I Tasted 12 New Panera Bread Menu Items: Here’s What to Order ASAP…and What to Skip

• What’s on It: avocado spread and everything bagel seasoning on country rustic sourdough

The topping looked more like sliced avocado than a spread to me, and a meager portion at that. The bread was good, but not toasty enough to be called toast. IMO, this one isn’t worth the money; you could easily replicate it at home without skimping on the avo.

• What’s on Them: cinnamon rolls topped with icing and various baked goods

These limited-time treats are not for the faint of heart, as they’re very sweet. I liked that the cinnamon roll icing was a tad citrusy, although I wished the rolls themselves were served warm (it might’ve made them softer and moister). My favorite was the Candy Cookie CinnaTop, which was crowned with candy cookie chunks, candy pieces and extra icing. The cookie was very tender, while the chocolate bits were a crisp foil. The Choco Chipper CinnaTop, topped with chunks of chocolate chip cookies, sea salt and chocolate drizzle, was incredibly sweet. The cookie pieces were a bit dry but very chocolatey. As for the Fudgy Brownie CinnaTop, which is topped with brownie chunks and double icing? I’d skip it; the brownie was dry and a bit bland.

• What’s on It: applewood smoked bacon, scrambled egg, American cheese, provolone cheese, salt and pepper on black pepper focaccia

Another limited-time item, this sammy had highs and lows. I found the egg to be dry and overdone, but the bread was delightfully crisp on the outside and pillowy on the inside. The bacon was pretty crispy as well. A spread (like ketchup or mayo) would’ve been nice.

• What’s on It: bagel made with a mix of dried infused blueberries and blueberry flavors

This fruity selection just made its triumphant return to the menu. Real bagel stans won’t be blown away by the bagel’s quality, but the blueberries were sweet-tart and sticky in a good way. Their flavor could’ve been more profound, but I had no real complaints. (I might suggest getting it toasted though.)

• What’s on It: shell pasta, cheese blend, aged white cheddar sauce and applewood smoked bacon

My biggest critique was that the mac and cheese was lacking a bit of salt (OK, and cheesy funk). Despite the generous bacon topper, I found the dish to be kind of one-note and on the sweet side. Thankfully, the bacon wasn’t chewy or gristly, but I wish it offered more saltiness, savoriness or smoke.

• What’s on It: bagel topped with sesame seeds

This bagel also just made a tasty comeback. Soft, doughy and nutty, I preferred the sesame variety to the blueberry. Its exterior could’ve had a glossier crust, but the seeds offered a nice dose of crunch to compensate.

• What’s on It: American cheese, aged white cheddar and creamy salsa verde on thick-sliced classic white miche

No joke: This indulgent handheld tasted almost identical to a Taco Bell quesadilla. I wish it was spicier (next time, I’ll pull a Beyoncé and pack hot sauce in my bag) and the bread could’ve been more evenly toasted, but all in all, it was tasty. Think creamy, mild jalapeño popper.

• What’s on It: chunky avocado spread, garlic aioli, tomatoes and everything bagel seasoning on country rustic sourdough

The savory aioli totally made this one. The tomato offered freshness and created a more balanced bite than the plain avo toast. That said, the bread was still under toasted and could’ve been cut thicker for a more substantial bite. I’d probably make this at home instead of buying it, but you won’t be disappointed if you treat yourself.

• What’s on It: grilled chicken, creamy salsa verde spread, aged white cheddar, zesty sweet peppers, roasted corn and cilantro on ciabatta

This new sandwich had more of a kick than the grilled cheese, but it could’ve been spicier to better live up to its name. The sweet peppers were the prominent taste, but it was piled high with protein-packed chicken, making it a hearty option that’d keep you full ’til dinner. I loved the ciabatta as well.

• What’s on It: marinated sliced steak, scrambled egg, aged white cheddar, salt and pepper on ciabatta

Get your hands on this limited-time breakfast item while you still can. The steak was beefy, savory and tastes like jus; it was a great pairing for the sharp cheddar. The egg was still dry and overcooked for my taste, but the bread was crisp and satisfying. I’d love pickled onions or aioli here for a more varied texture and a tangy high note.