What Goes Good with Potato Soup?

Potato soup is one of those comfort foods I keep coming back to, especially when the weather cools down. It’s hearty, warm, and creamy, but sometimes I want something to go with it that adds a bit more variety to the meal. Over time, I’ve figured out a few things that pair really well with potato soup and make it a satisfying, complete meal. Here’s what I like to serve with it.

Bread Choices for Potato Soup

Let’s be honest: you can’t go wrong with bread when it comes to soup. I usually go for something with a bit of crunch because it balances out the creamy texture of the soup. Here are some favorites:

• Crusty French Bread: This is my go-to. The crunch on the outside and soft center work perfectly for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: If I’m in the mood for something more flavorful, garlic bread is a winner. The buttery, garlicky goodness elevates the whole meal.
• Sourdough Bread: This bread has a slight tang that plays nicely off the creaminess of the potato soup.
• Buttered Rolls: Sometimes, a warm, buttered roll is all you need, especially if you want to keep things simple.

A Salad to Lighten It Up

Sometimes potato soup can feel heavy, so I like to pair it with a fresh salad to lighten things up a bit. It gives the meal a nice balance, and it’s a great way to get some greens in. My go-tos are:

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine, croutons, and Parmesan add a lot of texture, and the dressing gives it that savory punch.
• Spinach Salad: If I’m trying to be a little healthier, I’ll make a spinach salad. A light vinaigrette with some strawberries or nuts adds freshness and flavor.
• Greek Salad: The feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers bring a tangy, refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the soup.

Adding Meat to the Meal

Sometimes, I want something a bit more substantial, especially if I’m serving the soup for dinner. That’s where meat comes in. Here are a few things I’ve found that work really well with potato soup:

• Bacon: Let’s be real, everything’s better with bacon. Whether crumbled on top or served on the side, the salty crunch is a perfect match.
• Ham: A nice slice of ham is a great pairing. The savory, slightly sweet flavor balances out the creaminess of the soup.
• Grilled Chicken: If I’m trying to keep things a little lighter, grilled chicken adds some lean protein without overpowering the meal.
• Sausage: For a heartier option, sausage—especially something a bit spicy—pairs really well. It adds a bold, flavorful kick.

Veggies for More Variety

Adding some vegetables on the side or into the soup itself is another great way to round out the meal. Here are a few that I’ve tried and loved:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The crispy edges and slightly smoky flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts are a great contrast to the smooth, creamy soup.
• Grilled Asparagus: It’s light and crisp, and the slightly charred flavor from grilling works surprisingly well with the soup.
• Caramelized Onions: Adding these either on top or mixed into the soup adds a rich, sweet-savory element that enhances the flavor.

Cheese Toppings to Amp Up Flavor

I’m a big fan of adding a little cheese on top of my potato soup, or even mixing it into the soup itself for extra creaminess. Here are a few I recommend:

• Cheddar: You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar. It melts beautifully and adds a nice bite to the soup.
• Parmesan: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the soup really well.
• Gruyère: If you’re feeling fancy, Gruyère adds a rich, nutty flavor. It’s perfect if you want to take your soup to the next level.

What to Drink with Potato Soup

When it comes to drinks, I tend to keep it simple with potato soup. I want something that’s going to balance out the creaminess and richness. Here are a few drinks that I think go well:

• White Wine: A crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works really well. It cuts through the richness without being too overpowering.
• Sparkling Water: Sometimes I just go with sparkling water. It’s refreshing, and the bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Lemonade: On the rare occasion I want something non-alcoholic and a bit sweet, lemonade provides a nice tangy contrast to the creamy soup.

Desserts to End the Meal

If there’s room for dessert, I like to finish with something light and refreshing. After a rich bowl of potato soup, I want something that won’t weigh me down:

• Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad with citrus like oranges or grapefruits is the perfect palate cleanser.
• Sorbet: Light and icy, a fruity sorbet is a refreshing end to the meal.
• Apple Pie: For a cozier option, apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a great way to finish off a potato soup dinner.

Bringing It All Together

When it comes to what goes well with potato soup, it’s all about balancing flavors and textures. Whether it’s a crunchy piece of bread, a crisp salad, or a tangy drink, these options round out the meal and make it more satisfying. So next time you whip up a pot of potato soup, try pairing it with some of these sides and see how much more enjoyable it can be!