A creamy soup paired with a delicious side is a must. These combinations just always hit the spot, but just what ones should you try? Well, I’ve got several of the most classic soup and side pairings you’ll wanna try.
Caesar Salad and Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, and French Baguette and French Onion Soup are classic soup pairs. But there’s a ton more you need to try. So, let’s check them out!
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📌 How Sides Can Make Soup Better
Adds Crunch and Texture: Soup can be a bit dull or even runny in terms of texture, so knowing how to thicken soup by adding a crunchy and tasty side dish can really elevate the meal.
Adds Protein: Depending on the soup you’re making, it may not be particularly high in protein. Adding a protein-rich side dish can make the meal more filling and satisfying.
Adds Nutrients and Vitamins: Soup is a great way to get in your daily intake of healthy foods by adding sides full of vegetables and nutrient-based ingredients. Frozen soup also retains a ton of its benefits, so pairing it with a fresh, healthy side will make it even better.
You can follow my guide to freezing soup for the best possibly freezing methods and equipment.
Add Sweetness and Heat: If you prefer a sweeter-tasting soup or one that’s spicy, a fruit salad, a slice of honeydew melon, hot sauce, or even chili flakes can make for the perfect complement to your soup. It’s also a great way how to make soup less salty if it’s just a tad over seasoned.
🔎 Healthy Sides to Pair with Soup
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables are full of flavor and nutrition.
Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad stuffed full of healthy vegetables.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that’s perfect for pairing with soup.
Whole Grain Bread: A slice of whole grain bread is packed full of fiber.
Hummus and Vegetables: Hummus is a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Brown Rice: Brown rice is a great source of fiber and various other health benefits.
🍲 7 Classic Soups
Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is a classic for a reason. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for when you’re feeling under the weather. The chicken, tender noodles, and vibrant medley of vegetables meld together in a delicious savory broth, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is an Icon of classic soups. It’s a tangy and savory soup that pairs well with tons of sides. It’s a great option for a light lunch or dinner. Each spoonful is a delicious burst of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and hints of garlic.
Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian soup packed with vegetables and beans. A fantastic option for vegetarians and vegans overflowing with an abundance of fresh vegetables, tender beans, and aromatic herbs.
French Onion Soup
French onion soup is a rich and flavorful soup that’s just perfect for a cold winter day. The combination of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and various other herbs is a match made in heaven.
Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a creamy and flavorful soup that’s a seafood lover’s dream. With plump, tender clams swimming in a velvety, rich broth infused with the essence of smoky bacon and delicate herbs, what more could you ask for.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a sweet and savory soup that’s befitting of fall. The combination of butternut squash, spices, and cream is certainly a winning one. It features the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash amped by warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of cream.
Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is a classic dish that’s equally healthy as it is delicious. A true seasonal king. It’s made with a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, and can be served with varying sides. A medley of farm-fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth.
💡 Most Classic Soup and Sides Pairings
Caesar Salad and Chicken Noodle Soup
A crisp and refreshing Caesar salad is just perfect for the savory flavor and comfort of chicken noodle soup. The tangy and creamy dressing of the salad adds a burst of flavor to the soup’s mild taste.
Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
The classic grilled cheese and tomato soup pairing is an all-time favorite. The gooey and warm grilled cheese sandwich perfectly complements the tangy and rich tomato soup. A true childhood classic tested and enjoyed by thousands on those chilly days.
Italian Chopped Salad and Minestrone
The fresh and zesty Italian chopped salad is the perfect side for the hearty and savory minestrone soup. The salad’s tangy vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor to the soup’s rich broth, while the crisp vegetables in the salad provide a delicious contrast to the hearty textures of the minestrone.
French Baguette and French Onion Soup
The crusty and warm French baguette is the perfect side for the sweet and savory French onion soup. The chewy bread complements the soup’s rich broth and sweet caramelized onions, with the baguette’s crunchy exterior giving way to a soft and airy interior. Ideal for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful soup.
Sourdough and Chowder
The tangy and chewy sourdough bread is the perfect side for the creamy and hearty chowder. The bread’s tangy flavor balances the soup’s creamy and savory taste, while the crust and tangy undertones elevate the chowder experience.
Arugula Salad and Butternut Squash Soup
If you’re looking for a classic soup and side pairing that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than arugula salad and butternut squash soup. This combination is a great way to balance the richness of the soup with the freshness and crunch of the salad.
Buttered Noodles and Vegetable Soup
The simple and comforting buttered noodles are the perfect side for the light and healthy vegetable soup. The noodles add a comforting texture to the soup’s light and refreshing taste. The richness of the noodles topped with the freshness of the vegetables is a delicious combo.
Other Classic Soup Pairs
Gouda and Potato Soup
Gouda and potato soup is a rich and creamy soup that pairs well with a variety of sides. One classic pairing is a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad will cut through the richness of the soup and provide a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Bread and Minestrone
The crisp and garlicky garlic bread is the perfect side for the hearty and savory minestrone soup. The bread’s crispy crust and savory garlic flavor complement the soup’s rich broth and fresh vegetables.
Garlic Bread and Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a classic favorite that pairs well with many sides. But one of the most popular pairings is garlic bread. The garlic bread can be toasted and served alongside the soup or used to make a grilled cheese sandwich.
Roasted Potatoes and Leek Soup
Leek soup is a creamy and flavorful soup that pairs well with roasted potatoes. The potatoes can be roasted with garlic and herbs to add extra flavor. Roasted potatoes, infused with garlic and aromatic herbs, complement the creamy richness of leek soup impeccably.
Parmesan Crisps and Black Bean Soup
Black bean soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that pairs well with parmesan crisps. These crisps, crafted by baking parmesan cheese until golden brown and crispy, add a satisfying crunch and a savory depth to each spoonful of the already delicious black bean soup.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries and Turkey Chili
Turkey chili is a hearty and flavorful soup that pairs well with baked sweet potato fries. These fries are baked to a crispy, golden perfection and offer a delightful contrast in texture and a hint of sweetness for the robustness of the chili. The difference between soup and stew versions of this chili lie in how they’re prepared.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions
While bread is a classic side for soup, you can also use salad, roasted vegetables, cheese and crackers, or even a sandwich. You can also try serving your soup with a side of rice, pasta, or quinoa to add some extra substance to your meal.
If you’re looking for healthy options to pair with your soup, consider adding fresh vegetables, a side salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or even a fruit salad.
The most common soups served are chicken noodle, tomato, minestrone, potato, and butternut squash. Other popular options include clam chowder, French onion, and vegetable soup.
For a soup-focused party, you can serve bruschetta, cheese and crackers, hummus and pita chips, or a charcuterie board. You can also try serving some savory pastries or some mini sandwiches or sliders.