Broccoli cheese soup is a classic comfort food, beloved for its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor. It’s a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience to a whole new level. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Broccoli Cheese Soup, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through 10 fantastic and easy-to-prepare side dishes that perfectly complement a warm bowl of broccoli cheddar soup.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, finding the perfect accompaniment to your broccoli cheese soup is key. Let’s explore some delicious options that will enhance the flavors and textures of your meal, making it truly unforgettable.
Overhead view of a comforting bowl of broccoli cheese soup garnished with shredded cheddar, showcasing its creamy texture and inviting warmth.
Bread Pairings: The Perfect Partners for Soup
When it comes to soup, bread is often the first side dish that comes to mind – and for good reason! Bread is excellent for soaking up every last drop of creamy soup, and the right type of bread can add a delightful textural contrast. Here are some bread options that pair wonderfully with broccoli cheese soup:
1. Easy 2-Ingredient Bread
For a simple and quick option, 2-ingredient bread is a winner. Made with just Greek yogurt and flour, this bread is incredibly easy to prepare and doesn’t require any yeast. Its slightly tangy flavor and soft texture make it a great accompaniment to the richness of the soup. Plus, it’s a fun and effortless way to have fresh bread on the table in no time.
2. Fluffy Focaccia
If you’re looking for something a bit more flavorful and airy, focaccia is an excellent choice. Especially when made quickly from pizza dough, focaccia offers a delightful chewiness and a wonderful olive oil-infused flavor. The addition of rosemary, sea salt, and parmesan cheese elevates it further, creating a savory bread that complements the creamy soup without overpowering it.
3. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks
For a truly indulgent experience, cheesy garlic breadsticks are the way to go. These soft breadsticks, with their crispy bottoms brushed with garlic-parmesan butter and topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, are a crowd-pleaser. The garlic and cheese flavors harmonize beautifully with the broccoli and cheddar in the soup, creating a comforting and satisfying combination.
Fruity Companions: Adding a Touch of Freshness
While soup and bread are a classic duo, incorporating fruit can bring a refreshing and vibrant element to your meal. A fruit salad can cut through the richness of the soup and cleanse your palate.
4. Customizable Winter Fruit Salad
A winter fruit salad offers a burst of freshness and color, especially during colder months. The beauty of this side dish is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, grapes, and pears. A light honey-poppy seed dressing adds a touch of sweetness and ties the flavors together, making it a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.
A vibrant and colorful winter fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits drizzled with a light honey-poppy seed dressing, perfect for adding freshness to a meal.
Meat and Vegetables: Heartier Side Dish Options
To transform your broccoli cheese soup into a more substantial and balanced meal, consider adding meat and vegetable side dishes. These options can provide protein and additional nutrients, making your meal more satisfying and complete.
5. Easy Charcuterie Board
For a fun and interactive side dish, a charcuterie board is a fantastic choice. It’s incredibly easy to assemble with your favorite meats, cheeses, and crackers. The variety of flavors and textures on a charcuterie board provides a delightful contrast to the creamy soup. Pickles or olives can also be added to offer a tangy element that cuts through the richness.
6. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly and protein-packed side, air fryer chicken tenders are an excellent option. Air frying makes them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without the added oil of traditional frying. The savory chicken tenders are a satisfying contrast to the creamy and cheesy soup, creating a balanced and comforting meal.
7. Lightly Crisp Zucchini Fries
For a lighter yet satisfying vegetable side, zucchini fries are a great choice. Air frying zucchini fries results in a lightly crisp exterior and tender interior. They are a healthier alternative to potato fries and offer a subtle flavor that complements the soup without being overpowering. Served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, they add another layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
Crispy air fryer zucchini fries served on a white plate with a side of marinara sauce, showcasing a healthy and delicious vegetable side dish.
8. Simple Ham and Cheese Sandwiches or Hot Dogs
For a truly easy and family-friendly option, consider serving warm or cold ham and cheese sandwiches or even hot dogs alongside your broccoli cheese soup. These classic comfort foods are quick to prepare and pair well with the soup’s creamy texture and cheesy flavor. They are especially great for a casual weeknight meal.
Potato Perfection: Complementing Creamy Soup with Potatoes
Potatoes are another versatile side dish category that can complement broccoli cheese soup beautifully. Whether baked, smashed, or fried, potatoes offer different textures and flavors that enhance the overall meal.
9. Classic Steakhouse Baked Potatoes
Classic baked potatoes, especially when prepared steakhouse-style in an air fryer, are a hearty and satisfying side. The air fryer creates a crispy skin and fluffy interior, offering a delightful textural contrast to the smooth soup. Topped with butter, sour cream, or chives, baked potatoes become a comforting and flavorful addition to your broccoli cheese soup meal.
10. Flavorful Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes take the baked potato concept to another level by offering crispy edges and tender insides, all loaded with garlic butter flavor. These are incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy them plain or with a dollop of sour cream for added richness. The crispy texture and savory garlic butter perfectly complement the creamy soup.
Close-up of golden brown air fryer smashed potatoes topped with a dollop of sour cream, highlighting their crispy texture and flavorful garlic butter.
Bonus: Crispy French Fries
And who can resist French fries? Especially when they are the best kind made from hand-cut potatoes and using just a teaspoon of oil in the air fryer! Crispy french fries are always a welcome side, offering a salty and crunchy contrast to the creamy and comforting broccoli cheese soup.
Complete Your Broccoli Cheese Soup Meal
Broccoli cheese soup is a versatile and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. From simple bread and refreshing fruit salads to heartier options like chicken tenders and potatoes, there’s a perfect side dish for every taste and occasion. Experiment with these suggestions to discover your favorite pairings and make your next broccoli cheese soup meal truly exceptional. Enjoy!
