Gluten-Free Panera Bread Soups: A Delicious Guide

If you’re a soup lover like me, chances are you’ve spent more than a few lunch breaks at Panera Bread. The Gluten-Free Panera Bread Soups are the stuff of dreams—warm, comforting, and loaded with flavor. But if you’re gluten-free, navigating the menu can feel like walking through a minefield. What’s safe? What’s off-limits? And can you still enjoy those creamy, hearty bowls of goodness without the gluten? Spoiler alert: YES, you can!

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about gluten-free soups at Panera Bread, including options available, tips for ordering, and even how to recreate some favorites at home.

Why Gluten-Free Panera Bread Soups Is a Favorite

Before we dig into the gluten-free options, let’s talk about why Panera Bread has such a loyal fan base:

1. Clean Ingredients: Panera prides itself on avoiding artificial preservatives and additives.
2. Variety: They have everything from hearty soups to refreshing salads (plus those tempting bakery treats—but we’ll skip those for now).
3. Customizable: Their menu is pretty flexible, so you can adjust most dishes to fit your needs.

For gluten-free eaters, the soups, in particular, are a lifesaver. Let’s break down what’s safe, what’s not, and how to make your favorites at home.

Gluten-Free Ordering Tips

1. Always Ask: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff about specific ingredients. They’re trained to help with dietary needs.
2. Beware of Cross-Contamination: Since Panera’s kitchen isn’t fully gluten-free, mention your gluten sensitivity when ordering. They can take extra precautions, like cleaning surfaces or using fresh utensils.
3. Use the Allergen Menu: Panera’s website and app have a detailed allergen guide that lists which items are gluten-free. It’s a game-changer.

Gluten-Free Panera Bread Soups at Panera Bread

Here’s what you can enjoy safely:

1. Turkey Chili

This hearty soup is packed with ground turkey, beans, and vegetables in a rich, slightly spicy broth. It’s naturally gluten-free and also dairy-free. Perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.

1. Ten Vegetable Soup

This vegan-friendly option is loaded with tomatoes, spinach, and peppers in a flavorful broth. It’s light, healthy, and completely gluten-free.

1. Seasonal Summer Corn Chowder

Creamy and sweet with corn, potatoes, and peppers, this soup is a seasonal gem. Just check with the staff to ensure it’s available.

Off-Limits Soups

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Contains wheat flour.
• French Onion Soup: The broth and croutons both contain gluten.

Recreate Panera-Style Soups at Home

Why not bring Panera to your kitchen? Making your own soups ensures they’re completely gluten-free and lets you customize the flavors. Below are detailed recipes for some crowd favorites.

1 – Copycat Gluten-Free Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (ensure it’s labeled gluten-free)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Drain and rinse the beans. Have everything ready to go before you start cooking.
2. Cook the Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Stir in the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more chili powder for extra heat or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
7. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like shredded cheese, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream.

2 – Copycat Gluten-Free Ten Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cups vegetable broth (ensure it’s gluten-free)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Veggies: Dice the zucchini, squash, bell pepper, and onion. Slice the carrots thinly. Keep the spinach whole or tear it into smaller pieces if you prefer.
2. Cook the Base Veggies: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add the Zucchini and Squash: Toss in the diced zucchini and squash. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
6. Finish with Spinach: Stir in the spinach just before serving. It will wilt in seconds from the heat of the soup.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional).

3 – Copycat Gluten-Free Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (gluten-free)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (for thickening)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Dice the potatoes, onion, and garlic. If using fresh corn, slice the kernels off the cob.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the Corn: Stir in the corn and let it cook for 5 minutes to soften and absorb the flavors.
5. Thicken the Soup: Mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Slowly pour it into the soup while stirring constantly. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens.
6. Add the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it heat through, but do not boil. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

Gluten-Free Sides for Soups

Pair your soup with these gluten-free options:

1. Crusty Gluten-Free Bread: Brands like Canyon Bakehouse or Schär make excellent bread for dipping.
2. Salads: Pair with Panera’s modified Fuji Apple or Greek Salad for a balanced meal.
3. Chips or Crackers: Gluten-free crackers add a nice crunch to your meal.

Final Thoughts

Dining gluten-free at Panera Bread is totally doable with a little planning. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or recreating their iconic soups at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy their flavors without the gluten.

So, the next time you’re craving a bowl of soup, don’t let dietary restrictions hold you back. With options like Turkey Chili and Ten Vegetable Soup, plus easy DIY recipes, you’ve got all the tools you need for a satisfying meal.

What’s your favorite Panera Bread soup? Or do you have a secret gluten-free hack to share? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s to good soup and even better vibes. Happy slurping, y’all! 🥣