What to Serve with Taco Soup? 30 Best Side Dishes

If you’re not sure what to serve with taco soup, you’re in luck!

I’ve rounded up 30 of the best side dishes to go with this delicious and easy soup recipe.

From cornbread and salad to all sorts of delicious toppings, there is sure to be something on this list that your family will love.

Read Also: The 10 Best Toppings for Taco Soup

So the next time you make taco soup, be sure to try one (or all!) of these amazing side dishes!

What to Serve with Taco Soup? 30 Best Side Dishes

Why not go all in and make a big batch of taco soup?

It’s hearty, filling, and delicious.

But what should you serve with it?

There are a number of great options that will complement the flavors of the soup and leave you feeling satisfied.

Here are 30 of the best side dishes for taco soup:

1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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This one is for those who LOVE cheese (I’m talking to you, Wisconsinites).

The key to making scalloped potatoes is all in the layering.

You want to make sure that each potato is evenly coated in cheese sauce, and that there’s no shortage of cheesy goodness in between the layers.

I like to add a little bit of garlic powder and onion powder to my cheese sauce to give it some extra flavor.

Pro Tip: When layering the potatoes, start with a layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking, and ensure that each bite is as flavorful as possible.

Twists:

• Add some diced ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
• Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a twist on the classic.
• Stir in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of baking for a pop of color and an extra dose of veggies.

Read Also: 15 Fruits That Go With Tacos

2. Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips

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Who can say no to crispy, salty chips?

These zucchini chips are the perfect addition to any soup, and they’re so easy to make!

All you need is a little bit of oil and some seasonings, then bake in the oven until crispy.

The best part about these chips is that you can customize them however you like.

Add some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor, or swap out the salt for another seasoning like garlic powder or onion powder.

Pro Tip: To get extra-crispy chips, pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before baking.

3. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Sure, raw brussels are super boring and no one wants to eat them.

But roasted brussels?

Now that’s a side dish I can get behind.

These garlic Parmesan roasted brussels are the perfect mix of savory and slightly sweet, with a crispy outer edge and a soft center.

They’re delicious on their own, but they’re also the perfect side to soup or salad.

Pro Tip: If you want to make this dish extra flavorful, add some bacon! You can also swap out the Parmesan for another cheese, like Gruyere or sharp cheddar. And for a fun twist, try drizzling them with balsamic vinegar before serving.

4. Garlic Knots

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This side dish can be a lot of fun to make (knotting the garlic-infused dough is oddly satisfying), and it’s the perfect accompaniment to a big bowl of taco soup.

The garlic knots are soft and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy outer crust that’s coated in even more garlic and butter.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can make these ahead of time and freeze them. Just pop them in the oven to reheat when you’re ready to eat.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the garlic for another herb or spice (rosemary would be delicious).
• Make mini knots for a bite-sized appetizer.
• Dip in your favorite sauce (marinara, Alfredo, ranch, etc.)

5. Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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I usually let the kids join in on the fun by letting them help with the smashing part.

They love getting their hands dirty, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking.

These potatoes are also really good alongside soup because they add a nice crunch.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook the potatoes in the microwave before smashing them. Just be sure to let them cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn yourself.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some shredded cheese to the potatoes before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Mix in some chopped bacon or ham before baking for a savory twist.
• Top with sour cream and chives after baking for a delicious twist.

6. Cheesy Corn Fritters

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Everybody knows that dipping a piping hot fritter into a creamy soup is one of life’s great pleasures.

But why stop there?

These fritters are also delicious on their own, or as a sandwich with some crispy bacon and lettuce.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, here are three creative twists you can try:

• Add diced jalapeños to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Swap out the cheddar cheese for Gruyere or Gouda.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream and chives before serving.

7. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

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Let’s get cheesy for a moment, shall we?

This cauliflower dish is the perfect side to a big bowl of soup because it’s packed with flavor and has a nice, creamy texture.

Also, who doesn’t love cheese?

Pro Tip: If you want an extra crispy topping, swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed up potato chips.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced ham or bacon for a little salty goodness.
• Mix in some cooked broccoli or other veggies for extra nutrition.
• Top with a fried egg for a fun and easy twist.

8. Roasted Green Beans

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How about a big batch of roasted green beans to go alongside your taco soup?

They take less than 20 minutes to make, and they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

Plus, they’re a perfect side dish because they can be served hot or cold.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try roasting your green beans with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese.

3 Unique Twists:

• Roast your green beans with balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme for a tangy twist.
• Toss your roasted green beans with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
• Add some spice to your roasted green beans by tossing them with chili flakes and cumin before roasting.

9. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

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If you have a sweet tooth (or more specifically, a carrot tooth), this is the dish for you.

The brown sugar glazes the carrots and gives them a beautiful caramelized flavor.

