Soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a versatile dish that can be a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or an elegant starter. But have you ever wondered what to serve with soup to create a truly satisfying and well-rounded meal? Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or a sophisticated gathering, finding the perfect accompaniments for your soup can elevate the entire dining experience. Let’s dive into some delectable ideas that go beyond just a simple bowl of soup, exploring pairings that will tantalize taste buds and impress your guests.
butternut squash soup shooters hand
Classic Companions: Bread, Salad, and Sandwiches
For many, the immediate thought when considering What To Serve With Soup is bread. And for good reason! Crusty bread is a timeless partner for almost any soup. Think about dipping a warm, crusty baguette into a creamy tomato soup or enjoying a slice of sourdough with a hearty lentil soup. The textures and flavors complement each other perfectly. Consider offering a variety of breads – from soft dinner rolls to artisanal loaves – to cater to different preferences and soup types.
Salads are another classic and healthy option to serve alongside soup. A fresh, crisp salad provides a wonderful contrast to the warmth and richness of soup. A light vinaigrette dressing on a green salad can cut through the richness of a cream-based soup, while a heartier salad with grains or beans can complement a lighter broth-based soup. Think of a vibrant spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette served with a minestrone soup, or a robust kale salad with roasted vegetables paired with a creamy potato soup.
butternut squash soup recipe
Sandwiches and soup are a beloved lunchtime combination for a reason. A well-chosen sandwich can transform a simple soup into a complete and fulfilling meal. Grilled cheese is a nostalgic and comforting pairing with tomato soup, while a more sophisticated panini or a hearty half-sandwich can be a great match for a more complex soup like French onion or roasted vegetable soup. Consider the flavors of your soup when choosing your sandwich fillings. A light and fresh sandwich with vegetables and hummus pairs well with a rich and savory soup, while a heartier sandwich with meat or cheese can stand up to a lighter, broth-based soup.
Elevating the Experience: Appetizers and Soup Shooters
Looking to impress guests or create a more substantial meal around soup? Consider serving soup as a starter or alongside other appetizers. Soup shooters, like the butternut squash soup shooters featured in the recipe below, are a fantastic way to serve soup as an elegant and fun appetizer. These small, flavorful portions are perfect for parties and gatherings, allowing guests to sample a delicious soup without committing to a full bowl.
squash apple soup
Serving soup shooters opens up a world of possibilities for accompaniments. Consider offering small bites that complement the soup’s flavor profile. For butternut squash soup shooters, for example, you could serve:
- Miniature grilled cheese sandwiches: The creamy cheese and toasted bread provide a comforting contrast to the sweet and savory soup.
- Spiced nuts or seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds or candied pecans offer a textural crunch and a sweet and savory element that enhances the soup’s flavors.
- Apple slices with brie: The crisp apple and creamy brie cheese echo the apple and cream notes in the butternut squash soup.
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon: A salty and sweet bite that provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup.
By offering a selection of complementary appetizers alongside your soup shooters, you create a more interactive and engaging dining experience for your guests.
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters Recipe: A Perfect Appetizer
Inspired by the idea of soup shooters as a delightful appetizer, here’s a recipe for Butternut Squash Soup Shooters, adapted from a beloved family recipe. This soup is perfect for serving in small portions and pairing with the suggested appetizers mentioned above.
soup shooters recipe
Butternut Squash Soup Shooters
Yields: 16 (2-ounce) servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 small green apples, peeled, quartered, and chopped
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs or chopped chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add apples, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add cloves, allspice, and nutmeg; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, and apple cider. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until vegetables are very soft.
- Puree soup in batches in a blender until smooth. Return to pot, stir in heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To serve as shooters, pour into 2-ounce shot glasses and garnish with thyme or chives, if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
squash soup appetizer
Conclusion: Soup and So Much More
Soup is truly a culinary chameleon, adaptable to any occasion and palate. By thoughtfully considering what to serve with soup, you can transform a simple dish into a memorable meal. From classic bread and salad pairings to elegant appetizers like soup shooters and complementary bites, the possibilities are endless. So next time you’re planning to serve soup, don’t just think about the bowl – think about all the delicious ways you can enhance the experience and create a truly satisfying culinary moment.
