When the weather gets cooler, soup is always the first thing that comes to mind. It's cozy, comforting, and nourishing - but sometimes you want to turn it into a complete meal that's filling and wholesome. So if you're wondering "what to serve with soup", you're in the right place.
We're sharing over 25 of the most popular and beginner-friendly side dishes for soup, from warm, buttery breads and grilled cheese sandwiches to crisp salads and roasted veggies. These recipes are simple to make, big on flavor, and guaranteed to pair perfectly with your favorite warm bowl of soup.
This roundup was inspired by my love for serving hearty soups with equally delicious side dishes. If you enjoy this collection, be sure to check out my 50 Best Bread Recipes and 40 Best Salad Recipes for even more easy, family-friendly ideas.
Best Side Dishes for Soup
Garlic Breadsticks
u003cpu003eSoft garlic breadsticks are fluffy, airy, buttery, and delicious. They're an easy recipe that is perfect for beginners at baking bread. u003c/pu003e
Caesar Salad
u003cpu003eClassic Caesar Salad is fresh, crisp, delicious, and flavorful. With three simple ingredients tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, it's ready in minutes. You can also add in some bacon bits.u003c/pu003e
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
u003cpu003eGrilled cheese roll ups are a fun twist on a classic grilled cheese that gives you a hot handheld lunch to enjoy. They're kid-friendly and easy to make. I especially like pairing this with tomato soup.u003c/pu003e
Pigs in a Blanket
u003cpu003ePigs in a blanket from scratch are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack to make for your next party or gathering - juicy, cheesy, flaky, and buttery. A great side!u003c/pu003e
Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
u003cpu003eBaked Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy, delicious, flavorful. Serve as an appetizer or side dish. They are salty, savory, and sweet, with a hint of spice.u003c/pu003e
Cheesy Garlic Bread
u003cpu003eCheesy Garlic Bread is toasty and crispy on the outside, tender and soft inside with a garlic butter spread topped with melty cheese. This comforting appetizer is easy to make in under 20 minutes - including prep!u003c/pu003e
Easy Tossed Salad
Easy Tossed Salad is crisp, colorful, and fresh, made with crunchy romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Pair it with chicken soup for a filling meal.
Caprese Sandwich
u003cpu003eThis vegetarian Caprese Sandwich is packed with layers of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, greens, and a balsamic basil pesto sauce in between ciabatta buns.u003c/pu003e
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
u003cpu003eFried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese. u003c/pu003e
Oven Roasted Vegetables
u003cpu003eOven Roasted Vegetables are a delicious flavorful side dish that goes well with almost any dinner main. Customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. u003c/pu003e
Garlic Knots
u003cpu003eGarlic knots are fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and topped with delicious savory garlic herbed butter that will have you begging for more. My favorite soup with this is Italian soup.u003c/pu003e
Kale Chickpea Salad
u003cpu003eThis Kale Chickpea Salad is light and refreshing, made with a mixture of fresh veggies, chickpeas, tangy feta, and a homemade lemon dijon vinaigrette. u003c/pu003e
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
u003cpu003eTurkey and Cheese Sliders are quick and easy, made with deli meat and Swiss cheese filled inside soft Hawaiian dinner rolls topped with a buttery sauce. u003c/pu003e
Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
u003cpu003eTomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze is an easy Italian appetizer topped with fresh ingredients including tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and olive oil. Delicious, fresh and simple.u003c/pu003e
Zucchini Bites
u003cpu003eZucchini Bites are savory balls that are loaded with fresh zucchini. They're quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes in the air fryer or oven.u003c/pu003e
Easy Small Batch Ciabatta Rolls
u003cpu003eEasy small batch ciabatta rolls are fluffy and airy with a perfect crunchy, crackly crust. They take only 10 minutes to prepare and require no kneading.u003c/pu003e
Quinoa Spinach Power Salad
u003cpu003eQuinoa Spinach Power Salad is made with tender quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, and raisins dressed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette. Gluten-free and vegan too. u003c/pu003e
Green Goddess Sandwich
Green Goddess Sandwich is a fresh and vibrant twist on a classic veggie sandwich, packed with a creamy herb sauce, crisp veggies, avocado, and mozzarella.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Baked Mozzarella Sticks are a cheesy appetizer that's crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. They're baked instead of fried for a lighter twist.
Greek Fries
Homemade Greek fries bring a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish, crispy fries are topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lime juice.
Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
u003cpu003eFlaky Garlic Cheddar Biscuits are a simple but delicious and flavorful no yeast bread that is ready for the oven with less than 15 minutes prep. These buttery biscuits with cheddar cheese are so good with soup!u003c/pu003e
Arugula Salad
u003cpu003eThis Arugula Salad with Parmesan cheese and a simple homemade lemon dressing is healthy, fresh, and delicious. This versatile salad is easy to customize and goes well with almost any soup. I love it with potato soup! u003c/pu003e
Tuna Melt Grilled Cheese Sandwich
u003cpu003eGet your hands on pantry staple canned tuna and make a delicious, crunchy tuna melt grilled cheese sandwich in less than 10 minutes! It's so tasty and easy!u003c/pu003e
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
u003cpu003eEasy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. A total crowd pleaser for adults and kids alike!u003c/pu003e
Crispy Corn Fritters
Crispy Corn Fritters are golden, savory, and quick to make. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side with your favorite summer meals!
Pull Apart Garlic Bread
u003cpu003eHomemade Pull Apart Garlic Bread is fluffy, buttery, flavourful, and tears easily for optimal sharing. You won't be able to stop grabbing these bites!u003c/pu003e
Simple Italian Salad
u003cpu003eSimple Italian Salad is fresh, delicious, and flavorful. This Olive Garden copycat is loaded with fresh veggies including lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions, and lightly tossed in homemade dressing.u003c/pu003e
Spinach Cheese Rolls
u003cpu003eSpinach cheese rolls are an easy appetizer that's creamy, cheesy, comforting, and delicious. Serve as an appy at parties, for a school lunch, or snack. u003c/pu003e
FAQ
A good side dish for soup is one that complements the flavors and textures of the soup without overpowering it. Classic choices include crusty bread, grilled cheese, or simple dinner rolls for dipping. Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or light sandwiches are also great options. The key is to balance hearty soups (such as tortilla soup, chicken noodle soup, or french onion soup) with lighter sides, and lighter soups with something a bit more filling.
If you don't want to use bread, there are plenty of other delicious dippers. Try crackers, breadsticks, pita chips, or even pretzels for crunch. Roasted potato wedges or easy flatbreads like naan or tortillas can also be used in place of traditional bread. For a lighter option, fresh veggie sticks like carrots or celery are surprisingly satisfying dipped into warm soup.
To turn soup into a full meal, pair it with a side that adds protein and substance. Sandwiches, wraps, grain salads, or roasted vegetables can round out the bowl nicely. You can also serve it with a baked potato, a simple pasta side, or even a slice of quiche for a heartier pairing. Combining soup with one or two of these sides makes dinner feel complete and balanced.
Bread is a classic, but it's not your only option. Serve soup with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, simple grains like rice or quinoa, or even small savory muffins. Grilled sandwiches, wraps, or finger foods like quesadillas or empanadas also work really well. These sides bring variety and texture to the meal while keeping things easy and approachable.
Soup at a party can be both elegant and practical. Serve it in small cups or mugs for easy handling, or create a "soup bar" with a variety of toppings and sides so guests can customize their bowls. Pair it with breads, rolls, or light finger foods like sliders or salad cups for a complete spread. Offering two contrasting soups (like one creamy and one brothy) is also a fun way to give guests options.
More Recipe Collections
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried any of these soup sides?
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Recipe
Side Dishes for Soup: Garlic Breadsticks
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 breadsticks
Description
Looking for what to serve with your favorite soups? Discover 25+ easy side dishes for soup from crusty breads, grilled cheese, salads, veggies, and more. One of our favorites are these Garlic Breadsticks.
Ingredients
- 240 grams (1 cup) water, lukewarm
- 6 grams (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 4 grams (1 teaspoon) sugar (or honey)
- 375 grams (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 6 grams (1 teaspoon) salt
- 40 grams (3 tablespoons) olive oil
For the topping:
- 2-3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prepare the dough (first rise):
- In a small mixing bowl, add yeast and sugar in water and stir well until dissolved. Sugar and water activates yeast in a few minutes and the mixture should start to bubble and develop a yeasty aroma.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour and salt. Pour in the wet yeast mixture and olive oil and mix with a silicone spatula until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl (there should be no dry flour particles visible).
- Knead the dough on a clean surface for 5-10 minutes until it turns into a smooth dough ball. You can also mix the dough in a stand mixer on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the dough ball back into the bowl and cover with plastic cling wrap. Let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Shape the dough:
- Flatten the dough into an approximately 9x12-inch rectangle. Use a bench scraper or pizza cutter to divide it into 12 equal pieces.
- Gently roll each piece into a 9-inch rope and arrange on a parchment-lined half sheet baking pan, evenly spaced 1-inch apart.
- Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic cling wrap and let the dough rise until almost doubled in size, about 45 minutes depending on the room temperature.
Bake the breadsticks:
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, garlic powder, salt flakes, and Italian seasoning, Use a silicone brush to gently brush the mixture evenly over each breadstick.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. If you like your breadsticks extra crispy, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
- Let the breadsticks cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve on its own, with marinara sauce for dipping, or with a bowl of soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
This recipe roundup was originally posted in 2022 and was updated recently with new content.
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