Among the most popular comfort foods, tomato soup holds a special place in our hearts, especially during the colder months when we crave something warm and nourishing. Its simplicity is part of its charm, yet it’s elevated by a variety of accompaniments that can take it to the next level. When a bowl of soup just isn’t enough, you might be tempted to quickly butter a slice of bread and serve it on the side. However, there are countless other options waiting to be discovered.
Here are 14 creative suggestions for what to eat with your next delicious bowl of tomato soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Everyone has their own take on the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, but there’s something special about serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup. This classic American combination is all about balance and texture – the crispy outside and gooey inside of the sandwich perfectly complementing the comforting warmth of the soup.
Even if you don’t have access to a fancy grilling machine, this recipe allows you to create a mouth-watering grilled cheese on your hob, with minimal risk of burning the toast. One of the standout features of this recipe is its use of not one, not two, but THREE different types of cheese – a true indulgence for any cheese lover! Whether you prefer to dunk, pull apart, or eat it in between spoonfuls of soup, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this comforting combination. Go To Recipe
Homemade Potato Chips
Often, we assume that homemade potato chips are a healthier alternative to store-bought ones, and in many cases, they are. When made at home, these crispy snacks can be significantly lower in fat compared to their deep-fried counterparts. Baking them in the oven not only achieves that perfect crunch but also eliminates the need for excessive oil. To give your homemade potato chips a personal touch, feel free to experiment with various herbs and spices.
While a pinch of salt is sufficient as a basic seasoning, adding paprika or black pepper can elevate the flavor profile to the next level. With just a few simple ingredients at hand, you can whip up this tasty side dish in no time, making it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite hot soups.
Mozzarella Sticks
Elevating your snacking game just got easier with making mozzarella sticks from scratch, and the best part is that it’s a breeze! They also double up as the perfect dipping utensil for your favorite soups, who needs a spoon when you have crispy golden mozzarella goodness? A simple bread crumb mix is created by blending together some stale bread (or not-so-stale) with a pinch of garlic salt and other seasonings.
If you don’t own a deep-fat fryer, a deep pan will do the trick; alternatively, consider using an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Croutons
Naturally, croutons are an underrated addition to many soups, but they’re especially suited for tomato soup. Not only can leftover bread be repurposed into crispy croutons, reducing food waste in the process, but they also add a delightful textural element to this comforting dish. No special equipment is required to make them either – simply slice your chosen bread, drizzle with olive oil, season as desired, and bake until crispy.
Once cooked, you can either drop them into your soup or serve on the side for a more leisurely snack.
Zucchini Rounds
Virtually irresistible, zucchini rounds baked to perfection and sprinkled with some tasty parmesan cheese are truly a delight for the taste buds. They can be enjoyed as their own snack, or complement a hearty tomato soup perfectly, making them an ideal accompaniment to this classic comfort food. We already know that cheese has a magical effect on flavors, but zucchini also brings its own unique charm to the table, elevating the dish to new heights.
Adding your favorite herbs and spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder can greatly enhance the natural flavors of the vegetable, taking it from bland to grand. This is a fantastic option for individuals with gluten intolerance or those following a low-carb diet, providing a guilt-free alternative to traditional bread options.
Roast Potatoes
Achieving a harmonious balance between flavors and textures can often lead to unexpected yet delightful culinary combinations. As evident from the pairing of roasted potatoes with tomato soup, this unusual combination may raise eyebrows at first but ultimately delivers a satisfying taste experience.
Having an arsenal of versatile recipes, including a reliable roast potato recipe, is also an asset that can serve you well in various cooking situations, should an impromptu dinner party or unexpected guest arrival require a quick solution. Crucially, the essence of this recipe lies in its use of crushed garlic, which plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall flavor profile. To maximize the impact of the garlic, ensure that it is as fresh as possible to unlock its full potential.
Although the recipe employs small red and white potatoes, feel free to experiment with other varieties as they will still yield commendable results provided you adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Grilled Ham And Cheese Sandwich
Making room for meat lovers in this predominantly vegetarian menu, a grilled cheese sandwich can be elevated by incorporating a few slices of ham. Moreover, the addition of thinly sliced ham creates a perfect balance of flavors with the melted Swiss cheese and grated parmesan. This combination is further enhanced by the subtle tanginess provided by Dijon mustard, resulting in a truly satisfying grilled ham and cheese recipe.
Cornbread
Considering you have some leftover cornbread or simply want to whip up a fresh batch, serving it with tomato soup is an excellent idea for a satisfying lunch. Perhaps you’re looking for inspiration on what to pair your cornbread with, and in this case, soup is a great option. The perfect cornbread boasts a crispy exterior and a moist, fluffy interior. Utilizing this straightforward recipe, you can achieve deliciously fresh and warm cornbread in as little as 25 minutes.
The ingredients required are all common pantry staples, making it a fast and effortless baking process.
Sweet Potato Fries
Prepared correctly, crispy sweet potato fries offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors. Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these baked treats are a significantly healthier option. To achieve optimal crispiness, slice the sweet potatoes thinly – ideally around a quarter of an inch in thickness – as thicker cuts tend to lose their crunch during baking.
To further enhance the texture, give the sweet potato sticks a gentle coating of cornstarch and olive oil before placing them in the oven. When it comes to seasoning, feel free to get creative with your favorite spices or herbs; however, we recommend sticking with a simple yet timeless combination of salt and pepper for an authentic taste experience.
Corn Tortilla Chips
Many people with dietary restrictions often find it challenging to come up with gluten-free and low-carb alternatives to their favorite foods. Fortunately, corn tortillas present a great solution for those who need to avoid gluten and refined carbohydrates. Not only are they inherently gluten-free, but they also remain high in fiber content, making them a nutritious substitute for traditional whole grains.
Cutting the tortillas into thin slices, similar to pizza-style portions, is an excellent way to create crispy chips or use as a base for a mouth-watering plate of nachos. To do this, simply brush the slices with oil and season them according to your taste preferences before baking until they reach a crispy golden brown texture. Corn tortillas are also fantastic for dipping and scooping the last bit of soup from the bowl, making mealtime more enjoyable and convenient.
Grain-free Flatbread
Zeroing in on the perfect grain-free carb option, zesty flatbread is an excellent solution. This recipe can be easily adapted to cater to various dietary requirements, including vegan and dairy-free needs. The base ingredients, cooked and mashed butternut squash and sweet potato, are blended with coconut flour to create a dough-like texture. Any alternative flours can be used as a substitute, providing the desired consistency.
For a vegan version, egg and butter substitutes can be employed, although some experimentation may be necessary to achieve the ideal flatbread texture.
Sweetcorn Fritters
Here’s a healthier take on sweetcorn fritters that not only taste great with tomato soup but also as a standalone snack. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – it can be made with either frozen or fresh corn, and the end result is a delightful combination of crispy exterior and spicy interior. Depending on your tolerance for heat, you can adjust the amount of chili to suit your taste buds.
What’s more, these fritters make for an excellent gluten-free option, simply swap out the plain flour for coconut or almond flour to create a guilt-free treat that can be enjoyed as a snack on its own or used as a crunchy accompaniment to your favorite soups.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Delighting in the simplicity of hard-boiled eggs is a great way to incorporate more protein into your diet. When paired with a low-carb, high-protein meal like tomato soup, they can make for an excellent alternative to bread. While hard-boiled eggs may seem dull at first, adding some flavor can elevate them from plain to palatable. To do this, once the eggs are cooked, slice them in half on a plate and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika.