I love to pair this side dish with soup because it really helps to balance out the savory flavors.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra hit of flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the carrots for sweet potatoes – they’ll absorb the glaze even better!
• Add some fresh thyme or rosemary to the mix for an herby twist
• For a fun presentation, serve the carrots in mini mason jars

10. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes Carrots and Zucchini

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Nobdoy will be hungry after this filling side dish!

This is the perfect way to sneak in some veggies too.

The best part?

It only takes 30 minutes to make!

Pro Tip: I like to use Yukon gold potatoes because they have a nice buttery flavor, but you can really use any type of potato you have on hand.

3 Unique Twists:

• Use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon golds for a sweeter flavor.
• Add in some chopped kale or spinach for an extra dose of greens.
• Swap out the carrots and zucchini for roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted cauliflower.

11. Spanish Rice

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Super simple (and delicious) Spanish rice is the perfect side to any soup!

It’s filling, but not too heavy, and it soaks up all the extra broth from your soup.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover rice you have in your fridge.

Pro Tip: Make sure to rinse your rice before cooking it. This will help remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced tomatoes for a little sweetness and acidity.
• Swap out the white rice for brown rice for a heartier dish.
• Stir in some cooked beans or lentils for an extra protein boost.

12. The Creamiest Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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It’s hard to say no when you look down at a bowl of creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

They’re the perfect side to taco soup because they add a heartiness and creaminess that takes the soup to the next level.

Plus, they’re so easy to make!

Pro Tip: For extra creaminess, add in some sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add roasted garlic for an extra punch of flavor.
• Stir in some green onions for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
• Top with shredded cheese and bacon bits for a truly decadent dish.

13. Cornbread

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If simplicity is what you’re looking for in a side dish, cornbread is the way to go.

It’s an easy recipe to follow, and it pairs well with just about any soup.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up that extra box of cornmeal that’s been sitting in your pantry for months.

Pro Tip: For a crispy top, brush the cornbread with melted butter before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced jalapeño to the batter for a spicy kick.
• Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Mix in 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.

14. Dinner Rolls

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I’m pretty sure you already know that these dinner rolls are… bread, and bread is good.

But what you might not know is that these particular rolls are extra fluffy and have just the right amount of crust.

They’re also really easy to make!

I like to serve them with taco soup because they soak up all the delicious broth and add a nice, hearty element to the meal.

Pro Tip: If you want your dinner rolls to be even more delicious, try brushing them with some melted butter before baking.

3 Unique Twists You Can Make:

• Add some garlic to the dough for a savory twist.
• Mix in some dried fruit or nuts for a sweet and crunchy contrast.
• Top with everything bagel seasoning for a savory and slightly spicy flavor profile.

15. Garlic and Parmesan Kale Chips

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If you prefer something crispy and savory to go alongside your soup, these garlic and Parmesan kale chips are the way to go.

They’re packed with flavor, but not so much that they’ll overpower your soup.

Plus, they’re a great way to get some extra greens in!

Pro Tip: If you want an extra cheesy flavor, swap out the Parmesan for Asiago cheese.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
• Swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
• Add some lemon juice before baking for a bright and fresh flavor.

16. Garlic Parmesan Orzo

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Although not super pretty, this side dish is the perfect addition to soup because it soaks up all of the delicious broth.

It’s like having a little bit of bread in your soup, but way better.

The orzo also gets nice and crispy on the top from the Parmesan cheese, which is an added bonus.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this to go with soup, make sure to cook the orzo until it’s al dente. This way, it won’t turn into mush when it absorbs all of that delicious soup.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
• Swap out the Parmesan cheese for goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Stir in some cooked spinach leaves for an extra dose of veggies.

17. Classic Wedge Salad

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You’ve got to eat your greens, and what better way to do it than with a classic wedge salad?

This side dish is the perfect accompaniment to taco soup because it’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor.

The pro tip here is to use a good quality blue cheese dressing – it makes all the difference.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you can try one of these three twists:

• Add some diced avocado for creaminess
• Swap out the blue cheese for goat cheese
• Top with crispy bacon bits

18. Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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If regular old white potatoes are the bread to your soup’s butter, then these sweet potatoes are the gourmet sourdough.

They’re a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and they add an extra level of depth and flavor to any soup.

And, they’re so easy to make!

Pro Tip: For extra crispy sweet potatoes, toss them in cornstarch before roasting.

Twists:

• Add some spice with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap out the honey for maple syrup.
• Top with chopped green onions or chives before serving.

19. Honey Butter Skillet Corn

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Find your biggest skillet and toss in some sweet corn, diced red onion, and a little bit of butter.

Let it all cook together until the corn is nice and charred.

Right before you’re ready to eat, drizzle on some honey and give it a good stir.

This dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it’s so simple to make.

Pro Tip: Don’t have red onion? Use any other type of onion that you have on hand.

