Delicious Pairings To Elevate Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for chilly weather. This creamy soup is often served with bread on the side, such as crusty bread, ciabatta, or a bread bowl. It can also be paired with a salad, sandwich, or croutons for a more filling meal. For a fancier touch, try adding sliced mushrooms and white wine.

Bread and bacon

Bread

A crusty bread, such as ciabatta, is perfect for dunking into the soup. You could also serve the soup in a bread bowl for an extra hearty meal. If you're feeling fancy, make some homemade croutons to sprinkle on top.

Bacon

Bacon bits or crumbles sprinkled over the soup add a nice salty, crunchy texture. You could also serve the soup with a side of bacon, or use bacon grease instead of butter when cooking the soup to give it a smoky flavour.

Salads

Arugula Salad

Arugula, almonds, dried cranberries, and parmesan cheese are tossed together to make this super simple salad. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. This salad can be prepared in about 15 minutes or less, making it a quick and easy side dish to accompany your broccoli cheese soup.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

This salad is a sweet and tangy mix of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, topped with a delightful poppy seed dressing. It adds a burst of colour and freshness to your meal, and it's also nutritious!

Avocado and Orange Salad

This tasty salad is made with just five ingredients, so you can easily prepare it while your soup is simmering.

Apple Cranberry Salad

Combining crunchy Brussels sprouts and fluffy basmati rice, this salad is a unique and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with broccoli cheese soup.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

This colourful salad is a fresh and light option to balance out the creaminess of the soup. It's made with juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers, among other Mediterranean ingredients.

Simple Kale Salad

This salad combines kale, parmesan cheese, almonds, and cranberries, topped with a sweet and tangy lemon-dijon dressing. It's a light and summery option that goes well with any soup.

Sandwiches

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The ultimate comfort food, a grilled cheese sandwich, is a perfect match for broccoli cheese soup. The warm, gooey cheese in the sandwich complements the creamy soup.

Turkey Sandwich

For a lighter option, a turkey sandwich is a good choice to pair with the soup. The turkey provides a lean protein option, while the bread adds some crunch and texture to the meal.

Ham Swiss Poppy Seed Sliders

For a heartier meal, ham Swiss poppy seed sliders are a delicious option. The salty ham and Swiss cheese pair well with the soup, while the poppy seed dressing adds a unique flavour.

Green Goddess Hummus Sandwich

A Green Goddess Hummus sandwich is a fresh and healthy option to go with the soup. The hummus provides a creamy texture, while the vegetables add a crunchy bite.

Bread

Of course, you can't go wrong with simply serving the soup with a side of bread. Whether it's a crusty baguette, a soft roll, or a toasted slice, bread is the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of the cheesy broth.

Sautéed vegetables

Sautéed Green Beans

Green beans are a delicious and healthy option that can be sautéed in a pan with some olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also add some slivered almonds or crispy bacon bits for extra flavour and texture.

Sautéed Zucchini and Carrots

Zucchini and carrots go well together and can be sliced into thin strips or chopped into small pieces before being sautéed. Cook them in a pan with some butter or olive oil, and add your favourite herbs and spices. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are another vegetable that pairs well with broccoli cheese soup. Cut them into halves or quarters and sauté them in a pan with butter, garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. You can also add some chopped nuts or cranberries for a festive touch.

Sautéed Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a great option to sauté and serve with broccoli cheese soup. Cut the cauliflower into small florets and cook them in a pan with some olive oil and your favourite spices. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavour.

Sautéed Mixed Vegetables

You can also mix and match your favourite vegetables to create a colourful and nutritious side dish. Try sautéing a combination of bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and asparagus. You can season them with some garlic powder, Italian herbs, or a dash of soy sauce for extra flavour.

Soups

Broccoli cheese soup is a hearty, comforting meal that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with this delicious soup to make it a complete and satisfying meal:

Breads

Bread is a classic accompaniment to soup, and broccoli cheese soup is no exception. For a heartier meal, serve the soup in a bread bowl or with large chunks of ciabatta or crusty bread for dunking. Homemade croutons, toasted bread, or garlic bread are also excellent options for adding texture and flavour to the meal.

Salads and Vegetables

If you're looking for something lighter to accompany your soup, consider a simple green salad or one with a twist, such as a chickpea salad with carrots and dill or a French carrot salad. Sautéed green beans or Brussels sprouts are also tasty options to add some extra vegetables to your meal.

Sandwiches

A sandwich is a great way to round out your broccoli cheese soup and make it a more substantial meal. A simple turkey sandwich or a grilled cheese can be a perfect pairing.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try serving your soup with a side of oven-roasted potatoes or homemade croutons.

Variations and Additions

While the soup is delicious as it is, you can also experiment with adding extra vegetables, such as zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms, or shredded carrots. Some recipes also suggest adding a cup of white wine to the soup for a fancier touch.

No matter what you choose to serve with your broccoli cheese soup, don't forget to adjust the quantities to ensure you have enough for your guests!

Frequently asked questions