Well, if you’re fixin’ to make some French onion soup, you’re probably wonderin’ what to serve with it, huh? I mean, that soup’s got that deep, rich flavor, all melty cheese and warm broth, so you don’t wanna just slap anything on the table with it. I reckon you gotta think a bit about what’ll go with that strong taste and still make the whole meal feel hearty and good. So, let me tell you, there’s a few things that work real nice alongside that French onion soup. They ain’t fancy, but they sure do the job.
First up, some good bread, if you ask me. Now, I ain’t talkin’ just any bread, mind you. You want somethin’ with a real nice crust, somethin’ that can hold up to all that broth. A good, hearty baguette or even some thick slices of sourdough will do wonders. You can dip that bread right into the soup, soak it up good. Some folks even drizzle a bit of olive oil on it, maybe with some garlic if you like that kinda thing. Makes it real tasty!
Next, let me tell you about a salad. Not just any salad, though. A green salad’s always good, but if you want to kick it up a notch, try yourself a little arugula salad. You know, with some parmesan cheese, olive oil, and maybe a little lemon or balsamic vinegar. That tang from the arugula and the smoothness of the cheese balance out that rich onion soup right nice. Plus, it adds a bit of crunch and freshness, which can be a nice contrast to the warmth of the soup.
Cheese and croutons go hand in hand with French onion soup. You know, I like to make croutons from the same bread I use for the soup. Just cube it up, toss it with a little olive oil, and bake it ’til it’s nice and crispy. Put those right on top of your soup, and you got yourself a nice crunch with every bite. You could even sprinkle some extra cheese on top of that if you’re feelin’ fancy—maybe a bit of parmesan or even mozzarella if you want it extra cheesy.
Some people like a fruit or pickle side too. Sounds a bit odd, right? But trust me, the tartness of fruit or a bit of a pickle helps cut through that rich soup. You could serve some crisp apple slices, or maybe some grapes, right alongside the soup. Or, if you prefer, put out a dish of pickles or pickled onions. That tang will make every bite of soup feel like a new experience.
Now, let’s talk about drinks. I know some folks like to keep it simple with just water or maybe a soda, but if you wanna be a bit more grown-up about it, a dry white wine works wonders. Something like a Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio—nothing too sweet, just dry enough to balance the flavor of the soup. If you ain’t feelin’ the white wine, a little dry red wine will do just fine. Heck, some folks even skip the wine altogether, but if you do decide to use wine, it’s best to cook it right into the soup, so you get that deep, rich taste.
Now if you want to go real hearty, add some root veggies. You know, like roasted carrots or parsnips. Something about them root vegetables, they soak up the flavors and give you that nice, earthy taste to go with your soup. They don’t overpower the soup, but they add a bit of heartiness to the meal, make it feel a little more filling. And if you don’t feel like roasting, you could always boil ’em up and serve ’em with a nice creamy dressing or a tangy vinaigrette.
In the end, it’s all about balance. You want to pick things that complement the flavors of that onion soup without overshadowing it. The soup itself is rich and savory, so you need a few things that either bring in a little freshness or add a bit of crunch. Just remember, whatever you serve with it should make you feel full and satisfied, but not like you’ve eaten too much. It’s all about finding that perfect combo.
So, there ya go. A nice little rundown on what to serve with French onion soup. Ain’t too complicated, but it’ll make your meal feel complete. Just make sure you got some good bread, a crunchy salad, and maybe a glass of wine, and you’ll be all set!
Tags:[French Onion Soup, what to serve with French onion soup, side dishes for French onion soup, French onion soup bread, arugula salad, homemade croutons, wine pairing for French onion soup, roasted root vegetables, easy soup sides, French onion soup accompaniments]