What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup: A Deliciously Diverse Guide
Broccoli cheese soup is a comforting classic, but choosing the perfect accompaniments can elevate it from a simple meal to a truly memorable one. The creamy, cheesy richness of the soup lends itself to a variety of pairings, depending on your desired level of heartiness and flavor profile. This guide explores several excellent options, considering both complementary textures and contrasting tastes.
What Breads Pair Well with Broccoli Cheese Soup?
This is arguably the most important question! The creamy soup needs something to cut through its richness.
- Crusts and Dips: A crusty bread, like a sourdough baguette or a hearty Italian loaf, provides a delightful textural contrast. Consider serving with a side of garlic butter or olive oil for extra flavor.
- Soft Rolls: Soft rolls, such as dinner rolls or buttery brioche, offer a softer counterpoint to the soup's creaminess.
- Cheese Bread: Taking the cheese theme further, cheesy bread or garlic cheese bread adds a layer of savory deliciousness.
What Sides Complement Broccoli Cheese Soup?
The best sides balance the richness of the soup and add nutritional variety.
- Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup and adds a fresh, crisp element. Consider adding some croutons for extra texture. A caprese salad with its bright acidity is another wonderful choice.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic pairing! The melted cheese complements the soup's cheesy flavor, while the toasted bread adds a satisfying crunch.
- Sandwiches: A simple ham and cheese sandwich or a turkey and swiss provides a more substantial accompaniment.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts provide a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the creamy soup. Their earthy sweetness balances the cheesy richness.
What are Some Heartier Options to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup?
For a more filling meal, consider these options:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: Adding grilled chicken or fish provides protein and a lighter, non-creamy element to balance the meal.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad offers a different texture and can complement the soup's creamy nature. Choose a pasta salad with a lighter vinaigrette dressing.
What about Desserts?
While not directly related to the soup, the right dessert can round out the meal perfectly.
- Something Light and Fruity: A light and fruity dessert, like a berry cobbler or apple crisp, offers a refreshing contrast to the savory soup.
What are some fun and unique sides to serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup?
Let's think outside the box!
- Mini Quiches: These offer a savory, handheld option with a variety of fillings to complement the broccoli cheese soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: These add a slightly sweet and crumbly element that contrasts nicely with the creaminess.
By considering these options, you can create a truly satisfying and delicious meal featuring your broccoli cheese soup as the star. Remember to choose sides that complement the soup's flavors and textures while also adding variety to the overall dining experience. Enjoy!
