When it comes to catering an event, finding the perfect balance between variety, quality, and convenience is key. Whether you’re hosting a corporate meeting, a casual office lunch, or a special celebration, Panera catering has a wide array of options designed to meet your needs. With their fresh, wholesome ingredients and customizable offerings, Panera’s catering menu can help elevate any event.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different catering options available at Panera, from sandwich trays to salad platters, so you can confidently choose the best options for your gathering.

Exploring the Panera Catering Menu

Panera’s catering menu is designed with flexibility in mind, offering a wide range of options for various event sizes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re feeding a small group or a large crowd, Panera has you covered with customizable trays and platters that can accommodate diverse tastes.

Let’s break down the key categories of the Panera catering menu to help you choose the best options for your next event.

Panera Sandwich Trays

One of the most popular choices for any event is a sandwich tray. Panera’s sandwich trays are perfect for casual lunches, office meetings, and parties. The sandwiches are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and served on a variety of bread types, including whole grain, baguette, and classic white.

What’s Included?

Panera’s sandwich trays typically include a selection of their signature sandwiches, which can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions. Some of the most popular sandwich options include:

  • Bacon, Turkey, and Avocado
  • Mediterranean Veggie
  • Tuna Salad
  • Chipotle Chicken, Egg Avocado Wrap

These sandwiches are generously portioned and are sure to please a variety of tastes. Plus, each tray can be customized to include a specific selection of sandwiches, ensuring that your guests get exactly what they want.

Serving Sizes

Panera offers sandwich trays in several sizes to fit different group sizes. Typically, trays are available in:

  • Small (serves 5-7 people)
  • Medium (serves 8-12 people)
  • Large (serves 13-20 people)

It’s important to note that you can mix and match sandwiches within a tray, allowing you to offer a variety of flavors that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re feeding a small team or hosting a larger event, there’s a size that works for you.

Panera Salad Trays

If you’re looking for a healthier or lighter option, Panera’s salad trays are an excellent choice. These trays offer a variety of fresh, crisp salads, each made with quality greens and seasonal vegetables. Panera’s salads are perfect for those seeking a delicious and satisfying vegetarian or gluten-free option.

What’s Included?

Some of the most popular salad tray options include:

  • Mediterranean Veggie Salad
  • Cobb Salad
  • Caesar Salad
  • Asian Sesame Salad

Each salad tray features generous portions of the salad’s key ingredients, including toppings like cheese, nuts, and dressings. If you’re catering for a group with dietary restrictions, you can easily customize the salads to suit specific needs.

Serving Sizes

Similar to the sandwich trays, Panera offers salad trays in small, medium, and large sizes. Each tray provides ample portions for your guests, ensuring no one leaves hungry.

  • Small (serves 5-7 people)
  • Medium (serves 8-12 people)
  • Large (serves 13-20 people)

These salad trays are also available as half trays, which offer smaller portions for more intimate gatherings or smaller office meetings.

Panera Platters: A Bite-Sized Delight

For a more casual or finger-food style of catering, Panera platters are a great option. Platters provide bite-sized servings of popular Panera items, perfect for social events, networking, or when you want to offer guests a variety of options without the need for utensils.

What’s Included?

Panera’s platters offer a variety of baked goods and appetizers, including:

  • Bagel & Cream Cheese Platter
  • Seasonal Fruit Platter
  • Pastry Platter
  • Bowl of Soup (with Bread or Crackers)

These platters allow guests to sample a variety of options, making them an excellent choice for parties, breakfasts, or even office meetings that need a variety of snacks.

Serving Sizes

Just like the sandwich and salad trays, Panera platters come in various sizes to accommodate your guest list. Depending on the platter you choose, you can expect sizes that range from 5 to 20 servings.

  • Small (serves 5-7 people)
  • Medium (serves 8-12 people)
  • Large (serves 13-20 people)

Customizing Your Panera Catering Order

One of the best features of Panera catering is the ability to customize your order to suit the specific needs of your event. Whether you’re catering to vegetarians, gluten-free guests, or those with food allergies, Panera offers plenty of options to make your event a success.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Panera is known for its wide selection of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Many of their sandwiches, salads, and platters are plant-based or can be easily customized to accommodate vegan diets. Some popular vegan-friendly options include:

  • Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (without cheese)
  • Fruit Platters
  • Asian Sesame Salad (without chicken)

Gluten-Free Options

If you’re catering for guests with gluten sensitivities, Panera also offers gluten-free options. While not all items on the menu are gluten-free, there are several sandwiches and salads that can be customized to meet gluten-free needs.

  • Gluten-Free Bread for Sandwiches
  • Salads without croutons
  • Seasonal Fruit Platters

Make sure to check with Panera ahead of time to ensure the catering options you’re choosing meet your guests’ dietary needs.

Panera Catering Sizes: Choosing the Right Portion

When selecting your catering options, it’s essential to choose the right portion size to avoid over-ordering or running out of food. Panera provides guidance on the recommended servings per size, but here’s a general idea of how much you’ll need for different group sizes:

  • Small Tray (serves 5-7 people): Perfect for office meetings or small gatherings.
  • Medium Tray (serves 8-12 people): Ideal for mid-sized events like team lunches or baby showers.
  • Large Tray (serves 13-20 people): Great for larger events like birthday parties, corporate events, or family gatherings.

If you’re unsure, it’s often safer to order a little extra to ensure everyone has enough food, especially if you’re hosting an event with a wide variety of tastes.

Panera Catering: Tips for Planning Your Event

Here are a few helpful tips for making sure your Panera catering order goes smoothly:

  • Plan Ahead: Panera recommends placing your catering order 24-48 hours in advance, especially for larger events or special dietary requests.

  • Mix and Match: Don’t hesitate to combine different trays or platters to offer a well-rounded meal. Pair sandwich trays with salad trays and platters for a variety of options.

  • Order a Little Extra: It’s always better to have a little more than not enough, especially when it comes to large gatherings. Leftovers are often a welcome bonus!

  • Consider Drinks and Desserts: While Panera is famous for its savory items, don’t forget to consider beverages and desserts to complement your catering spread. Panera offers coffee, iced teas, and a range of cookies and brownies.

With Panera catering, you’re guaranteed a diverse selection of high-quality, customizable options for your next event. From hearty sandwich trays to fresh, vibrant salads and bite-sized platters, there’s something to satisfy every guest. By considering your event size, dietary needs, and preferences, you can confidently choose the right Panera catering options to ensure your gathering is a hit.

Now that you know more about Panera’s catering offerings, you’re ready to make your next event memorable. Whether you’re feeding a few coworkers or a large group, Panera has everything you need to make your catering choices stress-free and delicious.