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Lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese are back at Panera Bread! After a three year hiatus these popular seasonal menu items have returned to nearly 200 Panera locations across the Northeast.
Keep reading to get all the details on Panera’s lobster rolls and mac and cheese, find out which locations have them when they’ll be available how much they cost, and what’s inside these indulgent seafood treats.
The Return of the Lobster Roll and Lobster Mac
Panera first introduced lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese back in 2019 to rave reviews Customers loved the summery flavors and kept asking for their return.
On May 25, 2022, Panera excited seafood fans by announcing the comeback of both lobster dishes for a limited time. They’ll be available through summer at participating cafes.
This is big news for New Englanders and lobster lovers nationwide. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on Panera’s latest crustacean creations.
Where to Find Panera’s Lobster Dishes
Wondering if your local Panera has the lobster items yet? Here are the details:
- Available at nearly 200 Panera locations in the Northeast
- Select cafes in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington D.C.
- Use the Panera location finder and call ahead to check lobster availability
Not near a participating cafe? Unfortunately, the lobster dishes are only available regionally for now. But Panera fans elsewhere may eventually get to taste these East Coast-inspired menu items.
When Are the Lobster Rolls and Lobster Mac Being Served?
Wondering about the timing for Panera’s lobster items? Here’s what to know:
- Limited time only: Available starting May 25 through summer 2022
- Seasonal menu: Offered during peak East Coast lobster season
- While supplies last: Get them before they sell out!
Panera timed the return around Memorial Day weekend to tap into the kickoff of summer. To avoid missing out, visit your local spot sooner rather than later.
How Much Do the Lobster Dishes Cost?
Pricing varies a bit by location, but here’s an estimate of what to expect:
- Lobster Roll: $20.49 – $25.99 alone or $22.99 – $27.99 with chips and drink
- Lobster Mac & Cheese: $9.99 – $10.99 for small, $18.49 – $19.99 for large
The lobster roll falls in the premium sandwich range, while the lobster mac is priced similarly to other indulgent mac and cheese varieties.
Overall, considering they feature fresh lobster meat, the cost seems reasonable compared to ordering lobster rolls at coastal seafood shacks.
What’s in Panera Bread’s Lobster Rolls?
Lobster lovers will be drooling over the details of Panera’s New England-style rolls:
- Lobster claw and knuckle meat
- Lemon tarragon mayonnaise dressing
- Celery, green onions, and spices
- Served on Panera’s signature New England Roll
The dressing adds a bright, creamy coating to the chunks of lobster meat. Overall, this lobster roll stays classic and unfussy, letting the seafood shine.
What’s in the Lobster Mac and Cheese?
Equally decadent is Panera’s take on lobster macaroni and cheese:
- Panera’s classic mac and cheese (elbow pasta, Vermont white cheddar cheese sauce)
- Lobster claw and knuckle meat
- Topping of toasted Panko breadcrumbs
The creamy, cheesy pasta makes the ideal bed for sweet lobster morsels. The end result is an upscale, indulgent twist on a comfort food favorite.
Why Bring Back Lobster Menu Items?
According to Chef Claes Petersson, Panera wanted to tap into the flavors of New England summers. Lobster screams warm weather indulgence.
The chain is always innovating and wanted to bring customers exciting new flavors. The response to lobster rolls and mac in 2019 made bringing them back an obvious choice.
How Long Will the Lobster Dishes Be Around?
Unfortunately, Panera hasn’t given an exact end date for the lobster items. They are described as being available for “limited time” through “summer.”
Once lobster season wraps up in the Northeast (typically September or October), Panera will likely retire the lobster rolls and mac and cheese. Get them before they’re gone!
Why Aren’t the Lobster Items Nationwide?
At launch, Panera is only offering the lobster dishes regionally. Since lobster is synonymous with East Coast summers, focusing on Northeast locations makes sense.
