The trick to making a delicious soup is not only knowing how to make soup creamy but adding the best topping to it. But which one to add? The hundreds of possible combinations and different types of soup to use it with will leave you spoilt for choice. Well, I’ve whittled down the best things to top your soup with based on diet.
You can top your soup with avocado slices, chopped nuts, chia seeds, and crispy shallots. But there are tons more you can pair with the perfect sides for soup. So, let’s get tucked in!
Contents
📌 Unique Toppings For Soup
Parmesan crisps: Parmesan crisps: These can add a savory crunch to your soup, elevating its texture and flavor profile with their nutty richness.
Roasted chickpeas: This side dish brings a delightful crunch and earthy taste, turning your soup into a hearty and satisfying meal.
Crispy prosciutto: You can lend a salty, savory bite and a hint of smokiness to your soup with this side dish.
Fried egg: Fried eggs can add richness and creaminess to your soup. Its velvety yolk swirling into the broth creates a delicious texture.
Grilled cheese croutons: You can provide a nostalgic twist to your soup. This melts into the soup and infuses each spoonful with gooey cheese goodness.
Cauliflower rice: This offers a lighter alternative with a subtle sweetness and a satisfying texture. The dish is also low-carb and gluten-free.
💡 31 Toppings for Soup
Low Carb Diet
Avocado Slices: Creamy and rich avocado slices are your best shot at quick and healthy fats with an added satisfying texture.
Chopped Nuts: Try sprinkling some chopped almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture and a splash of protein.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Grating some parmesan cheese on top of your soup can add a much-needed savory, nutty, and fruity kick.
Bacon: Bacon by itself is delicious. But added to soup? Flavor on top of flavor. This adds a smoky, salty flavor to your soup with a tasty crunch.
Zucchini Noodles: Why not try swapping traditional noodles for these spiralized zucchini noodles. These keep your soup low in carbs but high in flavor.
Sliced Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms might be the quickest and most convenient low-carb choice for many. So add them to your soup for both added earthiness and texture.
Chopped Hard-Boiled Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs add protein and a creamy texture to your soup without any extra carbs.
Lactose Free Diet
Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is the better equivalent of regular cream for lactose-free seekers. They add a natural richness and creaminess to your soup without any dairy.
Nutritional Yeast: A dash of some natural yeast can set your soup straight. They have a cheesy flavor, bear no lactose, and have lots of nutritional benefits compared to regular yeast.
Toasted Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes add a sweet and crunchy topping that complements savory soups.
Soy or Almond Yogurt: A dollop of soy or almond yogurt provides creaminess without lactose.
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to your soup, perfect for a lactose-free option.
Sliced Avocado: Creamy and delicious, sliced avocado is a versatile topping that goes well with many types of soup.
Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh and savory flavor to your soup without any lactose.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to your soup.
Pesto: You can drizzle some dairy-free pesto for that burst of flavor and herbs.
Keto Diet
Cheese: Add shredded cheese to your soup for extra flavor and creaminess. Cheddar, Parmesan, cream, and feta are all great options.
Chopped Pecans: Pecans add a rich, buttery flavor and crunch to your soup while keeping it keto-friendly.
Chia Seeds: Chia seeds provide a boost of fiber and omega-3s without any net carbs, perfect for thickening soups and making them tasty.
Sliced Radishes: Sliced radishes add a crisp texture and peppery flavor to your soup without many carbs.
Smoked Salmon: Smoked salmon adds a luxurious touch and savory flavor to your soup while keeping it keto-friendly.
Ghee: Drizzle some ghee for a rich and buttery flavor that’s perfect for keto soups.
Crispy Shallots: Crispy shallots add a sweet and savory crunch to your soup without adding many carbs.
Pickled Jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a tangy kick to your soup without any added carbs.
Crispy Garlic Chips: Thinly sliced garlic chips add a crispy texture and bold flavor to your soup without loading up on carbs.
Gluten-Free Diet
Rice Noodles: You can opt for rice noodles as a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat noodles.
Quinoa: You can add protein and a gluten-free splash of goodness with quinoa. These have a fantastic, slightly nutty flavor that’s perfect for soups.
Chopped Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and flavor to your gluten-free soup.
Gluten-Free Crackers: Crushed gluten-free crackers make a perfect crunchy topping for your soup.
Coconut Aminos: Coconut aminos provide a sweet and savory flavor similar to soy sauce but without any gluten.
Sliced Green Olives: Sliced green olives add a briny flavor and salty kick to your gluten-free soup.
Low-Fat Diet
Chopped Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs, like parsley, dill, or sage leaves, are the easiest and most convenient way to add a burst of flavor to your soup.
Lemon or Lime Juice: A squeeze of lemon or a dash of lime juice can add tang and brightness to any soup. This is especially great for tomato soup or pea soup.
Steamed Vegetables: You can toss in some steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower for extra nutrients and bulk.
Diced Tomatoes: Some diced tomatoes will add that burst of freshness and acidity you’ve been needing in your soup.
Salsa: A spoonful of any of your favorite low-fat salsas can add levels of flavor and spice to your soup.
Pickled Red Onions: You can toss pickled red onions into your soup to add a tasty, tangy flavor and crisp texture.
Cucumber Slices: Thinly sliced cucumber can add its fantastic refreshing crunch to your soup without any fat.
Greek yogurt or yogurt: Greek yogurt is low in fat and high in protein. Regular yogurt can also work well, especially if you’re looking for a tangy flavor.
🧐 Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most popular toppings include croutons, cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped herbs, and crispy bacon. These toppings can add a delicious crunch, creaminess, or tanginess.
Some great vegetarian options include roasted chickpeas, toasted pumpkin seeds, crumbled feta cheese, sliced avocado, and chopped fresh herbs. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
You can add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to give your soup a little kick.
Garnishing soup enhances its visual appeal, adding vibrant colors and textures that stimulate the appetite. They also provide contrasting flavors and additional layers of complexity, elevating the overall taste experience of the soup.