Butternut squash is a seasonal vegetable that dominates grocery store shelves during the fall and winter months. As the weather cools, a warm and comforting bowl of butternut squash soup can be a perfect remedy.
However, why settle for just a single serving when you can complement it with a variety of delicious side dishes? From roasted vegetables to sautéed mushrooms and crispy focaccia, the options are endless.
In this article, we’ll delve into the top 13 side dishes that pair perfectly with butternut squash soup, ensuring your meal is not only satisfying but also visually appealing.
Roasted Chicken
While roasted butternut squash soup can be a delicious and comforting option for a weekend dinner, it may not satisfy everyone’s appetite. A better choice would be to pair the soup with a hearty roast chicken dish. The lean protein of the chicken provides a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the squash, making it an excellent comfort food for both dinner parties and weeknight meals.
You can serve the roasted chicken as a side dish alongside your soup, or start with the soup as an appetizer and follow up with the main event – the roast chicken.
Corn Muffins
Corn muffins are an excellent accompaniment to any meal, much like bread is to many cultures. They effortlessly complement a wide range of dishes, including hearty stews and savory meat options. The subtle sweetness of corn muffins creates a harmonious union with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, making them a perfect pairing for a warm bowl of soup. However, why not mix things up a bit?
Adding some bold herbs or spices, such as chili peppers, to your corn muffin batter can introduce a delightful contrast that elevates the overall dining experience.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
While Brussels sprouts may be a staple of Christmas celebrations, they’re actually a year-round delight. With the right preparation, these green gems can be enjoyed throughout fall and winter. Sautéed Brussels sprouts take on a crispy texture with a sweet caramelized glaze, making them an excellent accompaniment to hearty dishes like butternut squash soup. For added depth of flavor, consider topping your sautéed sprouts with rich cheese, crunchy nuts, or a tangy lemon dressing.
And for meat enthusiasts, wrapping Brussels sprouts in crispy bacon elevates the dish to new heights.
Salad
Salad’s versatility knows no bounds – it’s the ultimate side dish that transcends culinary boundaries and cultural norms. From fine dining establishments to casual gatherings around the world, this humble gem has earned its place as a staple accompaniment. When paired with the rich flavors of butternut squash soup, a well-crafted salad adds a welcome contrast of textures and temperatures, providing a refreshing respite from the warmth of the soup.
Moreover, salads possess a unique ability to satiate without overwhelming the palate, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal. The beauty lies in its adaptability – choose your favorite combination of greens, fruits, and cheeses to create a harmonious union that complements the sweetness of butternut squash soup.
A drizzle of olive oil or your preferred dressing elevates this humble pairing into a truly indulgent experience that’s both nourishing and delectable.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms, a staple in many vegetarian diets, pair exquisitely well with soups, stews, and other vegetable-based dishes. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prepare sautéed mushrooms is by combining them with garlic butter, which can add a rich depth of flavor and satisfying texture to any meal. For those looking for a more adventurous approach, foraging for wild mushrooms or purchasing them from local markets can be a fun and rewarding experience.
However, it’s essential to ensure that the mushrooms are safe for consumption before adding them to your dish. To get started, simply sauté the mushrooms in garlic butter and serve with a warm bowl of squash soup.
Cheese And Garlic Crack Bread
Sourdough crack bread is a game-changer for any gathering, as its rich flavors and textures effortlessly elevate the meal experience. The combination of tangy sourdough, pungent garlic, and melted cheese creates a delightful harmony that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking to impress your guests, this crack bread recipe is an excellent choice for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a standalone snack.
Green Beans Wrapped In Bacon
Green beans are a nutrient-dense food option that may not appeal to everyone. However, when wrapped in crispy bacon, they become an irresistible side dish perfect for parties and quick snacks. The best part? You can customize the bacon preparation method to suit your taste. Simply steam the green beans, then bundle them with the meat into bite-sized morsels. This versatile recipe allows for experimentation and adjustment to suit individual preferences.
If you’re not a fan of green beans, consider alternative options like peas, asparagus, or broccoli – or opt for your favorite vegetables altogether.
Crispy Mac And Cheese Bites
The allure of macaroni and cheese is undeniable, especially when presented in bite-sized form. These crispy morsels are bursting with cheesy goodness, making them an ideal accompaniment to butternut squash soup, meat-based, or vegetarian dishes. It’s no surprise that they’ll disappear quickly, as they’re sure to become a beloved favorite among kids and adults alike. Beyond their role as a satisfying side dish for weekend dinners, these savory treats can also be enjoyed solo at social gatherings.
Sandwiches
While butternut squash soup is inherently vegan-friendly, serving it on its own might not be the most thrilling experience. That’s where creative sandwich pairings come in – a perfect complement to this comforting soup. You can craft a hearty sandwich with turkey or ham for a meaty contrast, or opt for a flavorful vegan option featuring hummus and roasted vegetables.
The possibilities don’t stop there; you can also explore various bread options, from traditional white toast to artisanal seeded slices, each adding its own unique texture and character to the combination.
Focaccia
When it comes to pairing bread with butternut squash soup or other types of soup, the options are endless. Focaccia bread, in particular, is a stellar choice for soups like stews, its soft and fluffy texture allowing for effortless sopping up of the savory liquid. The secret to achieving this tender crumb? Allowing the dough to rest for up to two days in the fridge, resulting in a beautifully airy loaf that’s perfect for dipping.
Of course, you can also customize your focaccia with a variety of flavor-enhancing ingredients, such as spicy turmeric or classic rosemary and garlic, adding an extra layer of complexity to this already versatile bread. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not use focaccia as the foundation for a sandwich, its softness providing a delightful contrast to crunchy fillings?
Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice is a staple side dish globally, and its popularity stems from its versatility and nutritional value. As a rich source of carbohydrates and protein, it effortlessly complements an array of dishes, including fish and meat options, as well as stews and soups. The beauty of rice lies in its adaptability – you can incorporate it into a single pot meal by adding it to your soup or serve it on the side for a customized dining experience.
Moreover, rice possesses a neutral flavor profile, allowing you to infuse it with an array of vegetables, spices, and herbs to create unique and tantalizing flavors. The addition of lime or lemon juice can elevate the dish’s zestiness, as seen in its pairing with butternut squash soup – the citrus notes enhance the overall taste experience.
Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bread
When it comes to enjoying vegetable soup, many people are familiar with pairing it with traditional options like sandwiches and focaccia. However, there’s a wide range of other bread variations that can complement your meal just as well. A crusty loaf, for instance, is a popular choice among many. Add some spicy jalapeño slices and rich cheddar cheese to the mix, and you’ve got a satisfying and filling meal.
On the other hand, if you’re serving butternut squash soup, which has a naturally sweet flavor profile, it’s wise to balance things out with stronger flavors like spicy chili, zesty lime or lemon, or creamy cheese. Ultimately, bread is an excellent way to soak up every last drop of your soup.
Final Thoughts
While butternut squash soup is a nutritious and wholesome meal option, it can sometimes lack a certain je ne sais quoi when enjoyed on its own. Fortunately, this is where our carefully crafted selection of satisfying side dishes comes into play.
By pairing your warm butternut squash soup with a crusty loaf of bread, some fresh and flavorful vegetables, or even a protein-packed serving of chicken or a crisp salad, you can elevate the overall dining experience and add a delightful depth of flavor to your meal.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.