Panera Bread Breakfast Menu: Your Guide to Breakfast Choices

Quick answer: The panera bread breakfast menu is a compact, updated lineup of sandwiches, toasts, sweets, and spoonable items that you can choose by protein, calories, or flavor.

This guide is the go-to resource for shoppers in the United States who want to plan an order with confidence. It shows what to order, how items compare, and how to pick by diet goals.

Expect handheld sandwiches, croissant builds, avocado toast, wraps, bakery sweets, yogurt and oatmeal. Newer items broaden the variety beyond classic bagels and pastries.

What you’ll find here: a product-roundup with best picks for top sandwiches, croissant creations, wraps, avocado toast, and soufflés. The guide notes that many foods have limited morning hours, while drinks often stay available later.

Prices and calories can vary by location; this piece gives a practical snapshot from current sources. A clear dietary breakdown — vegetarian, lower-calorie, and gluten-conscious picks — follows in later sections to help you match choices to needs.

Breakfast hours at Panera Bread in the United States

Most U.S. cafés switch from morning items to the all-day lineup at a predictable cutoff each day. Typical weekday service runs 6:00 AM–10:30 AM, with many locations swapping the morning offerings for the main selection at the posted cutoff.

Weekday patterns and the menu switch

On weekdays the common window is 6:00 AM–10:30 AM. Order before the cutoff if you want a specific sandwich or soufflé.

Weekend timing and local differences

Weekend hours often extend to 11:00 AM, and some cafés open later (around 7:00 AM) in certain markets. Check local listings if you need an early start.

All-day items vs. breakfast-only options

• All day: coffee and specialty espresso drinks are usually available beyond the morning hours.
• Breakfast-only: most sandwiches, wraps, soufflés, and oatmeal are served only during the morning window.

Quick tips: if you’re ordering for a group, place the order earlier to avoid the switch-over. Always confirm hours in the app or on the locations page—your local café is the final authority on time and available options.

panera bread breakfast menu overview: categories and what to expect

Start your morning by scanning the menu categories so you can pick a clear lane—handhelds, spoonable bowls, bakery treats, or drinks.

Sandwiches, wraps, and handheld morning meals

Handhelds center on sturdy bread like ciabatta, croissant, focaccia, and bagel options. Expect egg-and-cheese builds plus proteins such as bacon, sausage, chicken, or steak. These are the go-to choice for a filling, on-the-run sandwich.

Avocado toasts for a lighter morning meal

Avocado toast is a lighter, savory option. Two main styles exist: the classic smashed avo and the garden-style with tomato and herbs. Both pair well with coffee and feel less dense than a sandwich.

Soufflés for a bakery-style breakfast

Soufflés arrive warm in a pastry shell with a cheesy egg filling. They are richer than toast but different from a sandwich. Ideal when you want a bakery-café treat that still fills you up.

Oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit cups for spoonable options

Spoonable choices include steel-cut oatmeal for warmth and satiety, Greek yogurt parfaits for protein and crunch, and fruit cups as the lowest-calorie pick. These scale well if you want a lighter or more balanced meal.

Bagels, pastries, and sweets from the bakery case

Bagels and pastries pair perfectly with brewed coffee. They are easy to share and often more indulgent, especially cinnamon-forward sweets and butter-rich croissants.

Coffee, espresso bar drinks, and other beverages

Beverages include brewed coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and smoothies. A useful note: drinks often remain available beyond the morning hours, even when some breakfast items are cut off.

Prices and calories snapshot for popular breakfast items

Use clear calorie and price figures to decide whether you want a lighter or more filling start to the day.

Quick planning tip: prices and calories vary by café, region, and time. Use these numbers as a planning snapshot before ordering.

Below is a compact comparison so you can scan calories and price ranges at a glance.

When to use this snapshot: pick the lighter items for low-calorie mornings. Choose sandwiches or the soufflé when you need a more filling meal or more protein.

• For fast protein: choose Steak & Wake or the loaded chicken avo option.
• For low-calorie fruit and yogurt: pick the fruit cup or parfait.
• For a bakery-style treat that still fills you up: try the four cheese soufflé.

Best Panera breakfast sandwiches to order next time

If you need a fast call on what to order next time, these sandwich picks simplify the choice.

Garden Avo & Egg White — multigrain bagel flat

Why pick it: lighter, higher-protein option with scrambled egg white, white cheddar, avocado, and tomato. It’s 340 calories and priced at $6.59, a good lower-calorie choice.

