Tomato Soup's Perfect Pairings: Beyond The Grilled Cheese Classic

There are many foods that can be paired with tomato soup besides grilled cheese. For lighter options, green salads can be a refreshing contrast to the warm soup. Other options include pasta salads, avocado salads, Mediterranean salads, and mixed berry spinach salads. Fried mozzarella sticks, quiche, and risotto are also great pairings with tomato soup. If you're looking for something more comforting, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, roasted carrots, and roasted potatoes are excellent choices. For a protein-packed option, consider tuna melts or grilled chicken sandwiches.

Salads (e.g. kale, arugula, avocado, Mediterranean, mixed berry spinach)

Salads are a fantastic pairing with tomato soup, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting soup. Here are some salad options that will perfectly complement a bowl of creamy tomato soup:

Kale Salad

A simple kale salad is a fantastic option to pair with tomato soup. Massage the kale for a more tender texture or opt for baby kale, which has a less dense texture. This salad holds up well in the fridge, so you can prepare a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Arugula Salad

Arugula has subtle peppery notes that stand apart from the flavour of the tomato soup without compromising it. The greens amplify the taste of the soup, creating a delightful combination.

Avocado Salad

A fresh and creamy avocado salad is an excellent choice to serve with hot tomato soup. The cool, creamy texture of avocado provides a delightful contrast to the warm, tangy soup.

Mediterranean Salad

This salad is filled with healthy ingredients, offering a crunchy and tasty combination. The Mediterranean salad is a perfect match for the creamy soup, creating a well-rounded meal.

Mixed Berry Spinach Salad

This salad, made with spinach, berries, goat cheese, and crunchy pecans, is an excellent choice to serve with tomato soup. The sweetness of the berries and the tanginess of the goat cheese create a delightful contrast to the soup's flavour.

These salad options will not only complement the flavour of the tomato soup but also add a refreshing and healthy element to your meal. Enjoy your soup and salad combination and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect pairing!

Breads (e.g. crusty, focaccia, rosemary potato)

Bread is a classic companion to soup, and tomato soup is no exception. Here are some types of bread that go well with tomato soup:

Crusty Bread

A nice hunk of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the last of your soup. This type of bread provides a satisfying contrast of textures, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, absorbent interior.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is a flat Italian bread that is often flavoured with olive oil and herbs. Its dense, slightly chewy texture makes it perfect for dipping into tomato soup.

Rosemary Potato Bread

This bread combines the flavours of rosemary and potato to create a unique and delicious taste experience. The rosemary adds a savoury, aromatic touch, while the potato makes the bread moist and soft.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is another excellent option to pair with tomato soup. The garlic adds a punch of flavour that complements the tangy taste of the soup. You can also try an air fryer garlic bread for a crispier texture.

Other Bread Options

There are also several other types of bread that can go well with tomato soup, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche. Experimenting with different types of bread and cheeses in your grilled cheese sandwich can also elevate your tomato soup experience. For example, you could try using sourdough or ciabatta with Gouda or smoked Gouda cheese.

Meat (e.g. sausages, chicken, crab cakes)

Tomato soup is a classic comfort food, and while grilled cheese is a time-honoured companion, there are many other delicious options to explore in the world of meat. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to elevate your tomato soup with meat:

Sausages

Sausages are a versatile and tasty option to pair with tomato soup. Italian sausages, in particular, offer a savoury protein boost. Sliced and sautéed, they can be stirred into your soup or enjoyed on the side. For a spicy kick, try an Italian sausage quesadilla with gooey cheese, dipping it into your tomato soup for an explosion of flavours. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with vegetarian sausages to add a unique twist to your meal.

Chicken

Chicken is a versatile protein that can be prepared in numerous ways to complement tomato soup. A Chimichurri Chicken Sandwich, with melted cheese and buttery bread, is a delightful pairing. For a heartier option, consider a chicken panini with roast chicken, sautéed broccoli rabe, and provolone on sourdough. Dip it into your soup for an indulgent experience. Chicken also works well in soup, as evidenced by the White Chicken Chili with Kale suggestion.

