20 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with French Onion Soup

French onion soup has a rich history that spans centuries, dating back to medieval times. This hearty comfort soup typically consists of onions, bacon, salt pork cubes, cheese, carrots, and celery.

As its name suggests, the modern version emerged in 18th century Paris, where it’s paired with beef broth and caramelized onions for added depth of flavor. While the soup itself is a satisfying treat, it’s often elevated by serving it alongside a complementary side dish.

Fortunately, there are numerous options to choose from – so many, in fact, that narrowing it down can be overwhelming.

In this post, we’re excited to share 20 mouthwatering side dishes that pair perfectly with French onion soup. If you’re interested in exploring the possibilities, stick around for some inspiration!

Sauteed Mushrooms

Chicken Pesto Panini

When it comes to versatile ingredients, mushrooms are a standout. With their rich, sweet, meaty, and earthy flavors, they can easily complement a wide range of dishes. One classic combination is with French onion soup, where the bold flavors of the sautéed mushrooms harmonize beautifully with the rich broth. And the best part? This simple recipe takes just 13 minutes to prepare, requiring only a few basic ingredients: fresh mushrooms and garlic.

To take it to the next level, you can add some extra flair with soy sauce, olive oil, butter, and thyme.

Dark Chocolate

Sauteed Mushrooms

While it may seem unconventional, pairing French onion soup with a sweet and rich side dish can elevate the overall dining experience. Dark chocolate, in particular, offers a unique contrast to the savory flavors of the soup. The bitterness of the dark chocolate provides a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the caramelized onions. When combined, these two distinct flavor profiles create a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.

If you’re curious about how to incorporate this unusual pairing into your meal, we’ve included a simple recipe for making delicious dark chocolate.

Wine

Dark Chocolate

When it comes to pairing sides with French onion soup, wine is an excellent choice. Not only is it easy to serve, but it also complements the rich flavors of the soup nicely. A medium to full-bodied glass will do the trick, and you can choose from a variety of options depending on your taste. While many people opt for white wine due to its sweetness and affordability, red wine is also a great choice if you’re looking for a bold flavor that blends well with the soup’s broth.

Scalloped Potatoes

Wine

When it comes to pairing a side dish with the bold flavors of French onion soup, why not opt for something that’s equally as indulgent? A creamy scalloped potato recipe is an excellent choice. Not only does it share a similar richness, but it also boasts a satisfying crunch and velvety texture.

Not just ideal for parties or family gatherings, these scalloped potatoes are also incredibly easy to prepare in large batches, making them a convenient addition to any meal. The best part?

They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few key ingredients: potatoes, butter, flour, milk, cream, cheddar cheese, and gruyere cheese.

Steak

Scalloped Potatoes

For those who revel in the rich flavors of a well-cooked steak, serving it alongside French onion soup is a match made in heaven. This duo can be whipped up in no time, boasting a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. The beauty of this pairing lies in its versatility – season and prepare your steak however you like, as the bold flavors won’t overpower. Of course, if you prefer a leaner cut to balance out the richness, a flank steak is an excellent choice.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a heartier option, there’s no denying the allure of a tender, meaty cut.

Oven Baked Salmon

Steak

Looking for an alternative to a hearty steak? Consider pairing your onion soup with a delicate piece of salmon instead. The beauty of salmon is that its flavor profile remains unaffected by preparation method – whether you grill, bake, or serve it raw. Its rich, fatty taste makes it an excellent complement to the savory flavors of the soup. To add some extra flair, simply season your fish with a mixture of brown sugar and garlic butter, then bake until cooked through.

Cheese Plate

Oven Baked Salmon

While cheese platters are often reserved for the end of a meal, they can also be an excellent way to start a meal. For instance, serving a selection of cheeses with French onion soup makes for a satisfying appetizer. The beauty of assembling a cheese plate lies in its simplicity – all you need to do is choose your favorite ingredients and arrange them on a board. Of course, adding some complementary elements such as hams, olives, and fruit can elevate the dish even further.

With this approach, you can create a visually appealing and flavorful start to a meal that will surely impress.

Ratatouille

Cheese Plate

With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this ratatouille recipe from Chef de Home is a true delight. What’s more, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum results. The key to its success lies in the simplicity of its preparation method – simply toss your favorite vegetables with some herbs and spices, then let them roast to perfection.

And don’t forget the caramelized onions, which add a depth of flavor that complements the roasted veggies beautifully. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering.

Garlic Bread

Ratatouille

For a twist on traditional French onion soup accompaniments, why not try making flavorful garlic bread instead? The key to success lies in using the right type of bread, such as ciabatta, which provides an ideal balance of crunch and softness. This recipe takes it up a notch by transforming your garlic bread into bite-sized sticks perfect for dipping into your favorite soup.