Chipotle Chicken, Egg & Avo — artisan ciabatta

Why pick it: bold flavors and a hearty base. Smoked chicken, folded egg, cheddar, peppers, cilantro, and chipotle aioli on ciabatta clock in at 550 calories and $6.59.

Ciabatta Bacon, Egg & Cheese

Why pick it: a classic BEC lane. Smoky bacon and melted cheese on ciabatta deliver familiar flavors and 430 calories.

Ciabatta Sausage, Egg & Cheese

Why pick it: sausage stands up to the ciabatta roll for a heartier bite. Expect a richer mouthfeel and about 590 calories.

Steak & Wake

Why pick it: the high-protein pick for longer staying power. It supplies a protein-forward morning meal at 470 calories and $6.99.

Bacon Double Take — black pepper focaccia

Why pick it: for bacon lovers: double bacon, two cheeses, and peppery focaccia create a salt-forward, indulgent option at 540 calories and $6.99.

• Quick decision tips: choose garden avo for lighter mornings and chipotle chicken or sausage for bigger appetites.
• Steak & Wake is best when you want protein to last until lunch.

Croissant breakfast sandwiches: flavors, texture, and who they’re for

If you like a softer, richer roll with your eggs, croissant sandwiches are worth a try. Introduced in August 2024, these pastry-based items bring a bakery vibe and a plush mouthfeel that differs from chewy artisan rolls.

What sets croissant sandwiches apart: layered, buttery pastry gives a softer bite and a richer flavor profile. They feel more indulgent than ciabatta or focaccia and pair well with coffee or a sweet pastry side.

Croissant Egg & Cheese

Simple and straightforward. This is the lightest croissant option at 450 calories and $5.49. Choose it when you want eggs and cheese without added meat.

Croissant Bacon, Egg & Cheese

The upgrade for flavor lovers. At 500 calories and $6.59, bacon supplies most of the savory punch and lifts the mild egg-and-cheese base.

Croissant Sausage, Egg & Cheese

The heartiest croissant pick. With 660 calories and $6.59, sausage adds juiciness and seasoning to balance the rich pastry.

• Who should order these: you want comfort-food texture and don’t mind a richer base versus a chewy roll.
• Practical note: croissant layers can compress in bags during rush hour—eat soon after pickup for best flakiness.
• If you want less pastry dominance: choose ciabatta or focaccia options instead for a firmer, chewier sandwich experience.

Breakfast wraps to grab and go

Wraps make a smart grab-and-go choice when your morning demands one-handed eating and fast fuel. They tuck familiar flavors into a tidy roll that’s easy to eat during commutes, school drop-offs, or desk time.

The Chipotle Chicken, Egg & Avocado wrap is the bolder, higher-protein option. It brings smoked chicken, eggs, and avocado with a spicy kick. It clocks about 470 calories and costs roughly $5.29.

The Mediterranean Egg White wrap is the lighter pick. Egg white, fresh herbs, and veggies keep calories low at roughly 270 and price near $5.29. Choose it when you want a less heavy start.

The Maple Bacon, Egg & Cheese wrap balances sweet and savory. Bacon and a touch of maple complement the egg and cheese for about 450 calories and a $5.29 price point.

• Why pick a wrap: one-hand convenience and less mess than avo toast when paired with an iced or hot coffee.
• Customization preview: remove cheese, add an extra egg, or swap sauces to change flavor and calories quickly.
• Timing note: wrap availability is generally limited to morning time at most locations, so order early when possible.

Avocado toast choices: Classic Avo vs. Garden Avo

Avocado toast is ideal for mornings when you crave fresh texture and savory notes without a full sandwich. It’s the lighter, savory café pick on the breakfast menu and works well as a quick dine-in choice.

Classic Avo Toast on country rustic bread with everything bagel seasoning

Classic Avo Toast uses country rustic sourdough-style bread and creamy avocado mash. It adds everything bagel seasoning for a salty, crunchy finish.

Calories: 230. Price: $3.99. This option keeps the flavor simple and clean.

Garden Avo Toast with tomato and garlic aioli

Garden Avo Toast builds on the classic with sliced tomato and garlic aioli. The tomato brightens the toast and the aioli adds a richer, savory finish.

Calories: 350. Price: $4.99. Choose this if you want more texture and depth of flavor.

Best pairings for avocado toast with coffee or tea

Pairing tips: hot coffee contrasts the creamy avocado. Iced coffee refreshes the palate. Hot tea softens the garlic and herb notes for a gentler morning meal.

