What To Serve With French Onion Soup? 25 Best Side Dishes

Not sure what to serve with French onion soup?

Look no further than these 25 delicious side dishes.

French onion soup is a classic dish that’s full of flavor and incredibly comforting.

The sweet caramelized onions, the roasted garlic, and the buttery croutons all blend together harmoniously in one savory bowl.

It can be enjoyed on its own as a meal, but it tastes even better when you pair it up with some tasty sides!

From creamy mashed potatoes to herbed pasta salad, I’ve compiled 25 of my favorite side dishes for French onion soup that will elevate your dinner game.

No matter if you prefer simple classics or complex flavors, there’s something here to tantalize your tastebuds.

Let’s get started!

Related:

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• 12 Best Herbs and Spices for French Onion Soup
• French Onion Soup Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for French Onion Soups

Why Consider Serving Sides with French Onion Soup?

• Balance of Flavors: Serving sides with French onion soup helps to balance out the intense flavors of the soup. The sweetness from a side dish like roasted vegetables or a salad can help to cut through the richness and saltiness of the soup, making it more enjoyable for diners.
• Variety: Adding sides to French onion soup gives diners more variety in their meal, which is always appreciated! This also allows them to customize their meal by choosing different combinations of sides that they enjoy most.
• Texture Contrast: Sides provide an interesting contrast in texture when served alongside French onion soup, adding crunchy elements such as croutons or nuts that complement the creamy texture of the broth and melted cheese on top.
• Nutritional Benefits: Serving sides with French onion soup adds additional nutritional benefits to your meal, such as vitamins and minerals from fresh fruits and vegetables or healthy fats from nuts and seeds.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Presenting a bowl of steaming hot French onion soup accompanied by colorful side dishes makes for an attractive presentation that will draw people in before they even take a bite!

What To Serve With French Onion Soup? 25 Best Side Dishes

French onion soup is a classic dish that many people love.

But what do you serve with it?

Here are 25 delicious side dishes that will complete your French onion soup experience:

1. 1905 Salad (Columbia’s Salad)

Make a French onion soup meal iconic with the addition of this delicious classic, known as The 1905 Salad—invented at Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City and still on the menu today!

This stunningly simple combination of tomatoes, crisp Romaine lettuce, roasted peppers and olives is tossed together with a mild vinaigrette.

The result is visually appealing and naturally flavorful; something that seamlessly pairs well with a hearty bowl of soup and a crusty baguette for an authentic evening meal.

2. Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad (Copycat Recipe)

Applebee’s famous take on an all-time classic Chinese chicken salad is perfect to pair with a bowl of French onion soup.

The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy noodles, and sweet mandarin oranges make it one complex dish!

Not to mention fun texture from the sunflower seeds and sugar sprinkled almonds.

Drizzle on the splotchy oriental dressing for a luscious finish.

Serve as a full lunch or accompaniment with soups and sandwiches.

3. Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini

A zesty chicken pesto panini brings your soup-centered meal to the next level.

Marinade bone-in chicken breasts with a flavorful mix of crushed garlic, salt and pepper, olive oil, minced onion, and basil leaves.

Grill until cooked through then set aside while you make the grilled sandwich on sourdough or Italian rolls.

Spread both sides of the roll with store bought or homemade pesto sauce.

Put some mozzarella cheese over one side of each roll along with two halves of grilled chicken breast per sandwich and enjoy sizzling hot off the grill!

4. Croque Monsieur

Add a French bistro flair to your next meal with an indulgent take on the classic open-faced sandwich, the Croque Monsieur.

This gooey treat is perfect for tucking into any bowl of soup such as mushroom risotto or delightfully light tomato bisque.

It also makes a fantastic sandwich option when served with a hearty side salad, especially on Sunday evenings when nothing seems easier than popping one in the oven and calling it dinner.

5. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a creamy and delicious companion to French onion soup.

