Having a tasty and filling soup can be satisfying, but pairing it with the right side dish can take the meal to the next level. The right accompaniment can provide contrasting flavors and textures to complement the soup. When deciding what makes a good side for homemade vegetable soup, there are a few key factors to consider.
Bread
A slice of crusty bread is one of the most classic and delicious options for serving alongside vegetable soup. The crunch of the bread provides an excellent textural contrast to the soft, warm vegetables and broth in the soup. Bread can also help soak up and savor every last bit of the flavorful soup broth.
For vegetable soups, a nice artisan loaf or baguette work very well. Foccacia, rolls, cornbread, and biscuits are other great bread choices that pair nicely with veggie soups. You can add some excitement by serving a loaf with herbs, cheeses, or other mix-ins baked right in. Grilled or toasted bread can provide even more texture and flavor.
What types of bread work best?
Here are some top bread recommendations for serving with vegetable soup:
| Bread | Features |
|---|---|
| Baguette | Crisp crust with airy interior |
| Foccacia | Fluffy with olive oil and herbs |
| Cornbread | Crackly top with cornmeal flavor |
| Whole wheat rolls | Hearty, healthy, and slightly nutty |
Salad
A fresh salad is another excellent vegetable soup accompaniment. Leafy greens and vegetable salads provide crunchy, cool, and bright contrast to the hot soup. The salad greens can help balance and lighten a soup that’s heavy on starchy vegetables like potatoes or squash.
Green salads are a go-to choice, but grain salads and slaws also pair wonderfully with vegetable soups. You can keep it simple with just greens, veggies, and vinaigrette. Or, make it more filling by adding ingredients like nuts, cheese, beans, or chicken.
What are good salad additions?
Some tasty mix-ins to try in your vegetable soup salad include:
| Salad Additions | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Shredded carrot | Crunch and sweetness |
| Dried cranberries | Tart flavor and chewy texture |
| Feta or blue cheese | Savory, salty accent |
| Candied pecans | Crunch and a touch of sweet |
Garlic Bread
Warm, garlicky, buttered bread is never a bad idea! Garlic bread is a comforting accompaniment to vegetable soups. The zing of the garlic and herbs plays off the flavors of the vegetables. Crispy garlic bread can be dipped right into the soup broth for added flavor.
Baking a loaf with garlic butter slathered on top is the traditional way to make garlic bread. For an extra crunchy version, you can brush garlic butter over slices of baguette, focaccia, or ciabatta and toast until golden brown. Garlic breadsticks are another fun alternative.
Tips for the best garlic bread
Follow these tips for irresistible garlic bread with vegetable soup:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use plenty of butter and garlic | This ensures maximum flavor |
| Add herbs | Parsley, oregano, and thyme complement the garlic |
| Grate Parmesan on top | Extra richness and saltiness |
| Brush with oil first | Creates a crispy exterior |
Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are a comforting match for any soup. They can round out the meal and help fill you up. Dinner rolls are great for dipping in the soup broth to get every last bit of flavor.
Parker House rolls, cloverleaf rolls, and classic buttery dinner rolls are all excellent choices. Look for rolls made with milk, butter, and a little sugar for softness and sweetness to balance the soup. Whole grain rolls also pair well for nuttiness.
Making the best dinner rolls
Here are some useful tips for making great dinner rolls as a vegetable soup side:
| Advice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Brush with butter before baking | Helps create a soft, rich crust |
| Bake until golden brown | Results in the perfect texture |
| Serve rolls warm | Allows the butter to melt into the rolls |
| Offer a variety of shapes | Adds visual interest to the meal |
Muffins or Cornbread
For a homey, comforting side for vegetable soup, it’s hard to beat warm muffins or cornbread. The hint of natural sweetness plays off the hearty soup beautifully. Cornbread is especially well-suited for chowders or soups with corn.
Bran muffins, blueberry muffins, or classic buttermilk cornbread are all great options. The crumbs from crumbling muffins or cornbread into the soup can thicken the broth too.
Tips for great muffins/cornbread
Here are some tips for baking the perfect muffins or cornbread to go with soup:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use stoneground cornmeal | Adds delicious texture and flavor |
| Include bacon drippings | Infuses cornbread with smoky flavor |
| Bake in a cast iron skillet | Crisps the edges nicely |
| Stir in fresh or frozen corn | Provides bursts of sweet corn taste |
Crackers
Crispy crackers pair perfectly with the broth in vegetable soups. Plain crackers like saltines provide a simple, neutral base for dipping and soaking up the soup. Or go for a whole grain or seeded cracker for nutty flavors.
Oyster crackers are another traditional choice, adding a subtly sweet, buttery accent. Whole wheat crackers, multigrain crackers, or even pita chips also complement vegetable soups deliciously.
Best crackers for vegetable soup
Here are some of the top cracker varieties to try with your homemade vegetable soup:
| Cracker | Qualities |
|---|---|
| Saltines | Flaky, salty, and versatile |
| Whole wheat | Nutty, hearty, and healthy |
| Oyster crackers | Petite, buttery, and slightly sweet |
| Pita chips | Crunchy and great for dipping |
Conclusion
When looking for the perfect side to go with homemade vegetable soup, options like bread, salad, and crackers make excellent accompaniments. Crunchy, soft, savory, and sweet sides all contrast beautifully with the flavors of vegetable soup.
Bread, muffins, and rolls give you an edible utensil for soaking up every drop of tasty broth. Crispy crackers and garlic bread are ideal for scooping. And cool, crisp salads balance out heartier soups. Whichever side you choose, you’re sure to end up with a well-rounded, satisfying soup and sides meal.