Crab Cakes

Crab cakes offer a luxurious and elegant pairing with tomato soup. Try them as a side dish or incorporate them into your soup for a unique twist. The sweet and delicate flavour of crab complements the acidity of tomato soup beautifully. For an extra indulgent experience, top your soup with crab cakes as croutons or serve them as a side for a sophisticated take on this classic combination.

Bacon

Bacon is a classic addition to tomato soup, adding a savoury crunch. Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top of your soup or enjoyed as a BLT sandwich on the side are always a winning combination. For an extra indulgent treat, try a grilled cheese sandwich with crispy bacon and chewy sourdough, taking your taste buds on a journey with every bite.

Meatloaf

Meatloaf is a hearty and comforting option to pair with tomato soup. Try meatloaf muffins or a cheeseburger meatloaf packed with melted cheddar. The familiar flavours of meatloaf complement the sweetness of the tomato soup, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Cheese (e.g. grilled cheese, feta, parmesan)

Cheese is a classic companion to tomato soup, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your meal beyond the ubiquitous grilled cheese sandwich. For a simple yet satisfying option, sprinkle some grated parmesan or feta cheese on top of your soup. If you're looking for something more substantial, try making a feta or goat cheese salad to accompany your soup.

If you're a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches but are looking for a twist on the classic, try experimenting with different types of cheese and bread. For example, you could make a provolone grilled cheese sandwich with melty provolone and mozzarella cheeses sandwiched between two slices of toasted crusty bread, or a gouda grilled cheese on sourdough or ciabatta. You could even try adding ingredients like caramelized onions, bacon, or avocado to your sandwich.

For a more indulgent option, fried mozzarella sticks or puffs pair perfectly with tomato soup. You can dip them directly into the soup or use them as a topping. If you're feeling extra creative, try making an inside-out grilled cheese, also known as a cheese toastie or cheese on toast. This dish involves melting cheese on the outside of the bread instead of the inside, and you can add ingredients like tomatoes, bacon, or onions for extra flavour.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, cheeseburger meatloaf or jalapeno ranch macaroni and cheese are excellent options to pair with tomato soup. The melted cheddar in the meatloaf and the gooey cheese in the macaroni and cheese will complement the tangy flavour of the soup.

So, whether you're a traditionalist who sticks to the classic grilled cheese or someone who likes to experiment with different cheeses and dishes, there are plenty of cheesy options to enjoy with your tomato soup.

Potatoes (e.g. roasted, mashed, baked)

There are several ways to prepare potatoes to go with tomato soup, including roasting, mashing, and baking them. Here are some ideas for each:

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with tomato soup. You can roast a medley of seasonal vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers, to create a healthy and flavorful accompaniment. For an extra crispy texture, consider making smashed potatoes by combining the best parts of home fries, mashed potatoes, French fries, and potato pancakes. Simply roast or boil your potatoes until they are soft, then smash them and crisp them up in a hot pan with butter or oil.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes offer a delightful contrast in taste and texture when served with tomato soup. The creamy, buttery potatoes are a classic comfort food that will elevate your meal. To take your mashed potatoes to the next level, try adding some roasted garlic or experimenting with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes.

Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be dressed up with a variety of toppings. Try loading your baked potato with sour cream, chives, bacon, butter, or even a variety of cheeses. Baked sweet potatoes also work well and can be a great way to add some extra flavor to your meal.

Other Potato Ideas

• Try making some crispy roasted potato wedges or French fries to dip into your tomato soup.
• For a fun twist, make some potato rosemary bread to dip into your soup instead of the traditional grilled cheese sandwich.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some diced or mashed potatoes to your tomato soup to thicken it up and make it extra hearty.
• For a more indulgent option, make some potato soup to go with your tomato soup, creating a play on textures with the creamy soup and chunky potatoes.

No matter which way you prepare them, potatoes are a delicious and versatile option to pair with tomato soup. So get creative and enjoy your comfort food feast!

Frequently asked questions