 650 | Creamy broth with chicken and wild rice |
Seasonal Favorites
During winter, Hearty Fireside Chili and Autumn Squash Soup are especially popular. They offer warmth and bold flavor that guests love in colder weather.
Mac & Cheese for a Group
Mac & cheese is the star of Panera’s comfort food catering. It pairs perfectly with soups and is loved by almost everyone.
Panera Mac & Cheese Catering Prices (2026)
- Classic Mac & Cheese (Serves 4): $26.99
- Bacon Mac & Cheese (Serves 4): $29.99
Larger Mac Trays
Some locations also offer larger trays:
- Large Mac Tray (Serves 8–12): $49.99 – $54.99
The Classic Mac is vegetarian, while the Bacon Mac adds smoky flavor for meat lovers.
Soup & Mac Catering Prices
| Item | Serves | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Small Soup Pack | 4 | $16.99 – $20.99 |
| Group Soup Pot | 4 | $22.99 |
| Large Soup Tray | 8–10 | $32.99 – $45.00 |
| Original Mac Tray | 4–6 | $24.99 – $26.99 |
| Bacon Mac Tray | 4–6 | $27.99 – $29.99 |
| Large Mac Tray | 8–12 | $49.99 – $54.99 |
Prices may vary slightly by location.
What’s Included with Panera Soup & Mac Catering?
Panera makes catering easy by including most essentials:
- Bowls and serving spoons
- Napkins and utensils
- Sliced baguette for soups
- Thermal containers to keep food hot
You can also request labels for dietary needs, which is helpful for offices and mixed groups.
How to Build the Perfect Soup & Mac Meal
To create a balanced and satisfying spread, try these combinations:
Simple Combo
- 1 group soup
- 1 mac & cheese tray
Perfect for small meetings or team lunches.
Balanced Meal
- 2 soups (one vegetarian, one meat-based)
- 1 mac tray
- 1 salad tray
Great for groups with different eating preferences.
Large Event Option
Panera’s Entertaining Assortment (around $304.79 for 15–20 people) includes mac & cheese, sandwiches, and salads for maximum variety.
Tips to Maximize Your Panera Catering Order
- Mix and match: Combine soups and mac for variety
- Add a salad: Helps balance heavier comfort food
- Don’t skip the bread: The baguette is perfect for dipping
- Order ahead: Place orders at least 24 hours early
- Check portions: Each group item feeds four adults comfortably
These small steps help avoid waste while keeping everyone full.
Personal Experience with Panera Soup & Mac Catering
A few months ago, we ordered Panera Soup & Mac catering for a winter training session. Instead of sandwiches, we chose Broccoli Cheddar soup and a large Classic Mac & Cheese tray. The result was amazing. Everything arrived hot, neatly packed, and ready to serve. People went back for seconds, and not a single container came back full. Since then, it has become our go-to winter catering choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most group soups serve four people and include baguette slices.
Yes. Creamy Tomato Soup, Autumn Squash Soup, and Classic Mac & Cheese are vegetarian.
Food usually stays warm for up to one hour in thermal containers.
Yes. Bowls, utensils, napkins, and bread are included with most catering orders.
The Panera regular menu offers individual cups and bowls. Catering soups come in large containers made for group sharing.
Final Thoughts
The Panera Soup & Mac catering menu with prices offers excellent value, comfort, and convenience in 2026. Whether you’re hosting an office lunch, winter meeting, or casual event, these warm dishes create a welcoming and satisfying experience. With flexible options, fresh ingredients, and reliable service, Panera remains a smart choice for group meals.
If comfort food is the goal, soup and mac from Panera rarely disappoint.