It’s the go-to comfort food, the perfect rainy-day meal: tomato soup.
But what is it that makes this classic dish so comforting?
- Is it the warmth of the broth?
- The rich and fragrant smell of tomatoes?
- Or is it because we’re all conditioned from childhood to crave a grilled-cheese sandwich every time we sit down with a bowl of tomato soup?
Read Also:
- The 13 Best Toppings for Tomato Soup
- Tomato Soup Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Tomato Soups
- 13 Best Tomatoes for Tomato Soup
- Grilled Cheese Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Grilled Cheese
If you’re looking for a new side to serve with your tomato soup, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve scoured far and wide for our favorite side dishes to serve with tomato soup (or gazpacho, or any other tomato-based soups) that aren’t grilled cheese sandwiches.
And here’s why:
Grilled cheese sandwiches are great for dipping into your bowl of soup.
They are delicious on their own.
They are an excellent accompaniment to tomato soup.
But if you’re looking for something a little different, something that says “I’ve taken my grilled cheese sandwich one step further,” then read on!
What to Serve with Tomato Soup Besides Grilled Cheese
Think tomato soup, think grilled cheese, right?
See Also: What Spices to Put in Tomato Soup: 11 Best Spices
Well not anymore.
Because the time for grilled cheese alternatives has come.
Soup season is here and it’s going to be delicious.
Here are our top picks for the best sides to serve with tomato soup besides grilled cheese:
1. Olive Tapenade
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7248049392328446/Olive tapenade is a great alternative to plain ol’ grilled cheese because it adds texture and flavor to your bowl of soup.
See Also: What Salad Goes with Tomato Soup? 10 Best Salads
It’s also delicious on its own, so if you’re looking for something that will satisfy your taste buds but not take up too much room in your stomach, this is your pick!
2. Roasted Red Peppers
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/277041814565478972/Roasted red peppers are actually a great alternative to grilled cheese because they have the same basic ingredients (cheese and bread) but they add a little extra flavor from the roasting process.
They’re also super easy to make at home, which means you don’t have to go out and buy them from the store!
3. Balsamic Glazed Carrots
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/795237246712133238/Balsamic Glazed Carrots is one of the first side dishes that come to mind when you think of serving with tomato soup besides grilled cheese.
These are great because they’re easy to make and they go with just about anything.
They take a little while to cook, but they’re worth the wait.
The recipe is simple:
- Just peel some carrots and cut them into cubes, then boil them in water until they’re tender.
- Then toss them in olive oil and add some balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper before throwing them back in the pan until they’re glazed over.
- You can also add garlic or rosemary if you want!
Read Also: What Soup Goes With Grilled Cheese? 11 Best Soups
4. Spaghetti
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1125968649054947/If you’re looking for something a little different, try spaghetti! It’s delicious and will make your tomato soup even tastier.
You can use any kind of pasta or shape you like, but we like spaghetti best because it’s easy to find and easy to cook.
You can also use spaghetti sauce that comes already made if you don’t have time to make your own—just heat it up and pour it over your pasta for an extra boost of flavor.
5. Rice
If you want something simple but still flavorful, rice is the way to go.
We love this side dish because it goes with anything, so if you’re having trouble deciding what else to serve with tomato soup besides grilled cheese, rice is a great option!
Just cook up some white or brown rice according to package instructions, then add some butter and salt/pepper/any other seasonings that sound good to you.
Serve warm alongside your soup for a tasty lunch or dinner!
6. Garlic bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/163114817751231368/If you’re looking for something soft and warm to soak your soup up with, garlic bread is a no-brainer.
Plus, when you’re finished with your soup, you can just use the seasoned toast to sop up any extra sauce that might be left on your plate. (Got some pasta in there? No worries—garlic bread will do its job.)
7. Biscuits
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3307399716029020/Some people think that biscuits are best served with chicken and gravy, but we love to eat them with our tomato soup.
And not just any biscuits, either—we’re talking about buttery, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits.
This warm side will complement your bowl of tomato soup perfectly, so make sure to bake some up and get ready to enjoy!
8. Cornbread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/860539441308906420/Cornbread is another side dish that we recommend serving with tomato soup besides grilled cheese.
It’s easy to make, super delicious and goes great with tomato soup because it has a sweet taste and texture.
You can find cornbread recipes all over the internet, or you can use your favorite recipe for any kind of cornbread you like!
9. Chicken Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2322237298352487/This chicken salad is so simple to make that you’ll wonder why you’ve been waiting so long to make it yourself.
Just grab some chicken (canned chicken works just fine), mayonnaise, salt and pepper, and some nuts or dried fruit if you want to spruce it up!