The thin slices of potato gently layer together with plenty of butter, cream, garlic, and cheese for an indulgent side dish.

For a simple yet elegant presentation, top the finished scalloped potatoes with wholesome chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before baking.

6. Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Who doesn’t love pull-apart garlic bread?

This version takes it to the next level with a cheesy interior that oozes out each time you break off a piece.

It’s delicious paired with soups, stews, and chilis!

For example, a bowl of potato leek soup would be sublime with this cheesy topped bread.

The dish is made even more comforting when served alongside roasted carrots or green beans.

7. Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter

Complement the savory flavors of French onion soup with a luxurious, pan-seared steak.

Generously season steaks with salt and pepper, and cook them in melted butter until they reach the desired degree of doneness.

Finish by topping the steak with garlic butter – simply combine chopped garlic, butter, and minced fresh herbs – to add richness and herby aroma.

8. Garlic Lemon Butter Seared Scallops

For a really special side, sear off some buttery garlic lemon scallops.

These tender morsels make a luxurious accompaniment to a bowl of creamy tomato bisque or your favorite soup recipe for dinner.

Searing the scallops in butter imparts amazing flavor, and when combined with minced garlic, it is an unbeatable combination that will have everyone agog.

9. Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic butter baked salmon is the perfect accompaniment to a comforting bowl of French onion soup.

The succulent, rich texture and nutty taste of this fillet of wild caught salmon pairs perfectly with the sweet, savory notes of caramelized onions and beef broth.

Best of all, it comes together in minutes under foil without crowding your oven!

Top each piece with a light sprinkle of parsley for an easy but elegant touch.

10. One-Pan Roast Chicken with Shallots

This quick-to-table, one-pan roast chicken with shallots and rosemary is bound to become your new favorite go-to picnic side.

Smother the bird in a savory marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and white wine, before roasting it with sweetly caramelized shallots.

Keep a few batches ready to accompany tomato bisque soup and garden salads for any summer get togethers you may have on your calendar this season!

11. Wiener Schnitzel

Enhance the flavor of your French onion soup with a classic, crowd-pleasing Wiener schnitzel.

This savory breaded pork cutlet is traditionally served with a rich mushroom gravy or a tangy cranberry sauce.

Your guests will love its crispy golden exterior and tender interior when it’s served alongside a steaming bowl of aromatic french onion soup.

12. Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin

Add a boost of deliciousness to any soup with this garlic butter pork tenderloin.

It makes an impressive showpiece dish that turns a cozy bowl of onion or tomato bisque into an elevated meal.

Using budget-friendly pork tenderloins seals in the juice and flavor of the meat, while fresh herbs in the herbed butter bring warmth and depth to every bite.

13. French Bread

A classic French onion soup deserves to be served with something equally classic – an artisan French bread.

The thick, golden crust and generously sized slices make the perfect vehicle for dunking into a steaming bowl of your homemade onion soup.

Or top it off with croutons or grated cheese for a comforting side dish to round out the meal.

14. Grilled Asparagus

Soup’s perfect partner? Grilled asparagus!

Throw slivery stalks of fresh asparagus onto a hot grill until lightly charred, then sprinkle them with garlic salt and black pepper for an easy side that brings out the best in brothy bowls.

Grilling mellows raw asparagus’ slightly bitter flavor into sweet-tasting tenderness.

Plus, adding this nutritious veggie to soups instantly boosts your daily vegetable quota.

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

Round out a meal of French onion soup with roasted Brussels sprouts.

Toss the sprouts in a little olive oil and roast in the oven, until they’re a deep golden-brown on the outside and tender throughout.

To give them an extra kick, grate some fresh garlic over the top to infuse it into every bite.

16. Baked Brie

Take a break from croutons and crackers, and try this warm, savory appetizer instead.

Baked Brie is an indulgent way to add creamy richness to any soup.

Whether it’s roasted butternut squash or a classic tomato, the slightly sweet and salty baked cheese pairs beautifully with every spoonful.

