25 Sides for Soup

By

Melanie Fincher

Updated on December 2, 2020

Easy Garlic Kale — Photo: Melissa Goff

It's always good to have a few cans of soup on hand for quick and easy dinners. But sometimes, it can be hard to make soup feel like a meal. Ever wondered what to pair with your can of soup to make things a little more exciting? We've rounded up 25 simple side dishes to serve with soup. From simple vegetable side dishes to buttery biscuits and rolls, each of these sides require just five ingredients or less — because no one wants to labor over sides. Take your can of soup to the next level with these simple sides.

01 of 25

Simple Roasted Butternut Squash

Simple Roasted Butternut Squash — Marisa R.

An extra dose of veggies on the side of your soup will make it a meal. This no-fuss recipe is great when you're in the mood for a quick dinner. Reviewer naples34102 says, "Not sure I'd roast butternut squash any other way after making this basic, non-fussy recipe. Winning recipes almost always begin with fresh ingredients and a little seasoning to enhance and complement. This is a winner."

02 of 25

Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta

Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta — naples34102

Pasta and soup are the perfect pairing, and these low-carb zoodles are so easy to make. "This is a great way to serve zucchini! You can top it w/ your favorite sauce, or keep it simple for an easy side dish," says reviewer Christina. "I just bought a julienne cutter, so I used that, and it was perfect for this!"

03 of 25

Fried Brussels Sprouts

Fried Brussels Sprouts — France C

"These were simple to make and full of flavor," says reviewer France C. For a simple vegetable side that's chock full of flavor, you can't go wrong with frying up some Brussels sprouts (along with a little bacon of course).

04 of 25

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans — KGora

Roasting green beans provides a change up from the same ol' green beans. "I loved these green beans, my only complaint is that I didn't make enough of them! I can easily see them being a healthy replacement for french fries," says reviewer mkstevens09.

05 of 25

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe — Buckwheat Queen

A small side of cacio e pepe makes a great complement to any Italian soup, or any soup you'd like! "This is the way an Italian recipe should be: simple with the right ingredients," says reviewer Bill Deef.

06 of 25

Butter-Roasted Cauliflower

Butter-Roasted Cauliflower — Baking Nana

"This is an unusual and tremendously tasty way to enjoy cauliflower. It's almost like discovering a new vegetable," says recipe creator Chef John.

07 of 25

Buttered Biscuits

Buttered Biscuits — tonicooks

Biscuits are a classic side dish for soups, as they can soak up the hearty broth and give you buttery, flavored goodness in every bite. This version only requires three ingredients. Paired with a hearty bowl of soup, it makes the ultimate comfort-food meal.

08 of 25

Quick and Easy Grilled Potatoes

Quick and Easy Grilled Potatoes — abapplez

"These are like a baked potato, but better! This recipe is so simple and makes a delicious side dish, a 'baked' potato that is soft in the middle and perfectly grilled on the outside," says recipe creator stylistmama. A little starch on the side never hurt.

09 of 25

Lime Cilantro Cauliflower "Rice"

Lime Cilantro Cauliflower Rice — Allrecipes Magazine

Cauliflower rice makes a grain-free side dish to pair with any soup — but the lime and cilantro in this version would be perfect for pairing with some tortilla soup. "I don't even like cauliflower but could eat this daily," says reviewer Tahoefans.

10 of 25

Easiest Asparagus Recipe

Easiest Asparagus Recipe — Christina

Sweet honey and spicy cayenne mingle to make a flavorful veggie side for any soup. "Love veggie recipes that take veggies to the next level without a lot of fuss and without disguising or overpowering the natural flavors. This recipe is perfect on both counts," says reviewer Thisni Caza.

11 of 25

Easy Roasted Broccoli

closeup of roasted broccoli florets — France C

"Made exactly as written and we loved this," says reviewer Buckwheat Queen. "My kids gobbled it up. I might add some sesame seeds next time."

12 of 25

Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes

Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Potatoes — naples34102

"Fairly common method of preparing roasted potatoes but delicious nonetheless - and the directions work," says reviewer naples34102. "However, for best and even browning, turn half way through the cooking time."

