What to Serve with French Onion Soup for Lunch to Create the Perfect Meal Experience

Ever found yourself staring at a bowl of delicious French onion soup and wondering what to pair it with? You’re not alone. This classic dish is rich and flavorful, but it can leave you scratching your head when it comes to side options that complement its savory goodness.

What To Serve With French Onion Soup For Lunch

Enhance your French onion soup experience with these delightful pairings. Whether you’re looking for something light or filling, these options complement the soup’s rich flavors.

Sandwiches

• Croque Monsieur: Enjoy a classic French sandwich, layered with ham and melted cheese.
• Grilled Cheese: Opt for a gooey grilled cheese made with sharp cheddar or gouda for added richness.
• Turkey Club: Go for a hearty turkey club with crispy bacon and fresh lettuce.

Salads

• Caesar Salad: Pair it with the crispness of romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons.
• Mixed Greens: Serve a light salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Beet Salad: Consider a beet salad topped with goat cheese and walnuts for earthy flavors.

Bread Options

• Baguette: Accompany your soup with slices of warm baguette for dipping.
• Sourdough: Use sourdough for a tangy bite that complements the soup’s sweetness.
• Breadsticks: Offer crispy breadsticks for a fun, crunchy addition.

Charcuterie

• Cheese Platter: Assemble a platter with various cheeses like brie, cheddar, and blue cheese.
• Cured Meats: Add salami and prosciutto for savory notes that balance the soup.
• Olives: Include marinated olives for a briny contrast to the rich broth.

Quiches

• Vegetable Quiche: Pair with a vegetable quiche filled with seasonal produce for a healthy option.
• Lorraine Quiche: Enjoy a quiche Lorraine, featuring bacon and cheese, for a filling side.

Traditional Pairings

French onion soup pairs well with several traditional options, enhancing its rich flavors. Consider these classic combinations for a satisfying lunch experience.

Delicious Sandwich Options

• Croque Monsieur: This cheesy, ham-filled sandwich adds a crispy texture and complements the soup’s flavors.
• Grilled Cheese: A classic choice, the gooey, melty cheese contrasts beautifully with the soup’s savory onions.
• Reuben Sandwich: Its tangy sauerkraut and corned beef provide a bold contrast, making each bite delightful.
• Turkey Club: A layered sandwich with turkey, bacon, and lettuce offers a refreshing crunch and a protein boost.

Classic Salad Suggestions

• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons balance the soup’s richness while adding freshness.
• Beet Salad: Earthy beets and tangy goat cheese create a colorful dish that complements the soup’s flavors.
• Spinach Salad: Light and nutritious, this salad with nuts and feta provides a refreshing contrast.
• Caprese Salad: Combining ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil gives a light and invigorating side that brightens the meal.

Flavorful Side Dishes

Pairing French onion soup with the right side dishes elevates the entire meal. Consider these options that harmonize with the soup’s rich flavors.

Crispy Vegetables

Crispy vegetables add texture and brightness. Here are some excellent choices:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until crispy.
• Carrot Fries: Cut carrots into sticks, toss with olive oil and your favorite spices, then bake until tender and crisp.
• Zucchini Chips: Slice zucchini thin, coat lightly with olive oil and seasonings, then bake until they’re golden.

These dishes bring a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the softness of the soup.

Hearty Grains

Hearty grains create a filling meal that balances the soup’s richness. Consider these options:

• Quinoa: Serve cooked quinoa mixed with herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
• Farro: Prepare farro with vegetable broth for added flavor, then toss with roasted vegetables.
• Barley Salad: Cook barley, then mix it with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.

These grains provide a wholesome element that complements French onion soup perfectly.

Creative Twists

Pairing French onion soup with creative options enhances your lunchtime experience. Explore gourmet toppings and unique accompaniments that’ll elevate the meal.

Gourmet Toppings

Enhance your French onion soup with unexpected gourmet toppings. Consider these delicious choices:

• Truffle Oil: Drizzle truffle oil atop your soup for an earthy depth.
• Herbed Croutons: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to flavor homemade croutons, adding crunch and aroma.
• Caramelized Bacon: Incorporate bacon pieces sautéed until caramelized. This adds smokiness and a salty contrast.
• Spicy Cheese: Experiment with pepper jack or a smoked Gouda for a kick. The cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess.

Unique Accompaniments

Select unique accompaniments that surprise and satisfy. These options can complement the flavors of French onion soup:

• Savory Puff Pastry Twists: Serve puff pastry twisted with cheese and herbs. Their flaky texture contrasts the soup’s warmth.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Offer bite-sized mushrooms filled with garlic, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Their earthy flavor aligns perfectly with the soup.
• Mediterranean Flatbread: Pair a flatbread topped with olives, feta, and tomatoes. This provides a fresh, tangy balance.
• Asian-Inspired Side Salad: Create a salad with sesame noodles, mixed greens, and a ginger-soy dressing. Its zinginess brightens the richness of the soup.

Exploring these creative twists will make your French onion soup lunch memorable and fulfilling.

Conclusion

Enjoying French onion soup for lunch is a delightful experience that can be even better with the right accompaniments. Whether you choose a classic grilled cheese or a vibrant salad your meal can be transformed into something truly special.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your pairings. Adding unique sides like savory puff pastry twists or a refreshing Asian-inspired salad can elevate the flavors and make lunchtime exciting.

With so many options at your fingertips you’re sure to find the perfect combination that brings out the best in your French onion soup. Happy dining!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good side dishes to pair with French onion soup?

French onion soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Recommended options include sandwiches like Croque Monsieur and grilled cheese, fresh salads like Caesar and Caprese, and hearty breads like sourdough. Adding crispy vegetables or grains, such as quinoa or farro salad, can also enhance the meal.

Can I serve salads with French onion soup?

Absolutely! Salads such as Caesar, beet, spinach, and Caprese add freshness and balance the richness of the soup. They provide a light contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.

What are creative twists to enhance my soup experience?

You can elevate French onion soup with toppings like truffle oil, herbed croutons, or caramelized bacon. Pairing it with unique sides like savory puff pastry twists or Mediterranean flatbread can also add a delightful surprise.

Is it necessary to have bread with French onion soup?

While not necessary, bread is a traditional accompaniment that enhances the experience. Options like a fresh baguette or sourdough can complement the soup’s flavors and add texture, making the meal more satisfying.

What types of sandwiches pair well with French onion soup?

Sandwiches like the Croque Monsieur, grilled cheese, Reuben, and turkey club are excellent choices. They provide varying flavors and textures that complement the rich taste of French onion soup.