10. Crackers
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/328622104066220866/This is the easiest side dish we could find—just grab some crackers in your favorite flavor and serve them alongside your tomato soup!
11. A light salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/301248662580032242/If you want something healthy and refreshing alongside your bowl of soup, we recommend making a light salad with some leafy greens and a simple vinaigrette dressing.
You can get creative with this one—just stay away from anything that might be too heavy for your palate when combined with something as smooth as tomato soup.
This is also an ideal side because it won’t fill you up too much before dessert comes around!
12. Cream cheese-stuffed chicken breast
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/52706258129915362/Chicken breast stuffed with cream cheese and topped with panko crumbs is a great way to add some protein to your meal without going overboard on carbs.
The panko crumbs help keep everything crispy and delicious while adding some texture to the soft chicken breast inside!
13. Pan-fried potatoes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/308426274490549535/Pan-fried potatoes are the perfect side for tomato soup because they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
They’re also easy to make!
- Simply cut up some potatoes into cubes and fry them in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re golden brown.
- Then serve them alongside your tomato soup for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme if you want!
14. Croutons
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/219057969367311525/Ok—this one is kind of similar to garlic bread, but hear us out.
When you use high-quality rustic bread and toast it in olive oil instead of butter (or with butter—we’re not judging), you get a wonderfully crispy texture that is light enough to hold up to tomato soup without weighing it down too much.
15. Homemade breadsticks
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5207355811041190/Whether you make them yourself or buy them from a bakery, breadsticks are a great way to add carbs to your meal.
Plus, they soak up whatever liquid is left in your bowl after you’ve finished eating!
16. Roasted vegetables
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/633387438789915/Roasting vegetables makes them taste amazing and adds a little extra flavor to your soup bowl.
Try adding carrots, onions, peppers, mushrooms—you name it!
17. Baked sweet potato fries
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/985231159994450/These are super easy to make and they’re so good!
Just slice your sweet potatoes into wedges and toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, and cinnamon before baking them in the oven for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
18. Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/96123773288333635/These are super creamy and delicious!
All you need to do is chop up some garlic then cook it in olive oil until it becomes golden brown before adding it to your mashed potatoes while they’re still hot.
That’s all there is to it!
19. Potato Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/768848967649938597/Another classic!
Potato salad is great because it’s simple and easy to make, but still delicious.
You can also get really creative with it and add any number of ingredients: mustard, mayonnaise, celery and onions are just a few ideas!
It’s also great cold so it makes a good meal prep option too.
20. Chips and Salsa
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/914862416419064/Chips and salsa are another no-brainer when it comes to serving with soup—they’re the perfect combination of salty and spicy!
Try making your own salsa if you want to get creative with your flavors (there are tons of recipes online) but if you’re short on time store-bought will work too!
21. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/22095854412602641/If you’re really looking to impress someone, why not go all out with a bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin?
This dish makes a regular meal special occasion-worthy, but without the stress of a lot of planning or preparation.
22. Churro bread pudding
Looking for something decadent?
Well, you’ve found it—this churro bread pudding is everything you never knew you needed in your life!
It’s perfect for dessert after a bowl of creamy tomato soup and just one bite will have you wondering where this dish has been all your life.
23. Pumpernickel bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/141300507050287397/This dark, hearty bread goes great with tomato soup because it can stand up to its flavor and won’t get soggy from all that liquid in your soup bowl!
It’s also hearty enough to fill you up without being too filling—so you can finish off your entire bowl without feeling icky afterward.
24. Roasted cauliflower with cilantro vinaigrette dip
Another side dish we recommend is roasted cauliflower with cilantro vinaigrette dip.
This one takes a little more work than the first one—you have to roast the cauliflower for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees—but it’s totally worth it because it’s delicious!
Plus the dip makes it even better.
Just chop up some cilantro leaves, mix them with mayo or sour cream and season with salt and pepper if you want (I like adding lemon juice too), then spread it over slices of baguette topped with sliced tomatoes or avocado slices for something extra tasty!
25. Brussel Sprout Gratin
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/16888567372957061/Brussel sprout gratin is the perfect side dish for tomato soup besides grilled cheese.
It’s a new take on the classic Thanksgiving dish that has become a staple in your home during the holiday season, and it’s the perfect way to get some veggies into your diet without having to think about it.
Brussel sprout gratin is also very simple to make: all you need are some brussel sprouts, some cheddar cheese, some breadcrumbs, some butter, and an oven!
26. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/194077065183733275/If you’re looking for something that’s going to be just as hearty and comforting as your tomato soup, but with a little more of a kick, macaroni and cheese is the way to go.
