Panera Bread just gave soup season a serious upgrade, and fans are talking. After seven long years, one cult-favorite soup is finally making its way back to the menu. But that’s not the only reason customers are buzzing — Panera stacked its fall lineup with new salads, cozy drinks, and even throwback sandwiches built for dunking. And to make sure the rollout gets noticed, they brought in some TV star power. Let’s break down what’s new, what’s back, and why this fall menu has everyone curious.
Black Bean Soup Makes Its Long-Awaited Return
After a seven-year hiatus, Panera is finally bringing back its beloved Black Bean Soup. Packed with hearty black beans, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and just the right kick of lemon and garlic, this vegetarian favorite is all about comfort in a bowl. Fans have begged for its comeback, and now it’s back as the “brooding favorite” in Panera’s soup trio.
Autumn Squash Soup Still Steals the Spotlight
This seasonal staple blends butternut squash, pumpkin, and a hint of honey with warm spices like curry and cinnamon. Finished with roasted pumpkin seeds and sweet cream, it’s Panera’s “sophisticated choice” for fall. It’s cozy, it’s slightly sweet, and it’s the kind of soup people look forward to all year long.
Fireside Chili Brings the Heat
Panera’s Fireside Chili earns its spot as the “dependable classic” on the fall menu. Made with beef, kidney beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and green chili peppers, it’s simmered slow with bold chili spices and a touch of cilantro. If you’re after a hearty bowl that actually feels like dinner, this one delivers.
Gilmore Girls Cast Joins the Campaign
Panera didn’t just stop at food — they added some star power too. Jared Padalecki and Matt Czuchry, both from Gilmore Girls, headline the new ad campaign to promote the fall lineup. Each soup gets its own “personality,” and fans of the show are eating up the nostalgia along with their order.
Harvest Medley Chicken Salad Feels Fresh
Soup may be the main event, but the new Harvest Medley Chicken Salad is quietly stealing attention. It’s a loaded mix of greens, whole grains, grilled chicken, mandarin oranges, feta, and crunchy toppings like pumpkin seeds and beet strips. Tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, it’s a fall salad that doesn’t feel boring.
Crème Brûlée Latte Adds a Sweet Kick
Panera’s fall drink menu gets a little fancier with the Crème Brûlée Latte. Espresso meets foamed milk and crème brûlée syrup, topped with whipped cream and caramel sugar. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it screams fall in a cup.
Pumpkin Cookie for Dessert Fans
For anyone with a sweet tooth, Panera’s Seasonal Pumpkin Cookie is back to round out the menu. It’s soft, festive, and designed to pair perfectly with that latte or soup you’re already ordering. Sometimes it’s the little treats that keep customers coming back.
Ciabatta Dippers Return for Dunkers
Soup and sandwiches are Panera’s bread and butter, literally. The Ciabatta Dippers are back — built to dunk right into your soup. Think warm, cheesy ciabatta paired with just the right soup for dipping.
French Dipper Doubles Down on Comfort
The French Dipper is a bold, beefy option featuring marinated steak, provolone, asiago, and garlic aioli on ciabatta bread. It comes with a side of Bistro French Onion Soup to dunk into — a combination designed for anyone craving full-on comfort food.
Chicken Pesto Dipper Brings the Flavor
New this fall, the Chicken Pesto Dipper combines grilled chicken, provolone, Parmesan, and a basil pesto spread on ciabatta. It’s served with Creamy Tomato Soup for dipping — a fresh take that feels cozy but still bright.
Fall Favorites Bundle Through the App
Panera is packaging the fun with its “Fall for Your Favorites Meal,” available exclusively through its app. The deal highlights the three signature soups and makes it easy to mix and match with other fall items. Limited-time menus are how Panera keeps things fresh, and this one is built to drive fans online.
Your Turn to Taste-Test
Panera’s fall menu has something for everyone — from hearty chili to pumpkin sweets and fan-favorite throwbacks. Whether you’re here for the soups, the lattes, or those dunkable ciabatta sandwiches, the lineup is designed to feel both new and nostalgic. What’s your go-to order this season? Did Panera bring back your favorite, or are you still waiting? Drop your thoughts — Panera fans always have strong opinions.
