What are the Best Sides to Serve with French Onion Soup?

Get excited, soup lovers! Our season is right around the corner.

Today, we’re chatting about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: French onion soup. 

But we’re not just talking about the soup itself. Oh no, we’re exploring the wonderful variety of side dishes that perfectly complement this classic French dish. 

The Best Sides to Serve with French Onion Soup

When it comes to French onion soup, the first thing that comes to mind is usually that gooey, melty cheese atop a crusty piece of bread, floating on a savory broth filled with sweet caramelized onions. 

But what about the accompaniments? What sides can elevate this already delectable soup to new heights? 

Well, I’ve done the tasty research (you’re welcome!), and I’m here to share my findings.

The Classic Companion: Crusty Bread

Let’s start with the obvious, shall we? A good, crusty bread is the best thing to serve alongside your hot bowl of French onion soup. 

Whether it’s a chewy French bread, a baguette, or even some homemade pull-apart bread, this is the perfect match for soaking up every last drop of that rich broth.

Pro tip: Try toasting your bread slices on a baking sheet with a bit of olive oil and garlic for an extra flavor kick!

Green Goodness: Salads Galore

A light, refreshing salad can be the perfect counterpoint to the richness of French onion soup. Here are a few options to consider:

• Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of arugula pairs beautifully with the sweet caramelized onions in the soup. Toss with a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing, and maybe a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar can be a great side dish to your onion soup. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offer a nice contrast in textures.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can be just the thing to freshen up your palate between spoonfuls of soup.

Sandwich Sidekicks

Who says you can’t have soup and a sandwich? It’s one of my favorite combos! Here are some sandwiches that play well with French onion soup:

Grilled Cheese: A classic grilled cheese sandwich with melty cheeses like gruyere or mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven for French onion soup.

Chicken Pesto Panini: The bright flavors of a chicken pesto panini can complement the rich, savory notes of the soup beautifully.

Roast Beef Sandwich: A simple roast beef sandwich can turn your soup into a full meal.

Protein Pals

If you’re looking to make your French onion soup the star of a more substantial meal, consider these protein options:

Filet Mignon: A perfectly cooked filet mignon can turn your soup course into a gourmet dinner.

Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs can be a great, lighter option.

New York Strip Steak: For the steak lovers out there, a juicy New York strip alongside your soup can make for a truly indulgent meal.

Veggies

Here are some veggie sides that can round out your meal:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of roasted Brussels sprouts echo the sweet caramelized onions in your soup.

Glazed Carrots: A side of sweet glazed carrots can complement the savory broth of your soup nicely.

Grilled Asparagus: Simple grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon can be a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup.

Wine Pairings: What to Sip with Your Soup

Now, what’s a good meal without a nice glass of wine? Here are some wines that pair wonderfully with French onion soup:

White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the sweet onions.

Red Wine: A light-bodied Pinot Noir can be a great match, especially if you’re serving your soup with a heartier side like steak.

For the adventurous: Try a dry Pinot Grigio for a refreshing contrast to the soup’s rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I make French onion soup ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently on the stove and add the bread and cheese topping when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What’s the best cheese for French onion soup?

A: Traditionally, Gruyère is used, but I love experimenting! Mozzarella, Swiss, or even a mix of cheeses can be delicious.

Q: Is French onion soup a good appetizer?

A: It can be! Serve smaller portions in cute little bowls for a perfect appetizer at your next dinner party.

Q: Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

A: While beef broth is traditional, chicken broth can work too. It’ll give a lighter flavor, but it’s still delicious!

Q: How do I get my onions to caramelize perfectly?

A: Patience is key! Cook them on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, and don’t rush the process. It can take up to an hour, but it’s so worth it.