13 of 25

Cabbage Steaks

Cabbage Steak — Patricia Tuttle Russell

These "steaks" make a delicious side for any soup. "One of my favorite side dishes, as it's very easy to make! I personally love garlic so I go crazy with it, but put as much as is good for you. This is a very simple recipe and you can put as much or as little of the seasonings you want," says recipe creator Amber Jessie.

14 of 25

Quick Cheddar Garlic Biscuits

Quick Cheddar Garlic Biscuits — Katherine Soriano

You can't go wrong with cheddar biscuits, especially dipped in tomato soup. This simple recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Reviewer naples34102 says, "Hate to say, but I gotta say it...I made from-scratch biscuits yesterday and these Garlic Cheese Biscuits, that begin with baking mix, beat them hands down."

15 of 25

Easy Garlic Kale

Easy Garlic Kale — Melissa Goff

This simple kale saute takes the bitterness right out of this leafy green. Reviewer tcasa says, "We honestly were not expecting this to taste so good. I am trying to incorporate different greens into our diets and have never really cooked or eaten kale before. My husband was not thrilled about eating kale and has said 'I hate kale,' however, he ended up having seconds."

16 of 25

Grilled Romaine

Grilled Romaine — Trisha

Steak seasoning gives romaine lettuce a smoky flavor after sizzling on the grill. Reviewer Lucky Noodles says, "This is terrific and I have made it twice, so far. I never would have thought to put romaine on the grill so I am glad you did and shared it with us! Of course it doesn't take long on the grill, don't walk away!"

17 of 25

Rush Hour Refried Beans

Rush Hour Refried Beans — naples34102

Any spicy, Latin-style soup would benefit from a side of refried beans. This easy version uses canned beans and comes together in just 20 minutes. Reviewer starlet587 says, "Never will I ever buy canned refried beans!"

18 of 25

Grama's Peppery Parsnips

Grama's Peppery Parsnips in a white dish — pelicangal

"Easy, tasty, and almost as versatile as french fries. Used fresh, coarsely ground garlic pepper seasoning which gave this dish more in-depth flavor," says reviewer ConkyJoe.

19 of 25

Cucumbers with Dressing

Cucumbers with Dressing — Scott

This refreshing cucumber side will help balance out any spicy soups. Reviewer keebdaisy says, "Very nice. It has a sweet yet tangy taste. Also very refreshing!"

20 of 25

Coconut Jasmine Rice

Coconut Jasmine Rice — Buckwheat Queen

"This is a very good rice to serve with spicy foods. The coconut flavor is not too overpowering as in those recipes that call for shredded coconut," says reviewer Buckwheat Queen. "I rinsed my rice, to eliminate some of the starch, before cooking. I will definitely be making this again."

21 of 25

Traditional Pita Breads

Traditional Pita Breads — GEISA

What better way to soak up your favorite soup than with this traditional pita bread. "This was really really good, and easy to make," says reviewer PAMELALALALA.

22 of 25

Quick and Spicy Spaghetti Squash

Quick and Spicy Spaghetti Squash — France C

Spaghetti squash is another low-carb alternative to pasta that makes a great side or stand-alone dish. "Easy, tasted great," says reviewer LeeAnn. "Much healthier option than noodles."

23 of 25

Easy and Delicious Crusty Popovers

Easy and Delicious Crusty Popovers — Paula

"I grew up with these buttery popovers served with homemade turkey noodle soup," says recipe creator Rebecca Cartwright. "Very easy to make and tasty. DO NOT open the oven until done!"

24 of 25

Chili-Lime Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob

Chili-Lime Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob — Stirring up Trouble

This summertime staple makes a great side, especially for cold soups. Reviewer Liam's Mommy says,"So easy and SO delicious! Remarkably, you don't even miss the butter."

25 of 25

Cornbread Biscotti

Cornbread Biscotti — Molly

Use leftover cornbread to make this biscotti that's made for dunking in a warm bowl of soup. Reviewer sassyoldlady says, "I had made a skillet of cornbread and had to try this the next day...It is delightful and it is a perfect use for leftover stale cornbread."

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