French onion soup is a timeless classic, celebrated for its deeply savory broth, sweet caramelized onions, and satisfyingly cheesy, bread-topped finish. Often enjoyed as a sophisticated starter, its rich flavor profile and comforting warmth make it a beloved dish. However, if you’re looking to transform this exquisite soup into a complete and fulfilling meal, you’re in the right place.
While French onion soup is undeniably flavorful on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re seeking a light and refreshing counterpoint or a heartier dish to create a more substantial meal, the options are plentiful and exciting.
This guide explores 20 fantastic dishes that harmonize beautifully with French onion soup, transforming it from a starter into the star of a memorable meal. From crisp salads and roasted vegetables to succulent proteins and comforting carbs, you’ll discover perfect pairings to satisfy every palate and occasion. Get ready to explore a world of delicious complements that will make your French onion soup experience even more enjoyable!
Image: Delicious pan-seared shrimp, a light protein option to serve with French onion soup.
Light and Fresh Pairings
If you’re aiming for a lighter meal or want to balance the richness of the soup, consider these fresh and vibrant options.
1. Pan Seared Shrimp
For a touch of elegance and a boost of protein, pan-seared shrimp is an excellent choice. The delicate sweetness of shrimp contrasts beautifully with the deep, savory notes of the French onion soup. A simple marinade of lime juice, garlic, and a touch of oil enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor and creates a quick and easy side dish that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
2. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, rich soup. The crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons offer textural contrast, while the slight tang of the dressing cuts through the soup’s richness. Homemade Caesar dressing, with its depth of flavor from Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, elevates this simple salad to gourmet levels.
3. Kale Salad
For a nutrient-packed and vibrant salad, kale salad is a wonderful choice. The slightly bitter kale is balanced by sweet dried cranberries and crunchy almonds, creating a delightful textural and flavor combination. A homemade dressing with maple syrup and apple cider vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the soup’s savory profile.
4. Arugula Salad with Lemon Zest
Arugula salad offers a peppery bite and fresh flavor that brightens up the palate alongside French onion soup. The simple combination of arugula, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and a light balsamic vinaigrette is both elegant and easy to prepare. The lemon zest in the dressing adds a zesty note that enhances the overall freshness.
Hearty Bread and Grain Accompaniments
Bread is a natural partner for soup, and these options go beyond the traditional crouton to create a more substantial and satisfying meal.
5. The Best Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery dinner rolls are a quintessential comfort food and a perfect accompaniment to French onion soup. Their pillowy texture is ideal for soaking up the flavorful broth, and their subtle sweetness complements the caramelized onions. Homemade dinner rolls are surprisingly easy to make and add a special touch to your meal.
6. Garlic Bacon and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
Take your bread pairing to the next level with a cheesy, savory pull-apart bread. Using pre-made biscuit dough makes this recipe incredibly simple, while the addition of garlic spread, bacon, and parmesan cheese creates an irresistible appetizer or side. The pull-apart nature encourages sharing and makes it a fun and interactive dish.
Image: Garlic bacon cheese pull-apart bread, a fun and flavorful bread option to dip in French onion soup.
7. Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Elevate the classic grilled cheese by pairing it with French onion soup. A gourmet version, featuring sourdough bread, camembert and sharp cheddar cheeses, fresh thyme, and a hint of lemon juice, offers a sophisticated twist. The addition of honey crisp apple adds a surprising crunch and sweetness that complements the savory soup beautifully.
8. Mushroom Risotto
For a truly comforting and substantial meal, consider pairing French onion soup with mushroom risotto. The creamy, earthy risotto, with its rich mushroom flavor, creates a delightful contrast to the savory, onion-forward soup. Using beef broth in the risotto can further enhance the complementary flavors.
Savory Protein Pairings
To transform French onion soup into a more filling main course, consider adding a protein-rich side dish.
9. Pan Seared Scallops
Buttery garlic seared scallops are a quick and elegant protein option that pairs beautifully with French onion soup. Their delicate flavor and tender texture complement the richness of the soup without overpowering it. A simple preparation with garlic, lemon, and parsley highlights the scallops’ natural sweetness.
10. Baked Bruschetta Chicken
Baked bruschetta chicken offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors that harmonize surprisingly well with French onion soup. The balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and garlic in the bruschetta topping create a vibrant and flavorful dish, while the mozzarella cheese adds a creamy element. This pairing provides a hearty and satisfying meal with a touch of Italian flair.
11. French Onion Chicken
Embrace the onion theme fully by serving French onion chicken alongside your soup. This dish features chicken breasts smothered in caramelized onions, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and thyme, mirroring the soup’s key flavors. The addition of gouda cheese creates a melty, cheesy topping that enhances both the flavor and presentation.
12. Steak Tips in Air Fryer
For a quick and satisfying protein boost, air fryer steak tips are an excellent choice. The air fryer creates perfectly cooked, tender steak in just minutes, making it a convenient option for a weeknight meal. The savory steak pairs wonderfully with the rich broth of the French onion soup.
13. Baked Pork Tenderloin
Baked pork tenderloin is a versatile and flavorful protein that complements French onion soup beautifully. Seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, garlic, and chili powder, the pork tenderloin offers a savory and slightly sweet counterpoint to the soup’s richness. Its tender texture and hearty nature make it a satisfying main course option.
14. French Dip Burgers
Take the French dip concept and merge it with burgers for a fun and flavorful pairing. French dip burgers, featuring caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese, echo the flavors of French onion soup while offering a satisfyingly meaty main course. While traditionally dipped in au jus, these burgers are equally delicious dipped directly into the French onion soup itself.
Roasted and Sautéed Vegetable Sides
Vegetables provide essential nutrients and can add delightful flavors and textures to your French onion soup meal.
15. Maple Bacon Carrots
Sweet and savory maple bacon carrots offer a delightful flavor contrast to French onion soup. The sweetness of maple syrup and the smoky saltiness of bacon complement the savory depth of the soup, while the roasted carrots provide a tender and slightly caramelized texture.
16. Sauteed Garlic Broccolini
For a light and refreshing vegetable side, sautéed garlic broccolini is an excellent choice. The slightly bitter broccolini is balanced by the savory garlic and a touch of lemon juice, creating a vibrant and healthy accompaniment. This quick-cooking side dish is ready in just 15 minutes.
17. Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, enhanced with honey and balsamic vinegar, offer a sweet and tangy counterpoint to French onion soup. The balsamic glaze adds depth and complexity, while the honey provides a touch of sweetness that balances the sprouts’ natural bitterness. Roasting brings out their nutty flavor and creates a pleasingly crisp-tender texture.
18. Garlic Parmesan Duchess Potatoes
Elevate your potato side dish with elegant garlic parmesan duchess potatoes. These piped mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also visually impressive. Yukon gold potatoes, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream create a rich and flavorful side that complements the soup’s sophistication.
19. Perfect Baked Potatoes
Classic baked potatoes are a versatile and satisfying side dish that can be customized with various toppings. While you can top them traditionally with butter, cheese, and bacon, consider using French onion soup itself as a topping for a truly decadent and flavorful experience.
Conclusion
French onion soup is a versatile and delicious dish that can be transformed into a complete meal with the right pairings. From light salads and vegetables to hearty proteins and comforting breads, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, these 20 side dish ideas offer something for everyone. Experiment with these pairings and discover your own perfect combination to elevate your French onion soup experience and create a truly memorable meal.
