What to Serve with Potato Soup? Mouthwatering Picks!

Last updated on March 5th, 2025 at 12:16 am

Introduction

Potato soup is an incredibly satisfying dish with its delicious, creamy flavour. But the right side dish can take it from simple to unforgettable. Whether you want something crispy, buttery, or fresh, pairing your soup with the perfect companion adds texture, flavor, and balance to your meal.

So, what to serve with potato soup? From crusty bread and grilled cheese sandwiches to light salads and savory proteins, this guide will help you find the best match. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight lunch or planning a cozy gathering, these delicious side dishes will turn your bowl of creamy potato soup into a meal to remember.

What to Serve with Potato Soup: Delicious Pairing Ideas

Potato soup’s creamy texture and comforting flavor give you a wonderful foundation for a well-rounded meal. When selecting what to serve with it, your goal is to introduce contrast and balance. This section will walk you through the best side dishes and accompaniments to enhance your potato soup experience.

Classic Pairings That Never Fail

There are a few timeless choices that will always make the perfect match for potato soup. These pairings balance the richness of the soup while offering a satisfying texture contrast.

1. Fresh, Crusty Bread

A warm loaf of bread is perhaps the most traditional side dish to serve with potato soup. The crunchiness of the crust, combined with the softness of the interior, makes the bread with potato soup the perfect companion. It serves as a perfect vessel for dipping, soaking up the creamy soup, and adding a satisfying texture.

Why it Works: The neutral flavor of bread complements the savory, rich potato soup, while its texture contrasts the smoothness of the soup.

Options to Try:

• French Baguette: Its crispy crust and airy interior make it a great choice for dipping into the soup.
• Sourdough: Its slight tang balances the creamy soup perfectly, and its chewy texture adds a delightful contrast.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft and buttery, dinner rolls are a cozy, comforting choice that pairs beautifully with any soup.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

If you’re in search of a pairing that’s both comforting and nostalgic, a grilled cheese sandwich with your potato soup is a go-to classic. The crispy, golden-brown bread and melty cheese are a wonderful contrast to the creamy, rich soup.

Why it Works: The richness of melted cheese adds a savory, indulgent touch to your meal, while the crunch of the grilled bread provides a satisfying texture.

What to Add:

• Cheese: Go for a sharp cheddar to cut through the richness of the soup, or use mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Tomato or chicken: Add a slice of tomato for a refreshing bite, or crispy chicken for an extra layer of smokiness.

3. A Crisp Salad

A fresh salad provides a much-needed contrast to the heavy, creamy potato soup. The crunch and acidity in the salad will balance out the richness of the soup, making for a lighter, more well-rounded meal.

Popular Choices:

• Mixed Greens with Vinaigrette: The bright acidity of the vinaigrette helps cut through the creaminess of the soup, refreshing your palate between spoonfuls.
• Caesar Salad: The rich, tangy dressing and crunchy croutons bring a perfect contrast to the smooth soup.
• Spinach and Strawberry Salad: A slightly sweet twist on the classic salad, with the freshness of spinach and the sweetness of strawberries.

Creative and Unique Pairings

For those looking to go beyond the traditional pairings, here are a few creative ideas that will elevate your potato soup experience.

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great way to add depth of flavor and texture to your meal. The caramelized edges and concentrated flavors of roasted veggies balance the creaminess of the potato soup while adding a nutritious touch.

Why it Works: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, which pairs wonderfully with the mild taste of potato soup.

What to Try:

• Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter flavor and crispy edges are a perfect contrast to the soup.
• Carrots and Parsnips: Their sweetness, when roasted, complements the rich, savory flavors of the potato soup.
• Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes creates a delicious contrast to the savory soup, adding a layer of complexity.

2. Side of Pickles or Pickled Vegetables

Pickles or other pickled vegetables are an unexpected but delicious side that pairs beautifully with potato soup. The acidity and sharp tang of pickles offer a refreshing break from the creamy soup, cleansing your palate between bites.

Varieties to Try:

• Dill Pickles: The classic pickle, with its tangy bite, provides an excellent contrast.
• Pickled Onions or Beets: These add both color and a slightly sweet, tangy flavor to balance the soup.
• Pickled Cucumbers: Their cool, crisp texture and tartness make them a perfect companion to the richness of potato soup.