Caesar Salad

Garlic Bread

While a classic Caesar salad may seem like a straightforward side dish at first glance, it can actually elevate the humble French onion soup to new heights. The freshness of the lettuce, crunch of croutons, and richness of cheese provide a delightful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the soup. And the best part? This simple yet satisfying salad requires only a few key ingredients – chicken, lettuce, croutons, and cheese – making it an easy addition to your meal.

Of course, taking the time to whip up a tangy and sweet dressing can also add an extra layer of flavor depth. Try pairing it with our French onion soup recipe for a match made in culinary heaven!

Wiener Schnitzel

Caesar Salad

When it comes to pairing French onion soup with schnitzel, we’re big fans of the combination. The crunchiness that schnitzel brings to the meal is unmatched. This traditional-style schnitzel recipe provides a versatile base for experimenting with different meats. You can opt for classic veal cutlets, or try using pork or chicken for added flavors and textures. If veal isn’t your thing, pork makes an excellent substitute, offering a crispy exterior and plenty of flavor.

Bourbon Cocktails

Wiener Schnitzel

While wine is a classic pairing for French onion soup, bourbon cocktails can also be a great match. The sweet, warming, and slightly smoky characteristics of good bourbon complement the rich flavors of the soup nicely. If you’re looking to pair your soup with a bourbon cocktail, it’s hard to go wrong with Bourbon Old Fashioned. The subtle hints of orange and the robust bourbon finish create a perfect harmony. For those looking for more options, we’ve compiled a list of recipes you can try.

Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

Bourbon Cocktails

With minimal time investment and a handful of ingredients, baked parmesan tomatoes are an effortless yet impressive side dish that pairs perfectly with French onion soup. The sweetness of the tomatoes is expertly balanced by the creamy richness of the cheese, elevating the flavors to new heights.

To prepare this delightful accompaniment, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients: fresh tomatoes, parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, pepper, and high-quality virgin olive oil.

French Toast

French Toast

When it comes to pairing side dishes with French onion soup, one popular option is indeed bread – whether you prefer a simple buttered slice or a crusty baguette, it’s a classic combination that never goes out of style. Yet, for those looking to elevate the flavors and create an unforgettable experience, consider serving your soup alongside French toast instead.

The sweet, buttery, and crispy texture of this breakfast-turned-side-dish adds a delightful contrast to the savory, umami-rich tones of the soup, resulting in a harmonious balance that’s both surprising and delightful.

1905 Salad

1905 Salad

For a harmonious pairing with your hearty meat-based soup, look no further than this 1905-inspired salad. Its light, revitalizing essence provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the soup. The best part? This refreshing side dish can be prepared in no time at all. The zesty flavor profile is courtesy of a clever combination of tangy lemon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and vinegar dressing.

These ingredients not only add depth to the salad but also strike a beautiful balance when served alongside your soup. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings for added texture and flavor.

Sour Cream And Chive Baked Potatoes

Sour Cream And Chive Baked Potatoes

Take your baked potato game to the next level by combining the classic combination of sour cream and chives with a simple yet satisfying side dish. This recipe is an ode to comfort food, packing a punch of creamy, savory goodness that’s sure to leave you feeling full and content.

With just a few straightforward ingredients like baking potatoes, olive oil, sour cream, chives, and shallots, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious.

And if you’re looking to take it up a notch, we recommend adding some crispy bacon and melted cheese on top for an added layer of flavor and texture.

Buttered Noodles

Sour Cream And Chive Baked Potatoes

Buttered noodles are a delightful addition to any meal, bringing an Italian flair to classic French onion soup. This quick and easy recipe starts with fresh fettuccine, cooked to perfection in butter and garlic before being seasoned with salt and pepper. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch, resulting in a comforting side dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious. In just 20 minutes, you can have this satisfying side dish ready to accompany your favorite meals.

Chicken Pesto Panini

Buttered Noodles

When French onion soup meets panini, culinary magic happens. The rich, melted cheese in both dishes is sure to tantalize the taste buds. It’s only natural to combine these two flavorful favorites. This particular panini recipe takes it to the next level with the addition of chicken, avocado, tomato, and a blend of spices including salt, pepper, mayonnaise, and a hint of savory goodness.

To create this satisfying sandwich, simply spread butter on each slice, load up the bread with your desired fillings, and grill for 5 minutes. The result is a golden-brown panini that’s at once crispy, juicy, and utterly delightful.

Final Thoughts

With an abundance of delectable options at your fingertips, selecting the perfect French onion soup side dish has never been easier.

The 20 mouth-watering alternatives presented in this post cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, from comforting bread recipes to refreshing salads, savory veggie dishes, and satisfying meat-based accompaniments.

Whether you’re in the mood for something light and easy or hearty and filling, there’s a French onion soup side dish waiting to be devoured.

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