What to Serve with Soup Besides Bread – 35 Easy Sides

Wondering what to serve with soup besides bread?

Look no further!

Summer is winding down and that means one thing – soup season is upon us!

Soups are the perfect meal for a chilly autumn day, but what should you serve with them?

Bread is a classic choice, but there are plenty of other options.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

See Also: 50 Best Soups with Turnips

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Soup That Aren’t Bread?

There are many reasons why people love soup, but the main reason is its versatility.

It can be eaten as a lunch or dinner dish, and it can be used in a variety of other recipes.

From salads to main dishes, soups are a staple part of any diet.

However, while many people enjoy the broth-based soups, they are a little less enthusiastic about the sides.

For example, when you have soup, you’ll often get bread or crackers that accompany the meal.

While these are typically included for the sake of tradition or habit, they don’t necessarily make the meal taste good.

Therefore, if you want to spice up your soup, then side dishes are the way to go.

You can add a bit of flavor to the soup by simply tossing in vegetables or herbs.

Or, you can complement the soup itself by adding something more substantial.

It’s worth noting that, while bread or crackers are always a welcome addition to soup, they aren’t the best.

Bread or crackers that accompany soup will add a lot of extra calories to the meal.

That isn’t a problem in and of itself, but it does mean that the soup doesn’t need to be paired with a side dish to satisfy the appetite.

Instead, consider pairing soup with a small salad or a handful of fruits to make the meal a bit more substantial.

5 Reasons Not To Serve Bread With Soup

Although many people love to eat bread with soup, there are a few reasons why it might not always be the best idea.

Below is a list of reasons why you might want to consider serving your soup with something that’s a little more substantial.

1. It Can Be High In Calories

Although bread is known to be super tasty, it’s not that healthy.

For example, if you eat two slices of bread to go with your soup, you may find that you’re still hungry.

On the other hand, if you were to pair soup with something like fruits or vegetables, then you would be full.

2. It Can Be High In Carbs

Many people are trying to cut down on carbs these days, but bread is definitely a no-no for them.

After all, carbs are basically sugar.

Instead, if you want to feel full and satisfied, then consider pairing your meal with fruits and vegetables.

This will leave you feeling well-fed and

Here’s a list of different fruits and veggies that would go well with soup:

• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Peas
• Avocados
• Bananas

3. Bread can get soggy and ruin the taste of your soup

As you know, once bread starts to get soggy, it can ruin the taste of your soup.

However, if you pair soup with something else, like vegetables or fruit, then you can avoid this problem.

In many cases, the vegetables will already be crispy, so they won’t get soggy.

Even if they do get soggy, you can still remove them from the soup and eat them as a side dish.

4. A lot of people are gluten-intolerant

Another reason to choose a side dish for soup besides bread is that a lot of people these days are gluten-intolerant.

This means that bread is out of the question, and they’ll have to rely on vegetables or fruits instead.

5. It Might Be Too “Heavy”

If you’ve ever had bread with soup, you might have found that the soup gets soggy and waterlogged in the bread.

This is because the bread holds onto all the moisture from the soup, which then evaporates and turns into steam when the soup warms up.

The solution to this problem is to serve the soup without the bread. It’s just a personal preference thing, but I like my soup to be served on its own plate and not mixed with bread.

What to Serve with Soup Besides Bread – 35 Easy Sides

You can eat soup on its own, of course. But here’s a list of other things you can serve with soup (besides bread):

1. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is a great side dish to serve with soup, and it can be made in just minutes! Simply combine any fresh fruit of your choice (you can also use frozen if you prefer), along with some sugar-free, store-bought jam or marmalade.

You’ll find there’s no need to add anything to dress this up, as it tastes great straight from the mixing bowl. Add some crushed nuts for extra crunch, or chop a handful of dried cranberries into your salad, if you like!

2. Roasted Veggies

If you’re eating a soup, but want something to serve alongside to round it out, consider a roasted veggie side dish. Roasted vegetables are so versatile and tasty, and they look gorgeous too.

I like to roast them whole, and then split them up into individual portions, ready to be served with your soup. Some good choices here include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and peppers.

3. A Cheese Plate

A cheese plate is one of my personal favourite side dishes to serve alongside soup, and it’s so quick and easy to make. I like to serve it as an alternative to bread, and to add another dimension to my meal.

