Meat And Broccoli Cheese Soup: Perfect Pairings

Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting classic, but what meat should you serve with it? There are several options, including bacon, sausage, chicken breast, ham, and chicken wings. If you're looking for something a little different, you could try kielbasa, bratwurst, chorizo, or pastrami. For a vegetarian option, there's always tofu. And don't forget that soup is meant for dipping, so get some bread to dip in there!

Bacon

If you want to stick to just meat, bacon is a great choice on its own as a side dish for dipping into the soup. Bacon can also be crumbled and sprinkled on top of the soup as a topping, adding a salty, savoury element to the dish.

Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting, creamy soup that is perfect for cold weather. It is a very versatile soup that can be paired with many different types of meat and side dishes. Bacon is an excellent choice to add a smoky, savoury flavour to the dish.

Sausage

When it comes to comfort food, broccoli cheese soup is a favourite for many. This creamy, veggie-filled soup is hearty and satisfying, but the question remains: what meat pairs well with it? One excellent option is sausage. Here are some reasons why sausage is a great choice, along with some specific recommendations and serving suggestions.

Flavour and Texture

In terms of texture, you'll want to aim for a nice crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. This can be achieved by browning the sausages in a pan before adding them to the soup or serving them on the side.

Serving Suggestions

• Sausage Crumbles: One popular way to serve sausage with this soup is to cook the sausage meat and crumble it into the soup. This adds a nice texture contrast and allows the flavour of the sausage to infuse the soup.
• Grilled or Pan-fried Sausage: If you prefer a heartier meal, cook the sausages whole and serve them grilled or pan-fried alongside a bowl of soup. This option gives a nice contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Sausage and Bread: Dipped into the soup, a crusty bread like sourdough or a soft cornbread goes well with sausage. You could also try a cheesy garlic bread to complement the sausage.
• Sausage and Salad: For a lighter option, pair the soup with a crunchy salad like a kale and chickpea salad. The freshness of the greens will balance out the richness of the soup and sausage.
• Sausage and Potatoes: Cheesy mashed potato puffs or potato leek waffles are excellent sides to serve with sausage and broccoli cheese soup. They add a comforting, homey touch to the meal.

Final Thoughts

Chicken

Poached or Rotisserie Chicken

You can use precooked chicken pieces in your soup, such as poached or rotisserie chicken. Poaching chicken breasts in chicken broth flavoured with pepper and thyme sprigs will give you tender, juicy bites that are perfect in this soup.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces. This is a good option if you want to make sure the chicken is cooked to your liking, as you can prepare it yourself ahead of time.

If you want a more subtle chicken flavour, you can use chicken broth as your soup base. This will give the soup a more subtle chicken flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.

Spices and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of the chicken in your soup, you can add various spices and seasonings. For example, you can add garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to give the soup a little kick. You can also add hot sauce if you want to make it spicier.

Other Ingredients

In addition to chicken, you can include other ingredients such as onion, carrots, butter, olive oil, and flour. These ingredients will add flavour and texture to your soup, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Don't forget the broccoli and cheese, of course!

Ham

Glazed Ham

Glazed ham is a delicious option to serve alongside broccoli cheese soup. You can chop up the ham and add it directly to the soup, creating a heartier dish. Alternatively, use the ham as a side dish by slicing it and making grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. For those who enjoy a hash, you can prepare a ham potato hash to accompany your soup.

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

For a heartier meal, serve your broccoli cheese soup with bacon-wrapped chicken and any other vegetables you have on hand. The combination of bacon, cheese, chicken, and broccoli is sure to be a tasty treat.

If you're looking for a sandwich to accompany your soup, a classic Ruben or a Sloppy Joe can be a fun choice. You can also dip these sandwiches into your soup for an extra indulgent experience. For a simpler option, consider a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, which pairs well with the soup's flavours.

Cheesy mashed potato puffs are another side dish that goes well with broccoli cheese soup. You can even add some chopped ham or bacon to these puffs for an extra savoury touch. If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider making a ham potato hash to accompany your soup.

Kielbasa

Grilled kielbasa is a delicious pairing with broccoli cheese soup. Kielbasa is a type of sausage traditionally made from a mixture of pork and beef, seasoned with garlic, pimentos, marjoram, mustard seed, coriander, nutmeg, and allspice. The sausage is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky and spicy flavour profile.

When paired with the creamy and rich broccoli cheese soup, the kielbasa adds a hearty texture and a pleasant contrast in flavour and temperature. The soup itself is already a meal, but adding kielbasa will make it even more filling and nutritious.

If you're looking for a simple, yet satisfying meal, look no further than grilled kielbasa and broccoli cheese soup. The two are a match made in culinary heaven, and your taste buds will surely thank you.

To elevate this pairing even further, consider serving it with a rustic Italian loaf or a sourdough baguette. These types of bread will complement the meal without becoming soggy from the soup's richness. For an extra indulgent touch, make some cheesy garlic bread or cheddar biscuits to round out this comforting and hearty dish.

So, fire up that grill and get ready to indulge in a flavourful feast of grilled kielbasa and broccoli cheese soup! It's a combination that's sure to impress and satisfy.

Frequently asked questions