Remember being told not to play with your food? Panera Bread is giving everyone the green light to do exactly that. The bakery-cafe turns eating into an adventure by combining melty, flavor-packed sandwiches with a companion serving of soup designed for dipping. It’s cozy, satisfying, and — most importantly — fun.
With the launch of its Ciabatta Dippers, Panera Bread transforms the age-old combination of soups and sandwiches into an interactive dining experience. Pairing each sandwich with a personal soup sidekick creates a unique experience that feels inviting and indulgent. This new offering captures the brand’s knack for innovation while staying true to its roots of providing crave-worthy meals.
Panera Bread: ‘Ditch the Spoon, Embrace the Dip’
Two distinct varieties of Ciabatta Dippers have hit Panera’s menu. Both are designed to be easy to dunk and impossible to resist. The French Ciabatta Dipper pairs tender marinated steak with melty provolone and asiago cheeses. A garlic aioli drizzle takes this sandwich from “oui” to “wow.” And it’s all nestled between slices of Panera’s ciabatta bread. The sidekick? A perfectly sized portion of the bakery-cafe’s Bistro French Onion Soup, a classic with a savory depth that complements every bite of the sandwich.
For those who like their meals with a kick, the Spicy Chicken Ciabatta Dipper brings the heat and the sweet. This isn’t just another chicken sandwich; it’s a thoughtfully crafted combination of juicy grilled chicken and smooth provolone cheese, brought to life with a house-made salsa verde spread that adds just the right amount of zip. What makes it special? Each sandwich comes paired with a portion of Panera’s signature Creamy Tomato Soup, creating that perfect balance of warmth and spice.
When you dip the sandwich into the rich, velvety soup, something magical happens — the flavors blend together in a way that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been eating sandwiches like this all along. Simple, satisfying, and just creative enough to make your lunch break something to look forward to.
Panera Bread has long celebrated its role as a gathering place for those who enjoy simple pleasures, and the Ciabatta Dippers exemplify that spirit. “At Panera, our guests have shown us just how much they enjoy pairing menu items, especially dipping their sandwiches into our signature soups,” stated Mark Shambura, chief marketing officer at Panera Bread. “Inspired by this love for creative combinations, we’ve crafted two delicious new menu items for guests to ditch the spoon and embrace the dip.”
The Ciabatta Dippers take that concept to the next level by making dipping an integral part of the meal. It’s not just food — it’s about enjoying every moment. So, for those looking to dip into something delicious this season, Ciabatta Dippers might be the most “soup-er” fun way.
Shambura stated, “There’s nothing better than the pairing of a melty sandwich with the perfectly portioned, savory soup, and we’re excited to bring both together for a great value.”
An Iconic Name With a Playful Twist
The Ciabatta Dippers are just one piece of Panera Bread’s broader menu transformation this year. Since April, the company has been rolling out enhanced portions and lower price points as part of its menu transformation. From breakfast to baked goods and beyond, the brand focuses on giving guests more of what they love at an even greater value.
Panera Bread has been a cornerstone of the fast-casual dining scene for decades. Its commitment to serving food made with wholesome ingredients has built trust and loyalty among millions.
With nearly 2,200 bakery-cafes across the United States and Canada, Panera Bread continues to thrive as a place where communities come together to share meals and moments. Its dedication to innovation, quality, and guest satisfaction ensures that it remains a staple fast-casual brand.