A mix of cheeses really makes a difference, so feel free to try something like gouda, gruyere, or cheddar. The combination of tangy and creamy cheeses works so well together.

Just be sure not to overdo it, as too many cheeses can make your dish a bit too heavy.

4. Potato wedges

Potato wedges are super quick and easy to prepare, and are great for making when you’re in a hurry. You can just slice some up and season them with a little salt, pepper, and butter.

They work so well as an alternative to bread, as they’re packed with lots of vitamin C, fibre, and B vitamins.

5. French fries

You don’t have to eat the bread with soup, you know! So why not serve up some freshly prepared french fries instead? You can choose from either oven baked, steamed, or fried varieties.

I love oven baked for a lot of reasons – it’s delicious, healthy, and fast. Just make sure you check your potato chip bag to make sure you don’t accidentally add too much oil.

If you want to make your fries extra crispy, add some salt while cooking them, then sprinkle on the surface once they’re done.

6. Fried rice

Fried rice is another great choice when it comes to side dishes to accompany soup, as it’s so versatile and can be served hot or cold.

It’s a perfect option for a packed lunch box, because it doesn’t require any cooking, and you can just take the ingredients out of their sealed container in the fridge to reheat.

You can even pack a bag of ready-made fried rice into your lunch box if you don’t want to do it yourself!

7. Couscous

Soup is one of the easiest things to cook at home, so it can be difficult to decide what to serve alongside it. You’re probably already thinking about the classic choice of bread, but a side of couscous is actually a good alternative!

You can add lots of different flavours here, from lemon zest and herbs, to spicy peppers and tomatoes. Couscous also makes an excellent filler for other dishes that tend to get left behind when you’re busy eating, like sandwiches and burgers.

8. Broccoli Salad

Broccoli is a classic accompaniment to soup, especially if it’s creamy based like borscht or split pea. The key to making it taste delicious is to cut the broccoli into small florets rather than chopping it all up into small pieces.

If you want to make it extra hearty, you can include grated carrot, cooked chicken, and lots of chopped walnuts!

9. Pear Salad With Walnuts

A bowl of fresh, juicy pears alongside a hearty serving of steaming soup is just such a treat! I love the combination of sweetness and tartness from the pears, and the crunchy texture of the walnuts make for a really satisfying, filling meal.

The secret to a great pear salad is to make sure the pears are ripe, and to choose ones that are nice and firm.

10. Wilted Spinach Salad With Bacon Bits

This is one of my favourite salads to serve alongside a rich and warming bowl of soup. It’s really quick and easy to make, so it’s perfect if you’re going to be on the move after your meal.

I like to use wilted spinach leaves in this recipe, but if you don’t have any in your fridge, a handful of fresh spinach leaves will also work. If you want your salad to be extra colourful, throw in some radishes and a little dried cranberries.

11. Quesadillas

If you like to keep things simple when it comes to making your dinner, then quesadillas are a great choice. They’re really quick to make and are a super delicious and filling way to enjoy your soup!

I find that I can’t eat just one, so I always have a few in the freezer for a quick and easy meal to reheat. I’m a big fan of a plain cheese quesadilla with some fresh tomato salsa on top, but you can really play around with the combinations as you see fit!

12. Shrimp Avocado Salad

If you’re looking for something really simple to serve with soups and stews, shrimp avocado salad is the perfect choice. It’s quick and easy to make, too, and it’s packed full of nutrients and essential vitamins.

It’s a great option when you’re on the go as you can pack it into a Tupperware box, take it along to work, school, or a picnic.

13. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are such a great side dish to serve alongside soup. The crispy, golden goodness is just the thing to go with something creamy and soothing.

They’re really easy to make too, as all you have to do is cut your sweet potatoes into sticks, and then throw them in the oven for 20 minutes at 180 degrees celsius. They’re perfect for serving at lunchtime, or as an after school snack.

I find that they also make a really good alternative to chips, so if you’re looking for something more substantial than bread, this is a really delicious option.

14. Oven-Fried Zucchini

Oven-fried zucchini is a slightly healthier alternative to deep-frying. Just slice your zucchini in half lengthways, and then place it between two pieces of greaseproof paper.

Sprinkle with some salt, and then use a rolling pin to gently press down on the zucchini to flatten it out. Then pop it into the oven for 20 minutes at 180 degrees celsius.

Once cooked, simply tear the zucchini into bite sized pieces and serve alongside your soup. It’s a tasty accompaniment that you can whip up in minutes!

