I’ve always found food pairings to be a fascinating culinary adventure. The way certain flavors mesh and amplify each other is nothing short of magic. If you’ve ever found yourself in a French bistro, odds are, you’ve fallen in love with the rich, comforting bowl of warmth that is French onion soup. Like all dishes, this classic soup shines when served with just the right accompaniments. But what to serve with French onion soup? It’s a question that has crossed our minds more often than not.
French onion soup with its savory broth, sweet caramelized onions, and a delectably toasty cheese top comes with a distinct flavor profile. Meaning, it could be a bit of a task to find those perfect pairings that will complement and not compete or conflict. But don’t fret, because I’ve got a lot of great suggestions on what you can serve with French onion soup, turning a simple meal into an unforgettable feast. So let’s dive in, shall we?
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42 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is a class in itself, but when paired with the perfect side dish, it becomes a meal to remember. Whether you’re just serving it as a starter for a casual dinner or making it the highlight of a French-themed dinner party, these dishes are sure to elevate your dining experience. Let’s explore some of the classics and some adventurous choices that beautifully complement French Onion Soup:
1. Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
There’s something about the comforting simplicity of baked potatoes that makes them a super pair for the deep, rich flavors of French Onion Soup. You’ll need russet potatoes, olive oil, sea salt, and your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream!
Recipe: Wash and dry your potatoes. Then, pierce each one a few times with a fork. Drizzle with olive oil, then rub with sea salt all over. Place the potatoes on the trivet in your Instant Pot and cook at high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then release any remaining pressure.
2. Mushroom Crostini
If you’re in the mood for a fancy starter to go with your soup, try a Mushroom Crostini! These little bites of toasted bread topped with flavorful cooked mushrooms and a hint of thyme will add an earthy note that’s a perfect contrast to your soup.
Recipe: Sauté diced mushrooms with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re golden brown. Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and a splash of white wine, cooking until the wine is evaporated. Slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, and broil until crisp. Top each toasted slice with mushroom mixture and a sprinkling of Parmesan. Broil one more minute until cheese is melted.
3. Grilled Cheese
A classic choice, grilled cheese sandwiches provide a straightforward yet delightfully gooey contrast to the complexity of the soup. Choose a hearty bread and your cheese of choice – I’d recommend Gruyere or sharp cheddar.
Recipe: Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Heap your cheese between two slices, buttered sides facing outwards. Cook on a preheated skillet on medium heat until golden brown, flip, and repeat.
4. Warm Garlic Bread
When you think about soup, it’s almost instinctual to think about bread as its companion. Warm garlic bread is a universally loved choice and its flavor profile complement the French onion soup well.
Recipe: Start with a French baguette, slice it but not all the way through. Mix softened butter, crushed garlic and finely chopped parsley. Spread this mix into the cuts of the bread, wrap it in foil and bake until the butter is melted and bread is crispy.
5. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
For those looking for a lighter side or even a robust main, a grilled chicken Caesar salad is a fresh and flavorful option. The smoky chicken, crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons add just the right mix of textures to your meal.
Recipe: Grill chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper. Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, top with sliced grilled chicken, croutons and shavings of Parmesan.
6. Ratatouille
Staying true to the French theme, Ratatouille, a vibrant and healthy dish made out of summer vegetables, could be a great partner to your French Onion soup.
Recipe: Start with slicing eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and bell peppers. Layer them alternately in a baking tray after sauteing in olive oil along with minced garlic and diced onions. Sprinkle thyme, salt and pepper. Pour tomato sauce evenly and bake until veggies are soft and fully cooked.
7. Fresh Garden Salad
Coupling a steaming bowl of French onion soup with a fresh garden salad is a brilliant idea. You get to enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of the soup and then cleanse your palate with the crisp, refreshing ingredients of the salad.
Recipe: Combine mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper in a large bowl. Toss with your favorite vinaigrette and top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
8. Cheesy Garlic Bread
If warm garlic bread sounds appetizing, then cheesy garlic bread will take your meal to the next level. It’s garlicky, buttery, and cheesy – a delicious sidekick to your French onion soup.
Recipe: Follow the warm garlic bread recipe, but add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the buttered bread before baking. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
9. Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur, a classic French sandwich stuffed with ham and cheese and topped with bechamel sauce, serves as a satisfying addition to your soup meal.
