Panera doesn’t have a separate official secret menu that you can find on a regular menu board. However, customers often create their own combinations by changing ingredients, adding toppings, or mixing parts of existing menu items.
These custom orders are often called the Panera Secret Menu online. Some are based on older menu favorites, while others are simply creative ways to customise a current order.
Before ordering, remember that ingredients, prices, and customisation options can vary by location. The easiest approach is to start with a regular menu item and ask what changes are available.
If you want to explore the regular menu before trying a custom order, our Panera Menu guide is a good place to start. It covers the main menu categories and gives you a better idea of what options are available before you create your own combination.
What Is the Panera Secret Menu?
The Panera Secret Menu is not a separate menu with its own official list of dishes. Instead, the term usually refers to customer-created combinations and customizations.
For example, someone might take a regular sandwich and change the sauce or toppings. Another customer may add available protein to Mac & Cheese or create a different bagel combination.
The important thing is to think of these as customization ideas, rather than guaranteed menu items.
Top Panera Secret Menu Items & Customization Ideas
Since employees may not recognize a fan-created name, it is usually better to explain the ingredients or changes you want.
You can start with a current menu item and ask whether the ingredients you want are available. This makes the ordering process much easier.
1. Panera Secret Menu Steak Lettuce Wrap
If you’re looking for a lower-carb meal, a lettuce-wrap style combination can be an interesting customization.
The idea is to combine steak with fresh vegetables such as avocado, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce instead of using traditional bread.
How to order: Start with a steak-based menu option and ask whether the ingredients can be served with lettuce instead of bread. You can also ask about adding avocado or other available vegetables.
This should be treated as a customization idea, not a guaranteed Panera menu item.
Best for: Customers looking for a bread-free or lower-carb option.
2. Panera Secret Menu Sierra Turkey Sandwich
The Sierra Turkey Sandwich is one of Panera’s older menu favorites that many longtime customers still remember.
If you want to recreate a similar flavor, you can ask about building a turkey sandwich with ingredients such as Asiago-style bread, turkey, chipotle sauce, greens, and onions.
How to order: Choose an available turkey sandwich and ask whether the bread, sauce, and toppings you want can be added or changed.
The original sandwich may not be available in its exact former recipe, so availability should be confirmed at your location.
Best for: Customers who miss older Panera menu favorites.
Panera Secret Menu Cinnamon Crunch Bagel
The Cinnamon Crunch Bagel is already a sweet and flavorful breakfast choice, but you can create a different combination with available spreads and toppings.
How to order: Order a toasted Cinnamon Crunch Bagel with your preferred cream cheese. You can also ask about other available sweet spreads or toppings that pair well with the cinnamon flavor.
A simple combination is often better than asking for several unusual changes at once.
Best for: Sweet breakfast and snack lovers.
If you’re mainly interested in breakfast customizations, take a look at our Panera Breakfast Menu guide. It covers popular morning choices and can help you compare regular breakfast items before trying a customized combination.
Panera Secret Menu Loaded Mac & Cheese
Mac & Cheese is another dish that can become more filling with the right customization.
A popular idea is to add available protein or toppings to the creamy Mac & Cheese.
How to order: Start with the regular Mac & Cheese and ask which available proteins or toppings can be added. Chicken or bacon may be options depending on the current menu and location.
Always check the additional cost before placing the order.
Best for: Customers who want a richer and more filling meal.
Panera Secret Menu Green Goddess Avocado Toast
Avocado toast can also work as a simple starting point for customization.
If avocado and Green Goddess-style dressing are available, you can ask whether they can be combined with toasted bread and additional vegetable toppings.
How to order: Start with an available toast or bread item, add avocado if offered, and ask about available dressings and toppings such as onions.
The exact combination will depend on what your local café currently carries.
Best for: Customers looking for a fresh, vegetable-forward breakfast or snack.
Panera Secret Menu Prices & What to Expect
There is no official price list for secret menu creations because these are not separate menu items.
Your final price usually depends on the regular item you choose and the ingredients you add or change.
| Panera Secret Menu Idea | Starting Point | Possible Add-Ons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak Lettuce Wrap | Steak-based item | Lettuce, avocado, vegetables | Varies |
| Sierra Turkey Sandwich | Turkey sandwich | Sauce, greens, onions | Varies |
| Cinnamon Crunch Bagel | Cinnamon Crunch Bagel | Cream cheese, available toppings | Varies |
| Loaded Mac & Cheese | Mac & Cheese | Chicken, bacon, available toppings | Varies |
| Green Goddess Avocado Toast | Toast or bread item | Avocado, dressing, vegetables | Varies |
Prices can change by location, so it is better to check the current menu or ordering screen instead of relying on an old online price.
Panera Secret Menu Ordering Tips
You don’t need to walk up to the counter and say, “I want the secret menu.”
Instead, explain the regular item you want and then describe the changes.
Use the Panera App for Panera Secret Menu Customizations
When available, online ordering can make customization easier because you can see which ingredients and changes are offered for a particular item.
However, not every custom combination can be created through the app.
Check Panera Secret Menu Extra Charges
Adding premium ingredients can increase the price of your order.
If you’re adding meat, avocado, cheese, bacon, or another premium ingredient, check the additional charge before completing your order.
Ask About Panera Secret Menu Availability
A customization available at one location may not be available at another.
Ingredients and menu options can change, so it’s always worth checking before ordering.
Keep Your Panera Secret Menu Order Simple
A few simple changes are usually easier for the staff to understand than a long list of substitutions.
If your requested combination isn’t possible, ask whether they can suggest a similar current menu item.
Faqs
Does Panera Bread Have an Official Panera Secret Menu?
No. Panera does not currently publish a separate official secret menu. Most items described online as secret menu foods are customer-created combinations or customizations.
What Happened to the Panera Hidden Menu?
Panera previously promoted a Hidden Menu featuring high-protein and lower-carb choices. That promotion was different from today’s customer-created customization ideas.
How Do I Order a Panera Secret Menu Sierra Turkey Sandwich?
Start with an available turkey sandwich and ask whether the café can add or change the bread, sauce, greens, and onions to create a similar combination.
Can I Customize Mac & Cheese at Panera?
Some Panera menu items allow ingredient changes or additions. Available options depend on the current menu, the specific item, and the location.
Can I Order Panera Secret Menu Items Through the App?
You can use the customization options available for eligible items through Panera’s online ordering system. However, an unofficial combination may not be available as one preset order.
Are Panera Secret Menu Items Cheaper?
Not necessarily. Because they are not official menu items, there is no standard secret-menu price. Extra ingredients can make a customized order more expensive.
Conclusion
The Panera Secret Menu is really more about creativity than a hidden list of dishes.
You can start with something already on the menu and make small changes to suit your taste. A turkey sandwich can remind you of an older favorite, Mac & Cheese can become more filling with an available topping, and a Cinnamon Crunch Bagel can turn into a simple sweet breakfast.
Just remember that these are customization ideas, not guaranteed menu items. Ingredients, prices, and available options can change by location.
The best approach is simple: choose a current menu item, ask about the changes you want, and confirm the price before ordering.
