What to Eat With French Onion Soup?

Of France’s many iconic dishes, the flavor and comfort of French Onion Soup stand out as one of the most beloved. Its creamy, savory broth is comforting, warm, and perfect for cold days. But what to eat with such a classic?

You’re in luck because there are a number of great sides that pair perfectly with French Onion Soup. Today, I’m talking all things French Onion Soup, and sharing five delicious options for what to pair it with.

Personally, I love to serve French Onion Soup as a main course, especially when I’m entertaining a small gathering of close friends. But even when I’m serving it as the star of the show, I like to serve accompaniments to complete the meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for yourself, there’s no reason your French Onion Soup experience should be limited to only the soup.

Before we discussed what you can eat with hummus, and now, here are the five sides I love to serve with French Onion Soup:

Bread

Stale or grilled bread makes the perfect accompaniment to French Onion Soup. The bread absorbs some of the soup’s liquid, making it even more flavorful and almost like a thicker stew. You can use a variety of bread, but my favorite is rustic, sourdough-style. I like to grill it to get a nice crunch, then cut it into slices and place it on top of the soup. Not only does it make the soup better, but it also adds texture and visual appeal. For a healthier option, you can also use whole-grain bread, or if you’re a brave, check biscuit.

Cheese

Who doesn’t love cheese? The gooey, melted cheese on top of the soup is a classic touch that enhances its flavor in an irreplaceable way. It’s also an easy way to dress up the dish. My favorite cheese to use is a combination of Swiss and Gruyere, but you can also use mozzarella and cheddar for a more mild flavor. For extra flavor, I like to sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Croutons

Croutons are another great side that can really elevate your French Onion Soup experience. They bring both crunch and flavor to the dish—not to mention, they’re an easy way to feed your guests. You can buy pre-made croutons or make your own by simply toasting cubes of bread in the oven and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic.

Salad

A salad is a great way to add a variety of crunchy and tart flavors to the meal. You can opt for a simple green salad or jazz it up with spinach, apples, nuts, or dried fruit, but not mushrooms. Dress it with your favorite vinaigrette or a splash of olive oil, and you’ll have a perfect accompaniment to your French Onion Soup.

Pasta

Finally, when it comes to dishes with a lot of liquid, one of my favorite sides is pasta. Whether it’s spaghetti, macaroni, or any other type of pasta, it always adds a nice balance to the soup. You can mix it directly into the soup or serve it on the side.

Roasted Vegetables

If you’re looking for something to round out your meal and provide a bit of healthy balance, then roasted vegetables are the way to go. Choose your favorite veggies – such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and mushrooms – and roast them in the oven. The roasted vegetables provide the perfect balance to the savory flavors of the French Onion Soup. Plus, they add a bit of lightness and crunch that is the perfect complement to the rich, thick soup.

Cheese and Crackers

Cheese and crackers may not be a typical French dish, but it’s the perfect accompaniment to French Onion Soup. The salty and savory flavor of a good cheese, such as “Comté”, is the perfect complement to the sweetness of the onions. The crunchy texture of the crackers juxtaposes nicely with the smooth texture of the soup, making the pairing even more enjoyable. All you need to do is pick out your favorite cheese, crackers, and fruit, and you’re good to go.

No matter what you choose to serve with your French Onion Soup, the important thing is to really enjoy it.