15. Eggplant Parmesan

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7740630599997346/

Eggplant parmesan is an Italian classic. A great alternative to bread, it’s a real crowd pleaser. You can make it yourself if you’re short on time, or you can choose to make it a little fancier by using pre-packaged ravioli!

If you have time available, make your own by layering a filling of your choice between thin sheets of eggplant. Top the lot with a rich tomato sauce, and serve with grated cheese.

16. Yellow Squash Casserole

A traditional American side dish that’s made using yellow squash. It’s really simple to make and a great accompaniment to any soup or vegetable stew.

You can use any other squash you like, too, like butternut or kabocha. Just slice it up and throw in a steamer basket, cover with water, and steam for about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix some cornflour with some chicken stock, pour it into a bowl, and stir in a teaspoon of butter. Mix in some grated cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, then lay the slices of squash in the bowl and cover them with the mixture. B

ake in the oven for around 15 minutes at 180°C.

17. Snow Peas With Butter and Lemon

I think it’s fair to say that snow peas are one of my favourite vegetables. They’re delicious simply steamed or boiled, and I love them in salads too.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish to go alongside soup, try serving some freshly prepared snow peas with a little butter and lemon. It’s not too fancy or time consuming to make, and the flavour combination is just perfect.

18. Baked Parmesan Broccoli

You can never go wrong with cheesy food, so I’d be willing to bet that this is something that will always find favour at your next dinner party!

Baked Parmesan broccoli is packed full of flavour, and it’s also one of the easiest recipes in this book. All you have to do is steam some broccoli for around 5 minutes, then place in a baking dish, sprinkle over some grated parmesan cheese, drizzle over a little olive oil, and bake in the oven for around 20 minutes.

Serve as a side dish, but don’t forget to put a couple of wedges on top of your soup as well!

19. Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

A good, healthy salad option is spinach salad with hot bacon dressing. This is one of my favourite ways to eat spinach and it’s so quick and easy to make.

Simply combine a handful of spinach leaves with some fresh blueberries, sunflower seeds, almonds, and crumbled bacon. Pour a small amount of low fat mayonnaise on top and sprinkle over some grated parmesan cheese.

Serve in a bowl and you have the perfect accompaniment to your soup that isn’t bread!

20. Avocado Salad

This salad is a great option for when you’re in a hurry, because it’s quick to make and super healthy. You can even make your own dressing if you’d like!

The best way to do this is by whisking together a little soy sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a small amount of oil. Add a pinch of mustard powder and a splash of sesame oil to create a savoury, creamy dressing.

You can eat this on its own, or serve with your soup of choice.

21. Parmesan Herbed Noodles

When you’re planning a soup night, noodles make a really good accompaniment because they’re so versatile. They work well with soups of all flavours, and you can serve them with a side of butter, too, if you like.

If you want to up your game, you could try serving these with a delicious homemade pesto!

22. Cheesy Cauliflower “Breadsticks”

If you love cheesy flavour in a savoury, vegetarian dish, then I urge you to give this recipe for cheesy cauliflower breadsticks a go. They’re the ultimate savoury vegetarian side dish.

They’re crispy on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside, and they’re the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of soup.

They’re super versatile too, as they can be served on their own, or spread with a variety of different toppings.

23. Tomato and Feta White Bean Salad

A classic salad that I just love, this is always a winner for my guests.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty soup or stew, and is so easy to make that you’ll be whipping it up on a regular basis.

Add a handful of croutons if you want to add extra crunch to the dish, or serve it as a side dish with slices of grilled chicken or fish.

24. Kale Caesar Salad

If you’re trying to cut down on your intake of bread, then you might want to consider adding a salad to the menu. A simple tomato and feta white bean salad is a tasty option that will give your guests a nice alternative.

You can dress it up or down depending on your preferences, but here are a couple of recipes to help get you started.

25. Spaghetti Squash with Ricotta, Sage, and Pine Nuts

If you’re looking for a tasty alternative to bread with your soup, then try spaghetti squash instead! It’s a vegetable that looks like a large, orangey turnip, but is actually a crescent shaped fruit.

It takes less time to cook than regular pasta and, depending on the size of the bulb, it can be served in one portion or more. You can easily microwave them for about 10-15 minutes on full power, though if you prefer, you can steam them over boiling water for around 25-30 minutes.