Recipe: Layer slices of ham and cheese between two slices of bread. Smother the top of the sandwich with bechamel sauce and more cheese. Bake until the sandwich is hot and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
10. Baked Brie
Baked Brie is an opulent, yet easy appetizer that matches the elegance of French onion soup. Plus, the creaminess of the brie is an ideal counterbalance to the warm, savory soup.
Recipe: Place a wheel of Brie in a baking dish. Top it with honey and chopped nuts or cranberry sauce if desired. Bake until the cheese is soft and warm. Serve with sliced baguette or crackers.
11. Classic French Baguette
Nothing can beat the simplicity and elegance of a classic French baguette when served with French onion soup. A warm, crusty baguette dipped into the soup gives a texture and taste that’s beyond exquisite.
Recipe: Although it’s best to buy from your local bakery, you can also make it at home. Mix flour, yeast, salt, and water, knead well, let it rise, and then bake until golden. Don’t forget to score the top before baking!
12. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, with their rich, caramelized flavors make a healthy and delicious side dish to French onion soup. Think root veggies like carrots, parsnips, and beetroot, also adding sweet potatoes or squash for extra flavor and color.
Recipe: Cut your veggies into a uniform size, toss them in olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, and then roast in the oven until browned and cooked through.
13. French Quiche
Quiche, a savory French tart, is an excellent complement to French onion soup. Delicious warm or at room temperature, a slice of quiche adds an entirely different dimension to the soup.
Recipe: For a basic quiche, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Add in sautéed onions and garlic, cooked bacon, and shredded cheese. Pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake until the quiche is set and lightly browned._
14. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is both elegant and straightforward – perfect for a refined meal starting with French onion soup.
Recipe: Simply wrap a thin slice of prosciutto around 2-3 stalks of asparagus, drizzle with a little olive oil, and roast in the oven until the asparagus is cooked and the prosciutto is crispy._
15. Green Bean Casserole
This comforting side, renowned for its creamy sauce and crispy onions, pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of French onion soup.
Recipe: Saute some mushroom and garlic, stir in flour and chicken broth until thickened, then add in the green beans and a handful of fried onions. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more fried onions, and bake until bubbly and golden.
16. Fruit and Cheese Board
A diverse fruit and cheese board is a great way to cleanse your palate after the intense flavors of French onion soup.
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Recipe: Choose three to five different kinds of cheese and think about texture and taste. Pair with a variety of fruits like sliced apples, pears, and fresh berries. Don’t forget to add some high-quality crackers or thinly sliced baguette!
17. Chicken Salad
A fresh, slightly tangy chicken salad can perfectly balance the hearty, rich taste of French onion soup.
Recipe: Mix shredded chicken, celery, and onion. Stir in mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some dried cranberries or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
18. Caesar Salad
The sharp tang of Caesar salad makes it a perfect companion to the caramelized, savory sweetness of French onion soup.
Recipe: Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, top with Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons. For an extra touch, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
19. French Coq au vin
Having another French dish matching with your French onion soup seems just right, and Coq au vin is a wonderful choice.
Recipe: Brown chicken parts in a pan, remove and cook onions and garlic until softened. Return the chicken, add mushrooms, red wine and chicken stock. Simmer until the chicken is cooked. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
20. Smoked Salmon Bruschetta
A touch of elegance from smoked salmon bruschetta can elevate your soup meal to a celebration feast.
Recipe: Toast slices of baguette, rub with garlic and top with a mixture of smoked salmon, capers, red onion, lemon juice and dill. Add a dollop of cream cheese if preferred.
21. Roasted Butternut Squash
The sweet and nutty flavors of roasted butternut squash complement the rich and hearty French onion soup beautifully.
Recipe: Peel and dice a butternut squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted in an oven until caramelized and tender. You could sprinkle some cinnamon for an extra kick.
22. Pan Grilled Steak
Crispy, tender pan grilled steaks are an excellent savory contrast to the full-bodied, sweet and salty taste of French onion soup.
Recipe: Season your steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat your pan and add some oil. Cook your steak to your preferred level of doneness, then let it rest before you slice it.
23. Pan Seared Scallops
Light and delicately flavored pan seared scallops can add a gourmet touch to your meal.
Recipe: Season your scallops, sear in hot olive oil until golden brown on both sides, add a touch of butter for a nutty finish.
24. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
A piece of juicy, succulent spinach and feta stuffed chicken is a great way to add some protein to your meal.
Recipe: Make a pocket in your chicken breast, stuff it with a mix of spinach, feta cheese, onions and garlic. Season and sear in a hot pan until completely cooked.
