What Goes Well With Soup: Salads, Breads, Crackers, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and Crostini

Introduction

Soup is one of the most versatile meals you can make. Whether served as a light snack or a hearty meal, soups can be made from just about any ingredients. While there’s no single right way to prepare soup, it’s important to have the right accompaniments to make it the perfect meal. Here, we explore what goes well with soup and how to create the perfect soup and side combination.

Salads

A salad is a great accompaniment to any soup. Depending on the type of soup you’re making, you can choose from a variety of salads. For instance, a fresh green salad pairs nicely with cream-based soups like potato leek or broccoli cheddar. You could also serve a grain-based salad such as quinoa tabouli or farro with a vegetable soup. If you’re looking for something more substantial, a lentil salad or roasted vegetable salad makes a great partner for a bean or minestrone soup.

In addition to adding flavor and texture to your soup, salads offer several nutritional benefits. According to a study published in Nutrients, incorporating vegetables into your meals can increase nutrient intake and help maintain a healthy weight. Salads are also a great way to get in more fiber, which helps keep you full for longer and can aid in digestion.

Breads

Bread has long been a staple accompaniment to soup. There are many types of breads that pair perfectly with soup, from crusty baguettes to fluffy dinner rolls. Sourdough, rye, and pumpernickel are all great options for heartier soups like chili or split pea. For lighter soups, such as carrot ginger or tomato, a buttery brioche or focaccia would be ideal.

Not only does bread add flavor and texture to soup, it also provides essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins. Additionally, bread can help you absorb more of the nutrients from the soup. A study published in Food Chemistry found that adding bread to a soup increases the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

Crackers

Crackers are another popular accompaniment to soup. You can find a variety of crackers to choose from, including multigrain, whole wheat, and rye. Crackers are especially good with creamy soups like cauliflower or butternut squash. They can also be used to top chunky soups, such as beef barley or mushroom.

In addition to being a tasty side dish, crackers offer several health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, and are a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Crackers are also a great way to add crunch to soup without adding too many calories.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches make a great accompaniment to soup. To make a classic grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll need two slices of bread, butter, and cheese. Spread the butter onto one side of each slice of bread, then place the slices butter-side down in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cheese to one slice of bread, then top with the other slice of bread, butter-side up. Cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, flipping once during cooking. Serve the sandwich with your favorite soup.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to make soup feel like a complete meal. The cheese adds richness and flavor to the soup, while the bread adds texture and substance. Plus, the combination of protein and carbohydrates will help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Crostini

Crostini are a type of Italian appetizer made by topping slices of toasted bread with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and other ingredients. They are usually served as an accompaniment to soup. To make crostini, start by slicing a baguette into thin rounds. Place the slices on a baking sheet, then brush them with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then bake in a preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Once the crostini are done baking, top them with your favorite toppings, such as pesto, hummus, or roasted vegetables. Serve alongside your favorite soup.

Crostini are a delicious way to dress up a bowl of soup. They add a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor to the soup. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit your taste. Try experimenting with different toppings to find the perfect combination.

Conclusion

Soup is a wonderfully versatile meal that can be enjoyed year-round. To make it the perfect meal, it’s important to choose the right accompaniments. Salads, breads, crackers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and crostini are all great options for pairing with soup. Each one offers its own unique benefits, from added nutrition to extra flavor and texture. With the right combination of soup and sides, you can create the ultimate comfort meal.

When creating the perfect soup and sides combination, remember to focus on flavors and textures. Choose complementary flavors and mix up the textures to create an interesting and satisfying meal. And don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients and combinations – you never know what you might discover.