• Best for: dine-in or immediate eating—less car-friendly than wraps or bagel options.
• Add-ons: pair with fruit or yogurt to add protein without making it heavy.

Soufflés on the breakfast menu for a bakery-café style meal

For a pastry-forward morning, soufflés offer a cozy, oven-warmed option that feels like a cross between quiche and croissant. They arrive warm in a flaky shell with an egg-based filling that’s rich and savory.

Four Cheese Soufflé: this option blends Neufchatel, cheddar, parmesan, and romano inside a croissant-square shell. It runs about 470 calories. Prices vary by source — listed at $6.59 in one place and $4.89 in another — so check local pricing when you budget.

Spinach & Bacon Soufflé: the smoky, green-forward alternative mixes bacon with spinach and eggs for about 550 calories. It’s a fuller-tasting pick when you want veggies plus savory pork.

How they compare to sandwiches: soufflés feel denser because of the pastry and cheese. Even when calories match some handhelds, the texture makes them feel like a more indulgent bakery meal.

• Who it’s for: choose a soufflé for pastry-style comfort; pick a sandwich if you want a firmer, protein-forward handheld.
• Pairing tip: pair with hot coffee or an Americano to cut richness.
• Timing: these items are typically limited to morning hours — don’t wait until late to order.

Oatmeal, Greek yogurt, and fruit cups for lighter breakfast items

When you want a gentle start, oatmeal, yogurt, and fruit make practical, feel-good choices.

Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Strawberries & Pecans

The steel-cut oatmeal is hearty but not mushy. It has a firm, chewy texture and clocks about 370 calories at $5.49.

Warm variation: Apples & Pecans

For a spiced, sweeter take, the apples & pecans version runs about 390 calories. Price may vary by location, so expect a higher cost in some places.

Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait

The parfait delivers 250 calories, about 16g of protein, and 17g sugar. It combines Greek yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, honey, and whole-grain oat granola for a creamy-plus-crunch texture.

Fruit Cup: lowest-calorie option

The fruit cup is the lightest choice at 60 calories. It includes honeydew, cantaloupe, and pineapple—fresh, simple fruit that pairs well with coffee or tea.

Best time of day: yogurt and fruit are often available later in the day than many morning-only items, but availability varies by location—check the app.

• Pair yogurt with coffee for a sweet-tart balance.
• Pair oatmeal with tea for a gentler, warm start.

Bagels, pastries, and sweets: bakery favorites and indulgent picks

The bakery case is the easiest way to add a quick, shareable treat to your morning order. It’s a built-in advantage for on-the-go groups and solo coffee runs.

Bagel basics and best-selling flavors

Bagels come in classic and sweet flavors. The Cinnamon Crunch Bagel is a sweet pick at 430 calories and $1.89. The Everything Bagel is a savory staple at 290 calories and $1.89.

Multigrain bagel flat as a lighter choice

The Multigrain Bagel Flat offers a lighter bread option. It runs about 180 calories and is also used as a base for some sandwiches.

Cinnamon roll, muffins, scones, and pastries

The Cinnamon Roll is the main indulgent pick at 520 calories and $5.29—great for sharing or a treat-style morning.

Muffins and scones are denser. Expect the Blueberry Muffin at 510 calories ($4.79) and the Orange Scone at 550 calories ($4.89).

Pastry choices range from a Chocolate Croissant (410 cal, $4.49) to fruit-filled options like the Cherry Pastry (340 cal, $4.49) and Almond Pastry (480 cal, $4.49).

• How to choose: pick chocolate for richness and fruit pastries for brighter sweetness.
• Quick tip: pair sweet cinnamon items with black coffee or unsweetened tea to balance sugar.

Breakfast beverages: coffee, tea, espresso bar drinks, and smoothies

Before you order, decide whether you want bold caffeine, creamy comfort, or a fresh fruit boost. Drinks are often the easiest all-day win—coffee and many specialty items remain available after the morning cutoff.

Brewed and iced coffee price anchors

Use these as a cost benchmark when planning an order.

• Cafe Blend (hot): $2.89 (0 cal per 16 fl oz).
• Iced Cafe Blend Dark Roast: $3.69 (0 cal per 20 fl oz).

Espresso bar staples: what to pick

Americano is low-cal and bold. Latte and cappuccino offer creamy comfort at about 130 cal and $4.69. Flavored lattes (mocha, caramel, vanilla) run near $5.19 for dessert-style flavor.

Tea, hot chocolate, and smoothies

Hot tea is $2.89 and pairs well with pastries or oatmeal. Signature hot chocolate is ~390 cal at $4.29 for a treat. Smoothies act as fruit-forward add-ons; calories vary by recipe and size.