25. Seafood Linguine
Creamy, flavorful seafood linguine offers a different texture and delivers a sea breeze alongside your French onion soup.
Recipe: Cook your linguine, sauté some garlic, add clams, shrimps, and squids. Pour in white wine, let alcohol evaporate then stir in your cooked pasta. Sprinkle some parsley and lemon zest to serve.
26. Baked Cod
Light, flaky, and packed with proteins, baked cod is an excellent side dish for your soup.
Recipe: Season your cod with salt, pepper, and lemon, place it in a baking dish and top with a mix of butter, garlic, and dried herbs. Bake until flaky and tender.
27. Carbonara Pasta
What better way to satisfy your palate than a hearty serving of classic Italian carbonara pasta with a bowl of French onion soup?
Recipe: Fry some pancetta, deglaze with white wine. Mix egg yolks with grated Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, season with salt and lots of black pepper. Stir in your cooked pasta, add the fried pancetta, mix and serve immediately.
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28. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu, with its crispy outer layer and creamy, savory inside, pairs perfectly with the savory notes of French onion soup.
Recipe: Pound chicken breasts thin, layer with ham and swiss cheese, roll tightly, dip in flour, followed by egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. Fry until golden, then bake until thoroughly cooked.
29. French Ratatouille
If you’re looking to keep the meal purely French, you can’t miss a traditional ratatouille to pair with your soup.
Recipe: Dice eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Sauté onions and garlic, add the vegetables one by one, season with herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper.
30. Margherita Pizza
Who can resist a slice of Margherita pizza with its fresh tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and sweet basil leaves?
Recipe: Roll out a pizza dough, spread on tomato sauce, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
31. Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
The tangy flavors of lemon garlic roasted chicken can lighten your taste buds making a rich French onion soup even more enjoyable.
Recipe: Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest, and thyme. Roast in the oven until fully cooked.
32. French Crepes
In the mood to mix things up? Try some savory French crepes as a unique and tasty side to your rich soup.
Recipe: Make crepe batter with flour, eggs, and milk. Cook thin layers in a hot pan, while still hot, add fillings such as ham, cheese, and spinach, fold, and serve.
33. Coquilles St-Jacques (Scallops)
Turn your simple soup dinner into a fancy banquet by serving Coquilles St-Jacques (Scallops) on the side.
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Recipe: Sauté scallops in butter, remove, add white wine, cream, and seasoning, return the scallops to the sauce and serve garnished with parsley.
34. Foie Gras
A controversial but unmistakably French delicacy, Foie Gras, when served with French onion soup, is an embodiment of French cuisine.
Recipe: Sear slices of foie gras on high heat until browned, flip, and repeat. Place them over toasted brioche, top with a drizzle of fruit coulis.
35. Truffle Risotto
An opulent choice, truffle risotto, with its tantalizing aroma, complements the robust flavors of French onion soup.
Recipe: Sauté arborio rice in butter, stirring continuously, add chicken stock gradually while continuing to stir until the rice is cooked, add Parmesan cheese, truffle oil, and season to taste.
36. Lobster Thermidor
French onion soup accompanied by Lobster Thermidor is a meal fit for a king.
Recipe: Cook lobster and remove meat, make a sauce with butter, flour, white wine, tarragon, and gruyere cheese. Fill lobster shells with cooked lobster and sauce, broil until golden.
37. Chicken Piccata
Chicken piccata’s tangy, satisfying flavors add a delightful contrast to the rich, hearty french onion soup.
Recipe: Season and flour chicken breasts, fry until golden, set aside. Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, return the chicken to the pan, simmer until cooked through.
38. Mini Quiche Lorraine
Bite-sized, rich, and full of flavor, mini quiche lorraine goes perfectly with a bowl of French onion soup.
Recipe: Mix cream, eggs, bacon, and cheese, season with salt and pepper, spoon into mini pie crusts, and bake until set.
39. Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board, loaded with a variety of flavors and textures, works amazingly well with French onion soup.
Recipe: Arrange your choice of cured meats, gourmet cheeses, olives, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, and bread on a board.
40. Beef Bourguignon
Pairing a hearty, comforting bowl of French Onion soup with a robust dish like Beef Bourguignon creates a quintessentially French dining experience.
Recipe: Brown beef cubes in oil, remove, add diced onions and carrot, add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and herbs, return beef to the pot, simmer until tender.
41. Prime Rib
The juicy and tender prime rib, with its indulgent flavors, creates a harmonious combination with the savory notes of French onion soup.
