Best Bread to Serve with Soup (15 Interesting Sides)

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a cold day. But what should you serve with it? Bread is the perfect side dish for soup, and there are many different types that you can try. The most popular option is garlic bread, but what if you want to take your meal up a notch and experiment a little with it?

In this article, I’ll discuss the best bread to serve with soup and give some examples of combinations that I’ve tried. So whether you’re looking for something classic or something a little more adventurous, I might have the perfect suggestion for you!

List of Bread that Pair Well with Soup

1. French Baguette
2. Sourdough
3. Rye
4. Garlic Bread
5. White Bread
6. Cornbread
7. Multigrain

French Baguette

French baguettes are a classic side dish that can be served with a variety of soups. They are long and thin, with a crispy crust and fluffy interior. While they are typically served plain, they can also be topped with butter, cheese, or herbs.

When pairing a French baguette with soup, it is important to consider the soup’s thickness and flavor. For thinner soups, such as consommé or broth-based soups, the baguette can be used as a stirrer or spoon. For thick soups, such as chowder or bisque, the baguette can be cut into chunks and used as a scoop.

The pros of French baguettes are that they provide an easy way to add crusty bread to your soup without having to make a separate dish. They are also relatively inexpensive and widely available.

However, they can become soggy quickly, so they are best eaten fresh. They also may not pair well with very spicy or flavorful soups.

If you want to avoid soggy bread, try microwaving the baguette for a few seconds before adding it to your soup. You can also toast the bread in the oven or on the stovetop.

Sourdough

Sourdough is a type of bread that is made with a sourdough starter. The dough is fermented, which gives it a sour taste. It is a great option for a side dish because it goes well with various soups as it can help to soak up the broth and makes the soup more filling. In addition, the sourdough starter can add beneficial microbes to the soup.

However, there are some things to keep in mind when using sourdough as a side dish. First, the bread can quickly become soggy if it is left in the soup for too long. Second, the fermentation process can cause the bread to release gas, which can make the soup bubbly and foamy.

To avoid these problems, it is best to add sourdough to the soup just before serving. By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and healthy side dish that will complement your soup perfectly.

Rye

Rye bread is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with soup or on its own. It is made from rye flour, water, yeast, and salt, and it has a chewy texture and nutty flavor. It is also a good source of fiber and nutrients.

When pairing rye bread with soup, it is important to consider the flavors of both the soup and the bread. For example, a hearty beef stew would pair well with dark rye bread, while a light vegetable soup would be best served with light rye bread.

One of the benefits of using rye bread as a side dish is that it can help to absorb excess liquid from the soup. However, it can too become soggy if it is not properly paired with the soup. For best results, slice the bread into thin pieces and serve it alongside the soup.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a classic side dish that can take any soup up a notch. It’s simple to make and can be tailored to your liking – whether you like it light and airy or dense and chewy. Plus, it is a great way to soak up all that delicious soup without making a mess.

When pairing garlic bread with soup, keep in mind to make sure the soup is hearty enough to stand up to the garlic bread. A light soup will be overpowered by garlic bread, so look for something with robust flavors.

Also, consider the texture of the garlic bread. If you’re using a dense, chewy loaf, pair it with a smooth soup. If you’re using a light and airy loaf, pair it with a thick and chunky soup. And lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative – there are endless ways to customize your perfect garlic bread/soup combo.

White Bread

Though often overlooked, white bread can be a delicious and versatile side dish for soup. It offers a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of soups, as it can be enjoyed plain, or topped with butter, cheese, or herbs.

When choosing white bread to pair with soup, look for a loaf with a crisp crust and fluffy interior. Slices should be cut thick enough to soak up the soup without falling apart. Serve the bread fresh, and warm from the oven for best results.

There are a few things to avoid when pairing white bread and soup. First, steer clear of greasy or oily loaves of bread, as they will make the soup seem heavy and unhealthy. Secondly, avoid overly sweet loaves, as they can overwhelm the delicate flavors of the soup. With these tips in mind, experiment with different types of white bread to find your perfect pairing.

Cornbread

Cornbread is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of soups. It has a hearty texture that pairs well with thick, creamy soups, as well as a slightly sweet flavor that can complement spicier dishes.

Keep in mind that cornbread is best served fresh and warm, so be sure to time its preparation accordingly. Secondly, the cornbread should be cut into small pieces to maintain its integrity when dunked in soup.

And finally, it is important to avoid over-stuffing the bowl with cornbread, as this can make the soup seem too heavy. When used in moderation, however, cornbread is an excellent way to round out a bowl of soup.

Multigrain

Multigrain bread is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of soups. It is packed with nutrients and has a chewy texture that holds up well to hearty soup bases.

For a light soup, such as a vegetable or tomato bisque, pair multigrain bread with a grilled cheese sandwich or garlic toast. For a heartier soup, such as chili or beef stew, try using multigrain bread as dippers.

The bread will absorb the flavors of the soup and add an extra layer of depth to each bite. However, multigrain bread can also be tricky to work with. It tends to fall apart easily and can become soggy if not properly reheated.

To avoid these problems, be sure to slice the bread thickly and reheat it in the oven until it is crispy. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create delicious and satisfying meals using multigrain bread as a side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I bake french baguettes at home?

There are a few things you’ll need to bake french baguettes at home. First, you’ll need a baking stone or unglazed ceramic tiles. This will help create the crispy crust that is characteristic of french baguettes.

Secondly, you’ll need bread flour with high protein content. This will give the bread the chewy texture that is characteristic of french baguettes. And finally, you’ll need a baker’s yeast. This will help the bread to rise and create the desired flavor.

Is white bread unhealthy?

No, white bread is not necessarily unhealthy. While it is important to avoid greasy or oily bread, many types of white bread are both healthy and delicious. Additionally, white bread can be paired with a variety of soups to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

When it comes to pairing bread and soup, there are a variety of options to choose from. Some of the most popular options are discussed above, but depending on the type of soup you are serving, you may want to try a different type of bread. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to find the perfect combination for your next meal!