Build a balanced combo

• Pair a higher-cal sandwich with black coffee to balance richness.
• Pair avocado toast with a latte for extra fullness.
• If food is sweet, choose a less-sweet drink; if savory, pick coffee or tea that won’t compete.

Nutrition and dietary notes for smart breakfast choices

Choose smarter mornings by matching protein, calories, and dietary needs to how busy your day will be. This short guide helps you pick an on-the-go option or a lighter café meal without guesswork.

High-protein picks

Want lasting fuel? Look for eggs plus meat or steak. Steak & Wake delivers high protein (about 33g).

Chipotle Chicken, Egg & Avo and Ciabatta Sausage, Egg & Cheese each offer 25–30g of protein for a filling start.

Lower-calorie choices

For lighter energy, choose Classic Avo Toast (≈230 cal), the Fruit Cup (≈60 cal), or Garden Avo & Egg White (≈340 cal).

Watch cheese and sauces—these add calories fast.

Vegetarian-friendly options

Good vegetarian picks include avocado toast, the Four Cheese Soufflé, Greek yogurt parfait, and oatmeal. Some egg-and-cheese builds work too.

Gluten-conscious advisory

Some items are listed as gluten-conscious (yogurt, oatmeal, fruit cup, smoothies). Kitchens are shared, and oats are not certified gluten-free.

If you have celiac disease or severe sensitivity, use the chain’s allergen tools and speak with staff before ordering.

• Quick takeaway: pick a protein-forward sandwich for long mornings, go with fruit or yogurt for light days, and use allergen tools for gluten concerns.

Customization tips and ordering hacks at Panera Bread

Small swaps can fix common morning-order headaches and make each sandwich feel tailor-made.

Swapping bread, bagel, and ciabatta choices

Choose ciabatta for a chewy, artisan texture. Pick the multigrain bagel flat when you want a lighter bite. Opt for focaccia or a croissant to lean into richer, buttery comfort.

Adding or removing cheese, egg, and toppings

Add cheese to boost richness and mouthfeel. Remove cheese to cut calories and heaviness. For eggs, request an extra egg for more protein or swap to egg white for a lighter option.

Topping strategy and timing hack

Keep one “hero” sauce (for example, chipotle aioli) and remove competing add-ons for cleaner flavor. Customize in the app before peak morning time to skip the decision at the counter.

Group ordering and breakfast bundles for busy mornings

For busy mornings, choosing bundled trays saves time and offers variety without extra planning. Group ordering is the easiest way to feed families, office teams, or event guests. It avoids dozens of individual choices and speeds pickup.

Breakfast Sandwich Feast for families and offices

The Breakfast Sandwich Feast is a mix-and-match tray that covers common tastes. It typically includes bacon, sausage, egg white, and steak sandwich options so everyone gets a familiar choice.

Why it works: it scales well for different appetites and reduces special-order complexity during the morning rush.

Fresh Baked Goods Feast for pastries, bagels, and sharing

The Fresh Baked Goods Feast centers on pastries and bagels for groups who want variety and shareable portions. It’s ideal for relaxed meetings or morning social hours.

Why it works: easy to serve, no utensils, and offers sweet and savory bites that pair well with coffee.

• Bundles sometimes feature promotional pricing (a noted deal listed at $13.99); offers vary by location and season—check the app deals tab.
• Ordering plan: pick one savory core (sandwiches) + one sweet tray (pastries) for balance.
• Beverage advice: coffee totes simplify caffeine needs; individual espresso drinks can slow fulfillment at peak time.

Busy-morning tip: order ahead and schedule pickup. That ensures the order is ready before the morning cutoff and keeps your event on time.

Conclusion

Make your morning choice easy: think size, protein, and whether you’ll eat on the run or sit down.

For a hearty start, pick a sandwich. For commuting, grab a wrap. Choose avocado toast for a lighter savory bite. Pick a soufflé when you want a bakery-style treat. Opt for yogurt, oatmeal, or fruit when you want low-calorie, feel-good fuel.

Time matters: most locations switch morning items at the posted cutoff (typically 10:30 AM weekdays, 11:00 AM weekends). Order early if you want specific items like sandwiches or soufflés.

Top crowd-pleasers: Bacon Double Take, Steak & Wake, Four Cheese Soufflé, and Classic Avo Toast. Check the Panera Bread app or local menu for current prices, availability, and customization, then place an order that fits your day.