Recipe: Season a rib roast with salt, pepper, and herbs, roast in the oven until desired doneness, rest, and slice.
42. Chicken and Mushroom Vol-au-vents
Last but not least, chicken and mushroom vol-au-vents can transform a simple French onion soup into an extravagant fare.
Recipe: Sauté diced chicken and mushrooms, make a cream sauce, spoon everything into puff pastry shells, and bake until golden. This classic French dish makes an exquisite accompaniment to your soup, tying the meal together with a nice, flaky finish.
Delicious Desserts to Round Out Your French Onion Soup Dinner
After enjoying the delightful, savory flavors of the French Onion Soup, you’re going to want something sweet to complement that savory depth, and luckily, France is well-known for its delectable desserts. Below are some instances that will serve as the perfect cap for your meal.
1. French Lemon Tart
Also known as Tarte au Citron, this traditional French dessert is a perfect combination of tangy and sweet, with a buttery crust that just melts in your mouth. The tart, citrusy filling nicely balances the onion soup’s rich and savory flavor, providing an excellent contrast.
2. Tarte Tatin
A caramelized upside-down apple tart, Tarte Tatin, is a luscious, fruity dessert that pairs surprisingly well with French Onion Soup. Its caramelized exterior and the tartness of the apples complements the savory flavors of the soup, creating a harmonious dining experience.
3. French Macarons
These delicate, crisp-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside cookies are a wonder to behold and a pleasure to eat. Pair with a cup of steaming coffee or tea, and it’s a match made in heaven with French Onion Soup!
4. Crème Brûlée
Arguably one of France’s most popular desserts, the rich custard base topped with a layer of hardened caramelized sugar is a luxury to savor. Crème Brûlée is a sweet, creamy dessert that will ably cleanse your palate after a hearty bowl of French Onion Soup.
5. Chocolate Truffles
These decadent French chocolates are the perfect way to finish your meal with French Onion Soup. The lush, bittersweet chocolate offers a robust contrast to the soup’s caramelized onion sweetness.
No matter which French delicacy you choose, each of the desserts in this collection promises a sweet ending to your meal and will certainly make your French Onion Soup dinner a memorable one. Dessert is the last opportunity for you to leave a delicious memory in the minds of your guests, so let’s choose it carefully!
Ideal Wines to Complement French Onion Soup
We all know that food and wine pairing is an art and to paint this canvas, let’s dive into the world of wine to find the perfect companion to our delicious French onion soup. Remember, your choice of wine can either enhance or demote the overall experience, so choose wisely!
Red Wine Suggestions
If you’re leaning towards red wine, consider a Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir’s cherry, strawberry, and earthy flavors harmonize delightfully with the richness of the onion soup. A bottle of Cabernet Franc could also work marvelously, as its peppery and radiant berry flavors provide a remarkable contrast to the savory, cheesy goodness of the soup.
White Wine Suggestions
When it comes to white wine, an unoaked Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with French onion soup. The citrus and green apple notes offer a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s robust flavors. If you’re a fan of sweet wines, an off-dry Riesling could satisfy your craving. The wine’s sweetness and acidity balance the soup’s savory character and keep your taste buds excited for the next sip.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine Pairing
If you’re in a celebratory mood or just want a break from traditional wine choices, an elegant Champagne or other sparkling wine could be your go-to choice. The bubbles provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the depth and richness of the French onion soup.
Dessert Wine
A Sauternes or late harvest Semillon might seem like an unorthodox choice, however these sweet Bordeaux wines perfectly hug the caramelized flavors found in the soup and stand up to the richness in a surprising manner.
Choosing the right wine can truly redefine and elevate your French onion soup experience. So open that bottle, pour a glass, and take your taste buds on a wondrous journey of flavor harmony!
Note: Everyone’s palate is different. What works best for one might not work for another. So, best advice? Experiment and find your own delectable duo of French onion soup and wine.
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Conclusion
Savoring French Onion Soup alongside the ideal main, side dishes, and wine pushes the meal experience far beyond satisfaction. Whether you choose to pair it with a crusty French baguette, a fresh garden salad, or a hearty pan-grilled steak, the possibilities to elevate your dining experience are endless. Remember, there is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to complement pairs; it all boils down to personal preference and the flavors you want to explore. So don’t hesitate to try new combinations, who knows, you might stumble upon a delicious discovery. Here’s to heartwarming meals and delightfully surprising pairings! Enjoy your culinary journey with the versatile and ever-delicious French Onion Soup.
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