Twists:

• Add a can of black beans for some extra protein.
• Swap out the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup.
• Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for an extra punch of flavor.

20. Cucumber Tomato Salad

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This salad kind of reminds me of a gazpacho, but in salad form. It’s the perfect light and refreshing side to a hearty soup.

And, it couldn’t be easier to make.

Just chop up some cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion, and mix with a little bit of olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: If you want a little more flavor or texture in your salad, try adding crumbled feta or diced avocado.

21. Broccoli Cheese Casserole

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If you enjoy a big and warm bowl of soup but are looking for something more to add to the meal, broccoli cheese casserole is a great option.

This side dish is creamy and comforting, and the cheesy flavor pairs well with many different types of soup.

Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy casserole, top with shredded cheese and breadcrumbs before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced cooked bacon to the casserole for a smoky flavor.
• Swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or another favorite vegetable.
• Stir in some cooked pasta or rice for a heartier dish.

22. Creamy Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Casserole

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How about a little heat with your taco soup tonight?

This casserole is the perfect side dish because it adds a nice level of spice to any soup.

Plus, it’s super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra cheesy flavor, top the casserole with some shredded cheddar cheese before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced green chiles for a milder flavor
• Substitute the corn for black beans
• Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture

23. Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/14566398788739564/

Or, why not try something unique for your next side dish?

These Lebanese Spicy Potatoes are the perfect addition to any soup.

They’re full of flavor, and the spice level can be easily adjusted to your liking.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts to the mix.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs for an extra punch of flavor.
• For a fun twist, use mini potatoes and serve them as appetizers!

24. Baked Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges

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If you have an oven ready (and preheated), these wedges take less than 30 minutes to make!

They go well with soup because they are hearty and filling, but still have a light flavor.

The Parmesan cheese and garlic give them a savory taste, while the lemon juice adds a bit of brightness.

These wedges are also great on their own as a snack or appetizer.

Pro Tip: For extra crispy potatoes, soak the potato wedges in water for 10 minutes before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some spice by sprinkling chili powder or cayenne pepper on top of the wedges before baking.
• Swap out the Parmesan cheese for another type of cheese, like sharp cheddar or Gruyere.
• Give the wedges a sweet and savory twist by drizzling honey on top of them before serving.

25. Honey Roasted Beets & Carrots

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Your kids will LOVE these honey roasted beets and carrots!

They are the perfect side dish to any soup because they are sweet and savory.

Plus, they are a great source of vitamins.

Pro Tip: Cut the beets and carrots into bite-sized pieces so that they are easy for your kids to eat.

3 Unique Twists:

• Swap out the honey for maple syrup
• Add some chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
• Roast in a cast iron skillet for extra flavor

26. Fried Corn with Bacon

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Anything with bacon is bound to be delicious, but this dish is next level.

The corn is crispy, the bacon is salty, and it all comes together with a touch of sweetness from the honey.

It’s the perfect side to any soup, but I especially love it with a creamy taco soup.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can cook the bacon ahead of time and just reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced jalapeño for a little extra spice.
• Swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
• Top with crumbled feta cheese for a salty kick.

27. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

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I know, I know… another salad?

But trust me on this one.

This salad is so flavorful and filling that it can easily stand on its own as a main course.

Plus, it’s the perfect accompaniment to taco soup because it adds a much-needed crunch.

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, swap it out for goat cheese.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add roasted red peppers for sweetness and color.
• Use Kalamata olives instead of black olives for a more robust flavor.
• Substitute lemon juice for the vinegar for a brighter flavor profile.

28. Oven Roasted Vegetables {Crispy and PERFECT}

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You could also go the safe route and just roast some veggies as a side dish.

But why not get a little adventurous?

These oven roasted vegetables are crispy and perfect, and they go great alongside soup.

Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, toss the vegetables with some olive oil, salt, pepper and your favorite herbs or spices before roasting.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some diced cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
• Toss the roasted vegetables with a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Top the roasted vegetables with shredded Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

29. EASY Baked Zucchini Sticks

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Healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free, these easy baked zucchini sticks are the perfect side dish to any soup.

Plus, they only take about 15 minutes to make!

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try dipping the zucchini sticks in your favorite sauce.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed up cereal or crackers.
• Dip the zucchini sticks in a batter before coating with breadcrumbs.

30. Garlic Bread

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And lastly, the classic garlic bread.

I’m a sucker for anything garlic, and this dish hits the spot every time.

It’s the perfect blend of crispy and chewy, and it’s so easy to make.

Plus, it goes great with taco soup!

Pro Tip: If you want extra garlic flavor, add some garlic powder to the bread dough.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some herbs – rosemary or thyme would be delicious
• Swap out the regular bread for sourdough or ciabatta
• Make it a cheesy garlic bread by adding some grated cheese to the dough or sprinkling on top

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