Serve thin slices of crunchy French baguette on the side for some carb-filled dipping pleasure!

17. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Make this classic comfort food with a kick.

Roasting the garlic first coaxes out its sweet nutty flavor, and playing up its buttery texture along with Yukon Gold potatoes.

Smooth in some milk and cream for extra creamy mashed potatoes that make for a great side for French onion soup or any type of main dish.

Finish off your plate with fresh parsley or green onions for an added touch of flavor and color.

18. Croissants

What better accompaniment to a soup than a warm, buttery croissant?

These classic French pastries are surprisingly simple and economical to make – just need flour, water, yeast, an egg and some butter!

Pull them apart for a side of mouth-watering veggies or meat soups.

Or if you’re feeling extra creative go ahead and stuff them with your favorite fillings!

19. Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto

When it comes to French onion soup, nothing beats the simplicity of a grilled chicken sandwich.

Spread a pesto over your sandwich and top with freshly-carved slices of chicken breast.

Grill up some red onions and tomatoes on the side, or enjoy the classic pairing of lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.

The flavors will all meld together wonderfully and make for one flavor-packed meal when paired with a savory bowl of french onion soup.

20. Banana Cream Cheesecake with Bavarian Cream

Give store-bought soups a sweet, creamy finish with this delicious banana cream cheesecake.

A luscious custard layer of Bavarian Cream works as the foundation for flavorful crushed pineapple, then layered in between crumbled graham cracker crumbs and all-natural banana slices.

The result is a delightfully light yet rich cheesy cake that pairs perfectly with your favorite warm soup dish.

21. Lemon Ice Cream

Versatile and creamy lemon ice cream is the perfect sweet treat to pair with French onion soup for a memorable meal.

Whether you make it yourself or pick up some store-bought scoops, lemon ice cream has that zesty flavor that will delightfully contrast with the rich, umami flavors of your favorite French onion soup recipe.

Add extra sweetness by topping off everyone’s servings with a dollop of real whipped cream!

22. Fudgy Brownies

Warm, ultra-fudgy brownies are a cinch to make and will turn your soup into something special.

With just cocoa powder, butter, sugar and eggs as the base ingredients it’s almost impossible to go wrong.

The mix of flavors is sure to please everyone from kids to adults—especially when served with meganuts on top or with a scoop of ice cream!

23. Red Wine Spritzer

Cool and refreshing with a bright pop of flavor, Red Wine Spritzers are the ideal way to entertain your guests.

This sparkling beverage balances sweet fruit juice like grapefruit or cranberry, with just enough French red wine for an invigoratingly tart sip.

Your dinner party will be complete when pairing this palate-cleansing beverage with a comforting bowl of french onion soup.

24. Bourbon Cocktails

No need to save bourbon cocktails for Friday nights—mix up an easy, sophisticated version of an old-fashioned for a weekday winter treat.

Pour out a smooth glass of whisky over ice, adding in a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest and some simple syrup.

Garnish with aromatic orange slices or maraschino cherries if desired, and lift your spirits while sipping hot soup!

25. Apple Pie Cookies

Apple Pie Cookies make the perfect accompaniment to a hot bowl of French onion soup.

These melt-in-your-mouth treats are easy to make and filled with tart apples and warm spices.

One bite of these buttery cookies will transport you right into Grandma’s kitchen!

Bake up a batch for an instantly cozy evening with homemade, comforting comfort food.

Conclusion

In conclusion, French onion soup is a classic dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes.

Some of the best side dishes to serve with French onion soup include 1905 Salad, Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini, Croque Monsieur, Scalloped Potatoes, Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread, Pan-Seared Steak with Garlic Butter, Seared Scallops, Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, Wiener Schnitzel, and Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin.

These sides will add flavor, texture, and color to your meal that will make your French onion soup experience even more enjoyable.

So, the next time you’re making French onion soup, don’t forget to pick out one of these side dishes to complete your meal.