Just make sure you cut it up before serving so that everyone can enjoy it to its fullest.

26. Garlicky Red Potatoes

Potatoes are often used as an accompaniment to soups and stews, so they’re an excellent choice for what to serve with soup.

Try this delicious recipe to help your potato loving friends and family enjoy a big helping of tasty spuds. It’s a perfect way to make a large quantity of potatoes extra special, and they go really well with most savoury dishes, including soups, curries, and casseroles.

They’re a great source of carbohydrate, so I always like to make sure that my family have some around for after dinner snacks. In this particular recipe, I use red potatoes for the added benefit of their vivid orange colour, but white potatoes also work well!

27. Butter-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of my absolute favourite foods. They’re rich, creamy, and filling, which makes them the perfect choice for a side dish to serve with soup or stew.

You can cook your sweet potato in a variety of different ways, but I really like this method for its simplicity and ease of preparation. Simply slice the sweet potatoes into cubes, toss in some butter, and pop them in a preheated oven.

I like to bake mine at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, but you can cook it as long as you want if you prefer.

28. Roasted Potatoes with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts

This is a great alternative to plain old roasted potatoes. It works particularly well when served with creamy soups and stews, like chicken noodle, minestrone, or split pea.

It’s also an easy way to boost the fibre content of your meal! Slice up your potatoes and lay them on the baking tray, then top them with a mixture of bacon pieces, chopped brussels sprouts, and a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

Place them back in the oven and cook them for 25 minutes at 200 degrees Celsius, until the potatoes are nicely golden. Serve them in their own little dish alongside your soup or stew.

29. Ranch Potato Salad

You don’t always have to eat bread with soup, and potato salad is a great option.

A great way to serve this is to have it as a starter and put the bread on a side table. Your guests can choose from the wide range of sandwiches you’ve made for them!

30. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Sometimes it’s fun to have a bit of a challenge! This is a dish that requires a little bit of culinary skill to master, but it’s so much more rewarding when you get it right.

The key to making this work is to use really large mushrooms. I’d recommend getting a pack of about 8 at a supermarket or Asian grocer. You’ll also need some good quality crab meat, so check out my Crab Cakes recipe.

Crab is delicious, healthy, and really filling, so don’t be tempted to cut down on its quantity.

See Also: What to Serve with Stuffed Mushrooms: 33 Easy Side Dishes

31. Hashbrown Casserole

A hashbrown casserole is a great option for serving with soup when you’re in a hurry! This dish is a real crowd pleaser, so it’s great for getting you out of the kitchen and into the company of friends and family!

You can make it on the day of the meal, but the key to success is to give yourself plenty of time to cook and assemble the ingredients.

32. Instant Pot Steamed Green Beans

I don’t know about you, but I just don’t have time to stand over a steaming pot of boiling water while waiting for my green beans to cook!

Fortunately, this method means that the entire process is done in less than 5 minutes, and leaves you with perfectly tender, sweet green beans. To prepare these, first cut your beans into 4-inch lengths and blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender.

Drain and refresh under cold water. You can then steam them in the pressure cooker for another 2 minutes, or you can finish by drizzling with some olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.

33. Baked Potato Chips

This is the perfect side dish to accompany soups and stews, but also works really well with noodle dishes and rice based dishes.

To create a baked potato chip, simply cut the potatoes into chunks, toss in some sea salt, and pop them on a baking tray. Bake at 180 degrees for around 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside.

34. Roasted Beet Fries

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, then try roasting your beets. Cut the beets into batons, and place them on a lined baking tray.

Roast for around 45 minutes at 200 degrees, tossing the beets every 10 minutes. You can then serve them as they are, or mash them up to make beet burgers.

35. Zucchini Fritters

Serve a side serving of zucchini fritters alongside soup if you’d rather not eat bread, as they’re easy to make and add extra flavour to your meal.

You can choose from a variety of fillings for these fritters including butternut squash, chicken, or sweet potato, but I always think the classic choice of cheese and chilli works really well.

They’re a great way to sneak in extra veggies if you’re watching your figure!

Conclusion

When you want to serve soup, it’s important to have a delicious side dish to go along with it. While bread is always a good option, there are plenty of other side dishes that pair perfectly with soup.

Fried rice is a great choice for a side dish to go with your favorite soup. The combination of noodles and the spicy flavor of the fried rice really make this dish a perfect complement to any soup.

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