Easy French onion soup side dish ideas, from grilled cheese paninis to green salad, and New York strip steak to homemade baguettes. Discover what to serve with French onion soup today.
Although the base of this deliciously decadent soup is typically a humble meat stock and chopped onions, it’s the toppings that give it a unique texture and complex taste. Each bowl of French onion soup is topped with a large crouton or similar type of bread and a heaping helping of melted cheese.
While a bowl of this soup might be enough to make it a meal by itself, there are several dishes that complement its aroma and flavor. Here are some of the most intriguing options to complete any feast that includes French onion soup.
Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini
Soups and sandwiches have been paired up for light, simple meals for generations. When it comes to French onion soup, one of the best sandwich companions is the grilled chicken pesto panini.
This is a grilled sandwich usually prepared with a chewy bread such as focaccia. In addition to cubed chicken breast, it usually also contains red bell pepper, chopped onion, provolone cheese, and of course, the unmistakable flavor that comes with a smear of basil pesto.
New York Strip Steak
The rich flavor of a New York strip makes it a perfect companion for an indulgent bowl of French onion soup. This cut of beef is part of the short loin and is identified by its tender texture and the ability to be cut into various sizes depending on personal preferences.
Whether it is cooked to perfection on a grill, seared in a pan to lock in all of its juicy goodness, or slow-roasted in the oven, there’s no wrong way to prepare this classic beef entree. When it’s served alongside a warm bowl of French onion soup, a delicious meal is just waiting to be enjoyed.
Roasted Veggies with Mushrooms
There aren’t too many side dishes that are as healthy and easy to prepare as this one. It starts by choosing a selection of chopped vegetables that are in season and will stand up to the roasting process. Since mushrooms complement the flavor of French onion soup so well, they are a must-have addition.
Upon combining the ingredients in a bowl, all it takes is a bit of oil and some spices to get the veggies ready for the oven. Place everything on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the mushrooms begin to brown, and all the veggies become fork tender.
Lemon-Parsley Tilapia
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Fans of seafood are sure to love a pairing of French onion soup with lemon-parsley tilapia.
In addition to a beautiful filet, all it takes is some fresh lemon, minced garlic, melted butter, and some simple seasoning to give the tilapia a fresh and mild taste. Baking an average filet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 12 minutes is enough to create the perfect companion for a hearty bowl of soup.
Lemon & Dill Salmon
Even those who aren’t fans of tilapia can find a great seafood entree to serve alongside French onion soup. Sticking with the fresh lemon that enhances the soup’s aroma and taste, it’s easy to transform a salmon filet into an easy and exquisite meal.
Add some dill, garlic, butter, and fresh lemon to create a simple yet complex flavor that won’t overpower the flavor of the accompanying soup. Top the fish with a sauce made from those ingredients and cover each filet with foil, baking it for about 13 minutes in a 425-degree Fahrenheit oven for a flaky, irresistible dish.
Croque Monsieur
Pair a bowl of onion soup with this hot ham and cheese sandwich for a meal that is thoroughly inspired by French cuisine.
A bit of melted butter with seasonings and grated cheese creates the perfect sauce. Adding some mustard to the ham and cheese will add another dimension of flavor. After baking the sandwich for a few minutes, transfer it to the broiler to finish it off until it is golden brown and ready to enjoy.
Vegetable Antipasto Salad
Soup and salad is another timeless combination, and an antipasto salad is one of the most enjoyable ways to complete a meal that includes French onion soup.
All it takes is a selection of fresh vegetables such as artichoke hearts, roasted peppers, red onions, and olives to provide the base for this robust salad. Toss in some fresh herbs and Italian dressing and the salad is complete.
Farro
This herbaceous side dish combines many of the flavors that will complement any bowl of French onion soup. Best of all, this healthy whole grain ingredient is simple to cook.
After rinsing the farro, boil it in a large pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the grains are tender. Upon draining the contents, add a pinch of salt and serve it up with some hot soup.
Homemade Baked Baguette
For a lighter meal, all it takes is the flavorful crunch of a French baguette to complete a bowl of French onion soup.
Some home cooks might be intimidated about baking bread, but this is a relatively simple one to perfect. With just yeast, flour, salt, and water, it’s easy to gently knead, fold, and bake it to the precise combination of crispy crust and chewy center.
Creamy Noodles
Pasta can be an excellent vehicle for many types of protein and sauces, but a simple side dish tossed in cream is also a great option to serve with French onion soup.
A bit of broth and milk creates the base for the cream sauce. Combining some herbs and spices along with a favorite type of noodle makes this a quick side dish to enjoy any time French onion soup is on the menu.
Green Salad
Sometimes simplicity is best. For a bowl of soup to really shine, it might be a good idea to pair it with a basic green salad.
After thoroughly washing the lettuce or another variety of fresh greens, toss in some favorite veggies and top everything with dressing and a few croutons or nuts for a light side dish that will pair nicely with French onion soup.