Offering them exclusively also builds hype. Customers elsewhere may request their location be added, fueling excitement. Panera can then consider expanding the lobster items in future summers.
Will Panera Get Lobster Again in Future?
The positive reception to the lobster roll and mac in 2019, plus the eagerness for their return, suggests this isn’t the last we’ll see of lobster at Panera.
If they continue to be a hit, Panera could make lobster an annual summer tradition. Down the line, a wider national release may happen. For now, enjoy them if you’re in the Northeast!
How Does Panera’s Lobster Compare to Main Lobster Rolls?
While some may argue Maine offers the ultimate lobster rolls, Panera’s version holds up nicely:
- Features fresh lobster meat, not imitation
- Reasonably priced for real lobster
- Includes classic roll and simple dressing
The focus stays on quality ingredients. For a quick, casual lobster roll, Panera’s hits the spot. Vacation in Maine to compare!
What Drinks Pair Well With Lobster?
Not sure what to sip alongside the lobster dishes? Here are some perfect pairings:
- Sparkling wine: The bubbles cut through the richness perfectly
- Light lager or pilsner: Crisp and refreshing with seafood
- Iced tea: For classic East Coastsummertime vibes
- Lemonade: Bright citrus highlights the lobster
- White wine: Light, minerally Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Any of these drinks complement lobster without overpowering its subtle sweetness. Iced tea seems like the quintessential match for enjoying lobster on a sunny cafe patio.
Any Tips for Enjoying Panera’s Lobster Dishes?
To make the most of Panera’s limited-time lobster treats, here are some handy tips:
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Call ahead to check availability at your location
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Go early in the day to beat the crowds
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Ask for extra lobster meat if you want more seafood pieces
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Bring wet wipes if eating the roll by hand
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Ask for a side of drawn butter to drizzle on the lobster mac
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Savor the dishes on-site to prevent sogginess
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Take leftovers home and reheat gently to prevent overcooking
Follow those suggestions and you’re sure to have the optimal experience with these East Coast-inspired dishes.
The Verdict: Should You Try Panera’s Lobster Menu Items?
If you’re able to get to a participating location this summer, Panera’s lobster dishes are definitely worth indulging in.
The lobster roll delivers on fresh seafood flavor with simple, perfect complements. And the lobster mac puts an upscale spin on a cheesy classic.
Considering the reasonable prices and use of real lobster, these menu items offer a chance to enjoy a taste of New England without boarding a plane.
Take advantage of lobster rolls and lobster mac’s limited run to add some ocean flair to your summer meals. Just be sure to call ahead and get them before they sell out!
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Tasting Panera’s $22.99 Lobster Roll
Does Panera have a lobster roll?
As of May 25, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, and for a limited time only, Panera is offering both menu items at almost 200 select Panera locations across the Northeast. Those opting for the Lobster Roll will enjoy lobster claw and knuckle meat, tossed in a lemon tarragon mayonnaise-based dressing and tucked into a New England Roll.
When is Panera Bread bringing back lobster roll and lobster Mac and cheese?
This summer Panera Bread is bringing back two lobster items to the menu including the lobster roll and lobster mac and cheese. When is Panera Bread bringing back its lobster roll and lobster mac and cheese? Panera began serving both the lobster items on May 25, 2022, PEOPLE reports.
Does Panera have a lobster menu?
Two lobster menu items are returning to Panera just in time for summer. Starting on May 25, customers can head to Panera to try the new lobster roll and lobster mac and cheese, PEOPLE can reveal exclusively. Nearly 200 restaurants, all only in the northeast of the U.S., will serve the fan-favorite seafood dishes.
What is the difference between Panera lobster Mac and cheese and lobster roll?
The lobster mac and cheese contains the traditional Panera macaroni with buttered lobster and seasoned bread crumbs. While the lobster roll is inspired by the New England summer favorite. Panera’s lobster roll brings together both lobster claw and knuckle meat.