Delicious Food Pairings To Serve With Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty and indulgent dish that is perfect for cold winter days. The soup is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli florets. It can be made more indulgent by adding extra cheese or by serving it in a bread bowl. This soup is versatile and can be customised to your liking, with options for a chunkier or smoother consistency. It pairs well with bread, croutons, bacon bits, or a crisp salad.

Bread bowls or bread rolls

Bread bowls and bread rolls are a classic choice to serve with broccoli cheese soup. They are a great option for dipping into the soup and adding some texture to your meal.

Bread bowls are a fun and unique way to serve soup. They are typically made from a large, round loaf of bread, such as sourdough or a crusty white bread. The top of the loaf is cut off, and the inside is hollowed out, creating a bowl made entirely of bread. This can be a great option for a heartier meal, as you get to enjoy both the soup and the bread bowl. It's like having a grilled cheese sandwich with your soup, but in a more fun and creative way.

Bread rolls, on the other hand, offer a more traditional and individualised option. You can choose from a variety of rolls, such as soft dinner rolls, crusty French rolls, or even pretzel rolls for a unique flavour profile. Bread rolls can be served on the side or used for dipping into the soup. They provide a similar dipping experience to a bread bowl but allow for more control over the amount of bread consumed.

When choosing between a bread bowl and bread rolls, consider the portion size and the overall presentation. Bread bowls can be great for a fun and casual meal, while bread rolls might be more suitable for a formal gathering. Additionally, think about the type of bread that would complement the soup's flavour. For example, a heartier bread like sourdough or rye could stand up to the strong flavours of the broccoli and cheese.

In conclusion, bread bowls and bread rolls are an excellent choice to serve with broccoli cheese soup. They provide a textural contrast to the creamy soup and can enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you opt for a bread bowl or bread rolls, your meal is sure to be delicious and satisfying.

Salads

Arugula Salad

Arugula, also known as rocket, has a peppery bite that pairs well with an acidic red wine vinaigrette. This salad is perfect for balancing rich dishes like broccoli cheese soup. For an extra touch of flavour, add some Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad is a sweet and tangy mix of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, covered in a delightful poppy seed dressing. The combination of flavours and textures will complement the creaminess of the soup.

Simple Kale Salad

A simple salad of kale, Parmesan, almonds, and cranberries, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon-Dijon dressing. The slight bitterness of the kale and the sharpness of the cheese will cut through the richness of the soup.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

A colourful and fresh side dish, packed with juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers. This salad is a nice, light option to balance the creaminess of the soup.

Avocado and Orange Salad

A tasty and refreshing salad with just five ingredients. The creaminess of the avocado and the sweetness of the orange will complement the flavours of the soup.

Quinoa, Chickpea and Spinach Salad

A nutritious and filling salad, packed with protein and healthy fats. This salad can be prepared in advance by prepping each ingredient separately and then combining them when you're ready to eat.

Sandwiches

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The ultimate comfort food, broccoli cheese soup, goes well with the classic grilled cheese sandwich. The warm, toasty sandwich with melted cheese pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. You can use mild or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese for your sandwich, or mix it up with a combination of cheeses. Don't forget to butter your bread and cook it on a skillet until it's golden brown and crispy!

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

For a heartier option, try a ham and cheese sandwich. The saltiness of the ham will complement the cheese in the soup. You can use any type of ham you prefer, from Black Forest ham to honey-glazed ham. Don't forget to add some mustard or mayonnaise to your sandwich for an extra kick of flavour.

Turkey and Swiss Sandwich

If you're looking for something a little lighter, try a turkey and Swiss sandwich. The mild flavour of the turkey will let the Swiss cheese shine, and the soup will provide a creamy contrast to the sandwich. Add some lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of Italian dressing to complete this sandwich.

Chicken Salad Sandwich

For a more substantial sandwich, chicken salad is a great option. The key to a good chicken salad sandwich is to use a combination of dark and white meat chicken, and to add in some celery and onion for crunch. You can also add in some grapes or apples for a touch of sweetness. Serve this sandwich on a soft roll or a croissant for the perfect bite.

Bacon bits

Choosing the Right Bacon

For the best flavor, opt for original pork bacon without any added flavors. It's also important to note that cutting the bacon is easiest when it's still cold, so keep it refrigerated until you're ready to dice it into bits.

Cooking the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it's golden and crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot and drain the grease, reserving some if you want to use it as a base for your soup instead of butter. Cooking the bacon first and then removing it from the pot ensures that it stays crisp and doesn't get soggy in the soup.

Adding Bacon Flavor

Even after removing the cooked bacon, the rendered bacon fat can be used to enhance the flavor of your soup. Cook your aromatics like onions, garlic, and spices in a mixture of bacon fat and butter for a smoky touch. This adds a subtle bacon flavor to the overall soup without overpowering the other ingredients.

Garnishing with Bacon Bits

Once your soup is ready to serve, stir in the reserved crisp bacon bits. This ensures that the bacon bits retain their texture and provide a contrasting crunch to the creamy soup. You can also save some of the bacon bits to sprinkle on top of individual servings as a garnish, adding a tasty and visually appealing touch to each bowl.

Storing and Serving

Broccoli bacon cheese soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it's best to use a stovetop and avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the cheese and cream to separate. Microwaving is an option for quick reheating, but do it in short intervals and stir the soup occasionally to prevent overheating.

Croutons

For an extra indulgent touch, top your soup with cheesy croutons. Simply sprinkle grated cheddar on slices of bread and broil until bubbling and browned. Alternatively, make a standard crouton recipe, but add some grated parmesan or parmigiano reggiano to the bread before baking.

If you're short on time, you can also buy pre-made croutons from most grocery stores. Look for a variety that's seasoned or flavoured to add extra depth to your soup.

Frequently asked questions