Let ’s get this bread ( bowl ) !

It’s a new era atPanera, indeed! Fan-favorite restaurant chain Panera Bread is currently undergoing quite a menu makeover. Beginning April 4, guests can enjoy nine new menu items and 12 enhanced classics.

As a sandwich stan and lifelong lover of bread bowls, I was absolutely giddy to receive an invite to the new menu media preview event. I got to sink my teeth into the new menu offerings, literally and metaphorically, and I walked away with a full belly and many thoughts.

So, without further ado, let’s step into the new era of Panera and get to tasting!

Bacon Mac and Cheese:applewood smoked bacon, shell pasta, white cheddar sauce

Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains:romaine, mixed greens, whole grain blend, grilled chicken, hummus, feta, red onions, Peppadew peppers, cucumber, shawarma seasoning,Greekdressing

Toasted Italiano:French baguette, black forest ham, soppressata, provolone, romaine, red onion, pepperoncini, garlic aioli, Greek dressing

Ranch Cobb:romaine, mixed greens, grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, feta, applewood smoked bacon, hard-boiled egg,ranch dressing

Chicken Bacon Rancher:black pepper focaccia, grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, white cheddar, ranch dressing

Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains:romaine, mixed greens, whole grain blend, grilled chicken, cucumbers, pepperoncini, avocado, feta, pumpkin seeds, balsamic vinaigrette, Green Goddess dressing drizzle

Ciabatta Cheesesteak:ciabatta, steak, provolone, garlic aioli, caramelized onions, Peppadew peppers

Southwest Chicken Ranch:romaine, grilled chicken, avocado, grape tomatoes, fire-grilled corn, cilantro, blue corn tortilla strips, ranch

Tomato Basil BLT: tomato basil miche, applewood smoked bacon, mixed greens, tomatoes, garlic aioli

So, all of that being said, my three winners from the night were the Ranch Cobb, the Bacon Mac and Cheese, and the Ciabatta Cheesesteak. I’ll also shoutout the Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad, which scored a perfect 10/10 with Caitlin. Overall, this is a super solid lineup, and I’m excited for these items to officially hit Paneras nationwide next week.

In addition to these exciting additions, some existing menu items are getting recipe makeovers, so keep your eyes peeled for all those changes as well. The menu keeps growing, and the combinations are dang near endless! I hope you get to try some of these new items for yourself, and if you do, please let me know your favorite! Thanks for tuning in, and, as always, happy snacking!

Note: BuzzFeed was invited to try this food for free, but was under no obligation to give a positive review.

Sign on a brick wall stating "IT'S A NEW ERA AT Panera"

Woman sitting on a bread bowl-shaped chair at an "ALWAYS IN OUR BREAD BOWL ERA" event

Entrance to Panera featuring a multilayered archway with "It's a New Era at Panera" text

Hand holding a bacon mac and cheese bread bowl, beside similar bread bowls with a description card

A fresh Mediterranean chicken salad with greens, grains, hummus, and veggies served on a bright plate with a wooden fork

Two images: Left shows a sandwich labeled "Toasted Italiano" with ingredients list; Right is a close-up of the sandwich's interior

Two images side by side of Ranch Cobb salads with eggs, bacon, and tomatoes

A person holds a Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich showing the filling. Adjacent image has the sandwich with a descriptive label

Hand holding a plate with a balsamic chicken salad, featuring avocado and a creamy dressing, plus a descriptive label below

Two halves of a ciabatta cheesesteak on a plate; close-up of a cheesesteak sandwich held by a hand

Person holding a bowl of Southwest chicken salad with avocado slices and a wooden fork

A sandwich on a plate next to a description card, and a hand holding a half-eaten sandwich

Three photos of different dishes: a bowl of salad, a bread bowl with soup, and a sandwich, with a cheesesteak recipe text below

Board showcasing 'YOU PICK TWO' and '600+ Combinations!' with multiple menu options below