French onion soup is a classic dish known for its rich, savory flavor and comforting warmth. Traditionally made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a topping of toasted bread and melted cheese, it’s a favorite in many households and restaurants. To create a complete and satisfying meal, it’s essential to pair this delicious soup with the right sides, beverages, and desserts. In this article, we’ll explore what goes well with French onion soup, providing a comprehensive guide to elevate your dining experience.
French Onion Soup Goes Well With What?
Discover the best sides, beverages, and desserts to pair with French onion soup.
Sides
Salads
Salads provide a fresh and light contrast to the rich flavors of French onion soup.
| Salad Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixed Green Salad | A variety of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette. |
| Caesar Salad | Crisp romaine with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan. |
| Spinach Salad | Fresh spinach with bacon, mushrooms, and warm vinaigrette. |
Mixed Green Salad
A mixed green salad offers a refreshing and healthy side to French onion soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mixed Greens | 4 cups |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
| Cucumber | 1, sliced |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad provides a creamy and savory side that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Romaine Lettuce | 4 cups, chopped |
| Caesar Dressing | 1/2 cup |
| Croutons | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
Spinach Salad
A spinach salad with bacon and mushrooms adds a hearty touch to the meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh Spinach | 4 cups |
| Bacon | 4 slices, cooked and crumbled |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
| Red Onion | 1/4 cup, sliced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Red Wine Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Bread
Bread is an essential accompaniment to French onion soup, perfect for dipping and enjoying with the soup.
| Bread Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Baguette | Classic French bread, crispy on the outside and soft inside. |
| Garlic Bread | Toasted bread with garlic butter and herbs. |
| Sourdough Bread | Tangy and chewy, pairs well with savory soups. |
Baguette
A French baguette is a classic choice for serving with French onion soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| French Baguette | 1 loaf |
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread adds a flavorful and aromatic touch to the meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| French Bread | 1 loaf |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Parsley | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread’s tangy flavor pairs well with the savory notes of the soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sourdough Bread | 1 loaf |
Beverages
Pairing the right beverage with French onion soup can enhance the dining experience.
Wines
Wine is a classic choice to complement French onion soup.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chardonnay | A full-bodied white wine with notes of apple and oak. |
| MerlotA medium-bodied red wine with flavors of plum and black cherry. | |
| Pinot Noir | A light red wine with hints of cherry and raspberry. |
Chardonnay
Chardonnay’s full-bodied flavor pairs well with the rich taste of French onion soup.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Chardonnay | Full-bodied white wine with notes of apple and oak. |
Merlot
Merlot offers a smooth and fruity complement to the soup’s savory flavors.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Merlot | Medium-bodied red wine with flavors of plum and black cherry. |
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir’s light and fruity profile pairs nicely with the soup.
| Wine Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Light red wine with hints of cherry and raspberry. |
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are plenty of choices.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Refreshing and light, complements the meal without overpowering it. |
| Lemonade | Sweet and tangy, pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup. |
| Iced Tea | Versatile and refreshing, enhances the meal’s flavors. |
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is a refreshing and light choice that complements the meal.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sparkling Water | Light and refreshing, pairs well with rich dishes. |
Lemonade
Lemonade’s sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with the savory soup.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemonade | Sweet and tangy, complements the rich flavors of the soup. |
Iced Tea
Iced tea is a versatile and refreshing option that enhances the meal.
| Beverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Iced Tea | Refreshing and versatile, pairs well with various dishes. |
Desserts
Light Desserts
Light desserts provide a sweet ending without overwhelming the palate.
| Dessert Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tiramisu | Classic Italian dessert with coffee and mascarpone. |
| Panna Cotta | Creamy and light dessert, perfect with fresh berries. |
| Sorbet | Light and refreshing, available in various flavors. |
Tiramisu
Tiramisu offers a rich yet light ending to a French onion soup meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mascarpone Cheese | 1 cup |
| Espresso | 1 cup |
| Ladyfingers | 1 package |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2, separated |
Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is a creamy and light dessert that pairs well with fresh berries.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Gelatin | 1 packet |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Fresh Berries | 1 cup |
Sorbet
Sorbet is a refreshing and light dessert that complements the rich soup.
| Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Lemon Sorbet | Tangy and refreshing, perfect palate cleanser. |
| Raspberry Sorbet | Sweet and tart, adds a fruity touch to the meal. |
| Mango Sorbet | Exotic and sweet, provides a refreshing finish. |
Complementary Dishes
Soups
Soups are a great starter or side dish that pairs well with French onion soup.
| Soup Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Tomato Soup | Smooth and tangy, complements the rich flavors of French onion soup. |
| Mushroom Soup | Earthy and creamy, pairs well with the savory notes of the soup. |
| Potato Leek Soup | Creamy and hearty, adds depth to the meal. |
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a classic choice that pairs well with French onion soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | 4 cups, chopped |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Basil | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Mushroom Soup
Mushroom soup’s earthy and creamy flavors complement the savory notes of French onion soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms | 2 cups, sliced |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
|
Potato Leek Soup
Potato leek soup is a creamy and hearty side that pairs well with the soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 4 cups, diced |
| Leeks | 2, sliced |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Conclusion
Pairing French onion soup with the right sides, beverages, and desserts can transform a simple meal into a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer a light salad, a refreshing beverage, or a sweet dessert, there are numerous options to complement the rich and savory flavors of the soup. By considering these pairings, you can create a balanced and enjoyable meal that highlights the best of French onion soup.
FAQs
What type of bread goes best with French onion soup?
A French baguette is a classic choice for serving with French onion soup, but garlic bread and sourdough bread are also excellent options.
What wine pairs well with French onion soup?
Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are all good choices for pairing with French onion soup. Each offers a unique flavor profile that complements the rich, savory soup.
Can you serve French onion soup with other soups?
Yes, tomato soup, mushroom soup, and potato leek soup are all great options to serve alongside French onion soup.
What are some non-alcoholic beverages that pair well with French onion soup?
Sparkling water, lemonade, and iced tea are all refreshing non-alcoholic options that pair well with the rich flavors of French onion soup.
What desserts go well with French onion soup?
Light desserts such as tiramisu, panna cotta, and sorbet are excellent choices to complement the savory flavors of French onion soup.