How to Make Your Potato Soup a Full Meal

For those who want to make potato soup the centerpiece of a complete, filling meal, these additions will round it out with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

1. Serve with a Protein

Adding a protein side to your meal will not only make it more satisfying but also provide a well-rounded balance. Whether you’re a meat eater or prefer plant-based proteins, there’s something for everyone.

Great Options:

• Grilled Chicken: Tender, juicy grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy texture of potato soup.
• Pork Chops or Steak: For a more substantial meal, a juicy cut of meat adds heartiness.
• Vegetarian Option: Try lentil patties or a quinoa-based salad for a plant-based protein that complements the soup without overpowering it.

2. Add a Side of Fruit

Fruit might not be the first thing that comes to mind when pairing with soup, but it adds a refreshing, natural sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the soup. The acidity of some fruits can also help cut through the heaviness of the potato soup, making for a balanced meal.

Perfect Pairings:

• Apple Slices with Cheese: The crispness of apple slices, paired with a sharp cheese like cheddar, creates a delightful combination.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries, melon, and citrus fruits offers both sweetness and acidity.
• Roasted Pears or Apples: Roasting these fruits caramelizes their sugars, creating a sweet contrast to the savory soup.

What to Pair with Potato Soup for a Hearty and Nutritious Meal

If you’re aiming for a healthier, nutrient-packed meal, these sides will give you the right balance of vitamins and minerals to complement your potato soup.

1. Steamed or Sautéed Greens

Leafy greens, packed with vitamins and fiber, provide a healthy side that enhances the nutritional value of your meal. They also add a light, earthy contrast to the creamy soup.

Suggestions:

• Sautéed Kale: Garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice turn kale into a flavorful side.
• Steamed Broccoli or Spinach: Lightly steamed greens add a fresh, vibrant element to your meal.

2. Quinoa or Brown Rice

Whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are great for adding a hearty, filling element to your meal while keeping it healthy and nutrient-dense. The nutty flavor and chewy texture pair wonderfully with the creamy potato soup.

What to Try:

• Quinoa Pilaf: A fragrant, herb-infused quinoa pilaf adds complexity and texture to your meal.
• Brown Rice with Vegetables: Brown rice sautéed with onions, peppers, and herbs makes a satisfying, savory side.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly what to serve with potato soup to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Whether you choose crusty bread for dipping, a crisp salad for contrast, or a hearty sandwich for a complete meal, there are endless ways to enhance your bowl of creamy potato soup.

By adding crispy chicken, melted cheddar, or a light vinaigrette salad, you can balance flavors and textures to suit any craving. Plus, with the right side dishes, your potato soup meal becomes not only delicious but also more filling and nutritious.

Try experimenting with different combinations to find your absolute best pairing, and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this classic comfort food.

FAQs

What’s a good side for potato soup?

A good side for potato soup includes garlic bread, sourdough rolls, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a crisp arugula salad. These sides add texture and flavor to complement the creamy soup.

What is a good side to go with soup?

Popular side dishes for soup include toasted bread, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, and hearty sandwiches. The best choice depends on the type of soup and your preference.

What protein goes well with potato soup?

For added protein, serve grilled chicken, crispy chicken, ham, turkey, or roast beef with potato soup. You can also add crumbled sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the soup.

What sandwich goes well with potato soup?

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic pairing, but other great options include a roast beef sandwich, ham and Swiss slider, turkey club, or a BLT. These sandwiches add heartiness and extra flavor.

What to add to potato soup?

Enhance potato soup with toppings like cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, crispy chicken bits, and croutons. For extra flavor, mix in garlic, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.

What bread to eat with potato soup?

The best bread for potato soup includes garlic bread, sourdough, cheese bread, crusty baguettes, and dinner rolls. These choices are perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy soup.

What do you thicken potato soup with?

To thicken potato soup, use mashed potatoes, a cornstarch slurry, heavy cream, or flour. Blending part of the soup also helps create a thicker, creamier consistency.

What sliders go well with potato soup?

Sliders that pair well with potato soup include ham and Swiss, roast beef, turkey and cheddar, or pulled pork. These mini sandwiches add a hearty, satisfying element to the meal.

What is the best bread to eat with soup?

The best bread for soup depends on the texture and flavor you prefer. Sourdough, French baguette, garlic bread, and crusty ciabatta all pair well with potato soup and other creamy varieties.