Panera Signature Sauce Recipe: How to Make Their Famous Creamy Dip

If you’ve ever eaten at Panera Bread, you know their Panera Signature Sauce plays a big role in making their sandwiches and salads so craveable. This tangy, creamy sauce brings extra flavor to a wide range of menu items and is especially good with crispy chicken tenders.

You can easily make a copycat Panera Signature Sauce at home with simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep. It’s great as a spread, a drizzle, or a dip for fries, roasted vegetables, chicken bites, and more.

I enjoy recreating favorites from Panera, and this sauce is one of the easiest and most versatile. I’m also planning to try copycat smoothies and mac and cheese next.

What is Panera Signature Sauce?

Panera Signature Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that complements sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sides. The sauce combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar, balanced with a touch of garlic and onion powder. This mix creates a smooth, slightly sweet sauce with bright acidity that pairs especially well with crispy chicken and fried or roasted sides.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Jar or container with a lid for storage

How to Make Panera Signature Sauce?

Step 1:

Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar in a small bowl.

Step 2:

Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder, then season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4:

Transfer the sauce to a sealed jar and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.

Some Tips!

• Adjust honey to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Try other mustards (spicy brown, whole grain) to vary the flavor profile.
• For a stronger garlic flavor, substitute freshly minced garlic for garlic powder.

How to Store Your Panera Signature Sauce?

Store the sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks.

What to Eat with this Panera Signature Sauce?

This sauce works as a sandwich spread, wrap condiment, or salad drizzle. Use it as a dip for crispy chicken bites, fries, or vegetable sticks, or spoon it over roasted vegetables. It’s especially delicious with tender, crispy chicken tenders or nuggets.

FAQ

What is this sauce made of?

The sauce is made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Is this sauce spicy?

No, the standard recipe is not spicy. You can add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne if you want heat.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, if you use ingredients labeled gluten-free, the sauce is gluten-free.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes—add more honey for extra sweetness or reduce it for a tangier profile.

Conclusion

This simple copycat Panera Signature Sauce is quick to make and adds bright, creamy flavor to many dishes. Try it with your favorite sandwiches, tenders, and salads, and tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. If you enjoy this recipe, share it with friends and keep an eye out for more Panera-inspired copycats.