There are tons of types of soup that you can learn how to thicken or make creamy. But knowing how to pair it with the perfect side dish is the final step to a perfect soup. You could go with some classic soups and side pairings, but I’ll show you a score of the best sides for soups.
Some side dishes for soup include garlic bread, green salad, baked potato, and chopped salad. But this isn’t all. I’ve got tons more handpicked sides just for you. So, let’s check them out!
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📌 Classic Soups to Pair Sides With
Chicken Noodle Soup: Chicken noodle soup is a classic soup made with chicken broth, chicken, and vegetables.
Tomato Soup: Tomato soup is another delicious, timeless classic that’s creamy, tangy, and tasty.
French Onion Soup: French onion soup is a French classic made from caramelized onions and beef stock or broth.
Pumpkin Soup: This is a creamy, sweet, and delicious soup made from pumpkins, stock, heavy cream, nutmeg, maple syrup, salt, and pumpkin seeds.
Minestrone Soup: This is a quick and easy meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and delicious. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a side salad to add some freshness to your meal.
Clam Chowder: This soup is a creamy, savory, and delicious pair for any side of crackers or a side salad.
Vegetable Soup: A true classic soup. It’s healthy, flavorful, and delicious soup for a crusty bread or a side salad.
💡 Best Sides for Soup
Classic Bread Sides
Garlic Bread: Garlic bread are classic sides for soup, as they pair perfectly with nearly every one. To make garlic bread, simply spread butter and minced garlic on a sliced baguette, then toast it in the oven until it’s crispy and golden brown.
Buttery Biscuits: Buttery biscuits are another classic bread side that pairs well with soup. They’re soft, fluffy, and buttery. You can make your own using a simple recipe that combines flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and buttermilk.
Homemade Bread: If you’re a little ambitious, you can try making your own homemade bread to serve with your soup. There are plenty of bread recipes out there that are easy to follow and produce delicious results.
Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern side that’s slightly sweet and has a nice crumbly texture. You can make your own cornbread using a simple recipe that combines cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, and milk.
Sandwiches and Toasts
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect pairing for tomato and other soups. To make a grilled cheese sandwich, simply butter two slices of bread, add cheese, and cook in a pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Bruschetta: Bruschetta is an Italian dish that’s toasted bread topped with garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil. It’s great if you’re looking for something light and refreshing. To make bruschetta, simply toast slices of bread, rub them with garlic, and top with chopped tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
Crostini: Crostini is quite similar to bruschetta but typically involves smaller slices of bread and more elaborate toppings. You can top crostini with anything from prosciutto and mozzarella to roasted vegetables and hummus for an added bonus.
Salads and Greens
Green Salad: A simple green salad is always the best and most convenient option for soups. A mixture of fresh healthy greens such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula can provide a crisp and refreshing addition to the rich flavors of soup.
Chopped Salad: A chopped salad is a tasty side that’s chopped into small pieces and tossed together with a dressing. It typically includes ingredients such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables, as well as chopped herbs and a protein such as chicken or bacon.
Kale Caesar Salad: A kale Caesar salad is a twist on the classic Caesar salad. Instead of using romaine lettuce, this salad uses kale. The kale is then dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies and topped with croutons and Parmesan cheese.
Arugula Salad: This is a peppery and slightly bitter green salad that can add quite a bold flavor to your soup. An arugula salad includes arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, but you can also add shaved Parmesan cheese or toasted nuts to add texture and flavor.
Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad is a light and tasty side to serve with soup. Cucumbers are sliced thinly and tossed with a dressing made from vinegar, sugar, and dill. It pairs well with cold soups such as gazpacho or cucumber soup.
Heartier Side Options
Baked Potato: A baked potato is a top comfort food choice for warm soups. Simply bake a potato in the oven or microwave, then top it with your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Quesadilla: This is a cheesy, crispy, and satisfying side that can be customized to your preference. Simply fill a tortilla with cheese, protein, veggies, and any other toppings you desire, then cook it on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
BLT: The BLT. The king of sandwiches. It’s both a hearty and delicious side for any and all soups. Simply toast two slices of bread, then layer on crispy bacon, juicy tomato slices, and fresh lettuce leaves. You can also add mayo or avocado for added creaminess.
Vegetable Sides
Steamed Green Beans: The mild flavor of green beans complements tons of soups without overpowering, while their nutritional value adds balance to the meal. Once cooked, toss them with a bit of butter or olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of salt.
Roasted Broccoli: Some roasted broccoli can pair perfectly with soup as a healthy and crunchy addition. To make it, simply toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and crispy. You can also add parmesan or chili oil for added flavor.
Asparagus: This delicious and nutritious vegetable is packed with vitamins and minerals. A true healthy side dish for those on a diet. To prepare asparagus, simply trim off the woody ends, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly crispy.
Creative Bread Alternatives
Popovers: Popovers are a light and airy alternative to bread. These hollow rolls are made from a batter that includes flour, eggs, milk, and salt. They’re typically baked in a muffin tin or popover pan and can be served plain or with toppings like butter, jam, or honey.
Soft Pretzels: Soft pretzels are a savory snack loved by many. So, why not pair that love with soup? These twisted breads are typically made from a dough that includes flour, yeast, water, salt, and sugar. They’re boiled in water with baking soda before being baked, which gives them their distinctive chewy texture.
Homemade Croutons: You can even make your own delicious soup side dish with homemade croutons. These small pieces of bread are typically seasoned with herbs and spices before being toasted in the oven. You can use any type of bread you like, from sourdough to whole wheat.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions
Soup can be served as both a side dish and a meal. It all depends on how it’s prepared and what it’s served with.
The most common side dish for soup is bread. Bread is a classic side dish that pairs well with almost any type of soup. From crusty baguettes to soft dinner rolls, there are many different types of bread that you can serve with your soup.
Some of the best sides to serve with chicken soup include biscuits, cornbread, rice, and roasted vegetables. These sides will add texture, flavor, and nutrition to your meal.
Some of the healthiest side dishes include roasted vegetables, quinoa, brown rice, and whole grain bread. These sides are packed with nutrients and will help you feel full and satisfied.