Plus, it’s got a little bit of cauliflower in it so you can feel good about yourself while eating your feelings.
27. Roasted Cabbage
https://www.pinterest.dk/pin/3237030973225619/When’s the last time you had a cabbage side dish that you actually liked?
Here’s your chance to change all of that—roasted cabbage brings out the sweetness and crunch of this often-overlooked veggie, and thanks to its neutral flavor, it pairs perfectly with just about any soup you want to pair it with.
Give it a try and thank us later!
28. Broccoli-Rabe and Ricotta Frittata
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/130041507981822036/The perfect way to use up leftover broccoli rabe, this frittata has a little kick of spice and goes well with a nice slice of crusty bread.
If you don’t have any leftover broccoli rabe on hand, it’s easy to make at home!
Just steam some broccoli rabe in a pot for 3 minutes until tender, then chop it up and stir into some ricotta cheese.
29. Sautéed Green Beans
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1759287345130887/This is a simple, light option.
These sautéed green beans are cooked in a way that maintains their crispy texture but also packs a burst of flavor.
They’re served in a bowl and lightly drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, which adds just the right amount of acidity to the bright vegetable flavor.
You’ll love how this side dish compliments the rich tomato soup without overpowering it!
30. Avocado Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/422281206444411/This salad is an amazing combination of healthy fats from avocado and citrusy flavors from orange juice and lemon juice.
It’s tangy, savory, and sweet all at once—perfect for pairing with tomato soup on a cold winter night!
31. Butternut Squash Gratin
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27936460188127075/Butternut Squash Gratin is one of our favorite side dishes to serve with tomato soup besides grilled cheese.
It’s easy to make, has a delicious flavor and texture, and it looks great on the plate.
We think it would be a perfect addition to any meal, but especially one that includes tomato soup!
32. Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5418462042997756/This recipe is for all of you who are looking for something a little more substantial than sautéed green beans.
Well here you go: roasted cauliflower steaks!
These steaks are so easy to make, and they’re so delicious when paired with tomato soup that you’ll never go back to grilled cheese again (okay maybe sometimes).
The best part about this side dish is that it’s totally customizable—you can add any type of spices or flavors you want before roasting them in an oven at 350 degrees Farenheit for 20 minutes.
33. Focaccia Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11259067809479272/Focaccia bread is the perfect companion at any time of year—but especially in autumn when you want something hearty and warm.
This flatbread has a soft, chewy texture that makes it easy to soak up all your delicious soup!
34. Garden Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/16184879902686468/If you’re looking for something lighter than focaccia but still filling enough to stand up against your steamy bowl of tomato goodness, try serving it with a garden salad tossed in homemade vinaigrette dressing made from olive oil and vinegar mixed together with honey or maple syrup for sweetness (and some extra flavor!).
35. The classic PB&J
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/197384396154908579/When in doubt, go back to basics.
The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a classic for good reason: it’s filling, satisfying, and inexpensive to make—which makes it the perfect side for tomato soup.
It also doesn’t hurt that there are about a million ways you can change up the flavors of your PB&J (jam flavors, nut butters?!), so if you need a little variety in your meals, just add another jar of jelly and get ready to mix things up!
Related:
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What to Serve with Ham and Bean Soup – 25 Easy Sides
What to Serve with Pumpkin Soup? 17 Best Side Dishes
What Dessert Goes With Soup? 10 Easy Desserts
What to Serve with Potato Leek Soup – 16 Easy Sides
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup (52 Best Sides)
What to Serve with Potato Soup? 30 Best Side Dishes
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What to Serve with Tomato Soup Besides Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- Olive Tapenade
- Roasted Red Peppers
- Balsamic Glazed Carrots
- Spaghetti
- Rice
- Garlic bread
- Biscuits
- Cornbread
- Chicken Salad
- Crackers
- A light salad
- Cream cheese-stuffed chicken breast
- Pan-fried potatoes
- Croutons
- Homemade breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked sweet potato fries
- Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Chips and Salsa
- Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin
- Churro bread pudding
- Pumpernickel bread
- Roasted cauliflower with cilantro vinaigrette dip
- Brussel Sprout Gratin
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Cabbage
- Broccoli-Rabe and Ricotta Frittata
- Sautéed Green Beans
- Avocado Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette
- Butternut Squash Gratin
- Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
- Focaccia Bread
- Garden Salad With Homemade Vinaigrette
- The classic PB&J
Instructions
- Pick any number of sides from this list to serve with your tomato soup.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Be ready to munch in less than 30 minutes!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.