Tips & Tricks for the Ultimate French Onion Soup Experience

1. Don’t skimp on the onions: They’re the star of the show! I like using a mix of yellow onions and sweet onions for depth of flavor.
2. Deglaze with wine: A splash of white wine (or red, if you prefer) when deglazing the pan adds a wonderful depth to your broth.
3. Beef up your stock: If you’re using store-bought beef stock, simmer it with some fresh herbs like thyme to enhance the flavor.
4. Cheese matters: Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. It melts better and tastes fresher.
5. Broil for the win: To get that perfectly golden brown, bubbly cheese topping, finish your soup under the broiler for a minute or two.

The History Behind the Bowl: A Quick Dive into French Onion Soup’s Past

Did you know that French onion soup has been around for centuries? It started as a humble peasant dish, making use of readily available onions and stale bread. Over time, it evolved into the luxurious soup we know today.

Fun fact: Julia Child, the legendary American chef who brought French cuisine to the U.S., was a huge fan of French onion soup and helped popularize it stateside.

Making it a Meal: How to Turn French Onion Soup into a Main Course

While French onion soup is often served as a starter, with the right sides, it can easily become a satisfying main dish. Here are some ideas:

Soup and Salad Combo: Pair a hearty bowl of soup with a substantial salad topped with grilled chicken or steak.

French Onion Soup Flight: Serve small portions of different French onion soup variations alongside a variety of breads and cheeses.

Soup and Sandwich Bar: Set up a DIY sandwich station with various meats, cheeses, and breads to accompany your soup.

Tips for Making the Best French Onion Soup

Alright, let’s get down to business. If you want to make the best French onion soup your taste buds have ever encountered, here are my top tips:

1. Patience with the onions: The first step and arguably the most important is caramelizing those onions. Take your time, use low heat, and let those onions slowly turn a beautiful golden brown. It might take up to an hour, but trust me, it’s worth it.
2. Choose your onions wisely: I like using a mix of yellow onions for their robust flavor and sweet onions for a touch of, well, sweetness. Red onions can work too, but they might change the color of your soup.
3. Don’t fear the wine: A splash of white wine (or red if you prefer) adds depth to your broth. Just make sure to let it reduce to cook off the alcohol.
4. Beef up that broth: Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought, simmer your beef broth with some fresh herbs like thyme to enhance the flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can add a nice umami kick too.
5. Cheese matters: Gruyère is traditional, but don’t be afraid to experiment. A mix of Gruyère and mozzarella can give you that perfect melty, stretchy cheese pull.
6. Bread selection: A good, crusty French bread or baguette is ideal. Toast it lightly before adding to your soup to prevent sogginess.
7. Broil for the win: To get that perfectly golden brown, bubbly cheese topping, finish your soup under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it though – it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!

Planning a Full French-Inspired Menu

If you’re feeling ambitious and want to create a full French-inspired meal around your French onion soup, here’s a sample menu:

1. Appetizer: A small cup of French onion soup as an amuse-bouche
2. Salad Course: Salade Niçoise
3. Main Course: Coq au Vin with a side of ratatouille
4. Cheese Course: A selection of French cheeses with fresh baguette
5. Dessert: Crème Brûlée or Tarte Tatin

Troubleshooting Your French Onion Soup

Even experienced cooks can run into issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

1. Soup is too sweet: Add a splash of vinegar or some extra beef broth to balance it out.
2. Onions won’t caramelize: Be patient and make sure your heat isn’t too high. It can take up to an hour for onions to properly caramelize.
3. Cheese isn’t melting properly: Make sure your soup is hot enough before adding the cheese, and consider using a mix of cheeses for better melting.
4. Bread is too soggy: Toast your bread before adding it to the soup, and don’t let it sit too long before serving.
5. Soup is too thin: Let it simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken.

French Onion Soup for Special Diets

Don’t let dietary restrictions keep you from enjoying this classic dish. Here are some adaptations:

1. Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or omit it entirely.
2. Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and top with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
3. Low-carb: Skip the bread and focus on the delicious broth and cheese.
4. Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply enjoy the flavorful broth on its own.

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and making dishes work for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make French onion soup your own!