I've been working at Panera for a little while now and before I key y'all in, let's clarify something:

St. Louis area = Saint Louis Bread Company (Bread Co.)

Pretty much everywhere else = Panera

Now, I know every one of you reading this love you some Panera. Our soups are BOMB, the bread is toasty and warm like Spring Break and the pastries are to die for. There's so many good things to get that often we get this face when people start to order:

This may be you. Or maybe you've got your go-to's and rarely stray. If you wanna spice up your life, let me clue you in on some Panera hacks and the best things to get.

1. Roasted Turkey Avocado BLT FTW.

This item is actually on the menu but let me help you make it even BETTER. Substitute the sour dough bread for the tomato basil bread. Add chipotle mayo and the garlic herb spread. These minor changes change the whole taste of the sandwich. It's HEAVEN, filling and one of the more calorie-conscious sandwiches we have.

2. Broccoli Cheddar Soup PLUS.

Again, everyone knows about this one already. Here's how to make more savory. First and foremost, get a bowl of soup and then buy a bread bowl separately. A little known fact is a "bread bowl" of soup actually comes with the cup portion. It'll cost a little more but you'll get all the Broccoli Cheddar goodness. Finally, add chopped bacon and croutons (if you like a little crunch). Trust me on this one. Your taste buds will thank you.

3. Microwave ALL the pastries.

Okay, so this isn't "one" item but this hack will make all your pastry choices twice as delectable. All our pastries are baked fresh every day (over night and as needed through the day) but they're only warm for a little while. Everything from the chocolate chip cookie to the scones and cinnamon rolls benefit greatly from a little microwave action. On things with a strudel topping (some muffins, strawberry rhubarbs, etc...), they should 1,000% be microwaved and bathed in butter. Y'all. It's like a whole new world.

4. BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pickup

The BBQ Chick Flatbread at Panera is BAE. Flavors are near perfect. A few simple changes makes them perfect. Switch the traditional turkey for the roasted turkey. It's thicker pieces and the flavors blend like magic. Also, add all the cheeses and the garlic herb spread.

5. Big Kid Grilled Cheese

This used to be an item on the Panera menu but, for some reason, was taken off. However, we can still make it and most people that have worked at Panera for a while will know exactly what you're talking about. Order the Classic Grilled Cheese and add bacon strips, gruyere cheese and white cheddar cheese. I also love to add gouda cheese as well. Any sauces can be paired with it too if you'd like.

6. Chalk Full Chipper

This one is kind of my own creation but it can still be made. Order a Frozen Mocha per usual (if you want a larger size we can make a 20oz one upon request) but also buy Panera's "Chocolate Chipper Cookie". It's a buttery, gooey delicious chocolate chip cookie...see where I'm going with this? Ask them to blend the cookie into your Frozen Mocha. Before you take a sip, make sure you're sitting down.

Hungry yet?

I am.

Make sure to try these Panera (for you STL people who have been squirming in your seats the whole article) or Bread Co. hacks! From the smallest alteration to masterful concoctions, Panera really does have a world of options.

Enjoy, friends.

Cheers,

ZER