Are you a fan of French onion soup? Its rich, savory flavors will transport you to bistros in France. Every sip is a comforting and delicious culinary experience.
Do you know how to elevate this delightful dish even further? Prepare any of the 20 best side dishes for French onion soup listed in this article! We’ve curated recipes for salads, sandwiches, and meat and vegetable specialties. Each one complements a hot bowl of this familiar favorite.
Luckily, chefs, home cooks, and food writers generously shared their recommendations.
So, grab your ladle and enjoy these mouthwatering side dishes that will make your taste buds sing! As Julia Child would joyfully say, “Bon Appetit”!
1. Gruyere and Thyme Stacked Potatoes
When you take a bite of these stacked potatoes, you’ll experience a burst of flavors. The creamy, melty cheese mingles with the root crop. The thyme adds a special touch of freshness that balances the soup’s richness.
You can easily make this using your muffin tins. The secret to this tasty dish is to slice the veggie super thin, like delicate chips. You bake it in the oven until the Gruyere melts.
2. Croque Monsieur
This recipe is a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with ham, melted cheese, and creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a culinary classic that pairs well with a bowl of French onion soup. The chef recommends using thick slices of white bread to hold all the fillings together. Don’t skip making the bechamel sauce. It’s what makes it stand out from other sandwiches.
3. Quiche Lorraine
This heavenly French pastry is like a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s a pie-like dish filled with a creamy mixture of eggs, heavy cream, cheese, and savory bacon- all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. You can trace its origins to the northeastern region of France, where the working class originally enjoyed it.
4. Brie and Pear Tart
This recipe’s sweet and savory notes pair well with French Onion Soup. You’ll need some ripe pears, buttery brie cheese, a sheet of puff pastry, some honey, and a few spices to add flavor.
A splash of Pinot Gris and a sprinkling of thyme finishes it off. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouth-watering tart perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s so easy that even kitchen novices can make this treat.
5. 15-Minute Garlic Butter Mushrooms
This recipe can be a tasty side dish to serve with French onion soup. The earthy flavors of mushrooms and the richness of the garlic butter can add depth to the meal. Adding spices can give it an extra zing. You can use dried or fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley. It’s ready in 15 minutes, so you’ll have more time to do other stuff.
6. Caesar Salad
This salad combines crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. It can provide a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsey will walk you through the process. It’s like being in Masterchef! You’ll soon realize it’s easy to recreate this restaurant favorite at home. The key is to toss the lettuce lightly so it won’t get soggy.
7. Fig and Goat Cheese Crostini
This side dish is a sweet and tangy combination of creamy goat cheese, fig jam, and honey on top of crispy baguette slices. The contrast of flavors and textures pairs well with the velvety soup.
You can use fresh fruits but preserves work well, too. Remember to add slivers of fresh mint for a refreshing touch. Pop open some white wine for an ultimate lunch or dinner meal.
8. Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
The balance of sweet and savory notes makes this dish an excellent partner for the rich soup. Kids often dislike this vegetable but caramelizing will give them a delightful flavor.
Adding honey and balsamic vinegar creates a saccharine and tangy glaze. The Brussels sprouts will caramelize beautifully and have a crispy exterior and soft interior.
9. Tartiflette
This traditional French dish is made with potatoes, bacon, onions, and Reblochon cheese. Its rich and creamy flavors can be a decadent addition to a meal with French onion soup.
Some purists suggest using special dairy to make this recipe. However, you can always use any cow’s milk cheese as long as it’s soft. Remember to consume this dish immediately. It may not be a problem after all since it’s so delicious.
10. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The combination of French Onion Soup and garlic mashed potatoes is a match made in heaven. The texture and flavor complement each other perfectly, making for a genuinely satisfying and comforting meal.
It’s best to use the Russet type for its chunkiness and firmness. The video teaches a new way of making this classic dish. You will learn to cook the cream while carefully pouring the other ingredients.
11. Perfect Roast Chicken
A classic roasted chicken can be a delicious main course to serve with French onion soup. The juicy and flavorful poultry can provide a nice protein component to the meal.
Celebrity chef Ina Garten, also known as The Barefoot Contessa, gives her take on this classic holiday fare. Ingredients such s fennel, thyme, and garlic make the dish juicy and flavorful.
12. Charcuterie Board
A well-curated cheese and charcuterie board with various kinds of cheese and cured meat can be a delightful and interactive addition to the meal. You can also include pickles, olives, crusty bread, and fresh and dried fruit.
The symphony of flavors and textures can complement the soup and create a memorable dining experience. It’s perfect when you have company over. There’s a bit of something for everyone.
13. Mixed Green Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
A light, refreshing mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette can contrast the soup’s richness. Use a mix of baby lettuce, arugula, and radicchio. Then toss it with a simple dressing made with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The acidity and freshness of the dish create a well-balanced meal. It also offers a nutrient and fiber boost.
14. Grilled Asparagus
This side dish may be simple but packed with flavors and nutrients. You coat asparagus spears in avocado or extra virgin olive oil. Next, sprinkle them with flavorings like pepper and salt.
Lastly, grill the veggies until they’re soft and a bit charred. It’s so easy and quick to prepare – you’ll enjoy it in no time. Remember to chop the ends so you won’t end up with woody stems.
15. Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread
Do you always have busy weeknights? This recipe is your answer if you want a quick, easy side dish. These baguette or French bread slices are slathered with butter, garlic, and gooey cheese.
Then you toast them until they’re golden and bubbly. The result is a comforting meal that’s crunchy and chewy at the same time. It’s an excellent pair with a steaming serving of French onion soup.
16. Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Refresh your tastebuds with some fresh vegetables on bread. It’s a perfect pairing with the velvety flavors of the soup. To make this bruschetta, you need diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. It’s a breeze to assemble- even your kids can help make them. It’s a side dish jampacked with nutrients, making your meal healthy and guilt-free.
17. New York Strip Steak
Are you up for some indulgence? French onion soup and steak are a match made in culinary heaven. Since tender meat is an excellent source of protein, it will leave you satisfied longer.
Getting the perfect cook for your strip can be tricky. However, the tips in this recipe will help you achieve the best outcome. The secret is to cook it in two stages. Sear it in the skillet first and finish it off in the oven.
18. Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Sauce
If you’re a fan of seafood, you will love this salmon recipe. Its clean and fresh flavors are a perfect contrast to the decadent soup. This fish can be challenging to do right. But this tutorial will walk you through the basic steps. You’ll even learn how to scale the protein like a pro. The lemon garlic sauce gives it a savory and tangy finish.
19. Easy Buttered Noodles
Pasta is always a quintessential comfort food. Nothing beats the satisfaction that comes with warm, buttery noodles. The generous sprinkling of cheese makes this an unforgettable dish. Pair it with the soup, and you’ll surely have one of the best meals of your life. It may be simple, but it ranks high in taste.
20. Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey-Poppy Seed Dressing
Summer means delicious fruits are in season. It’s also a time to make a refreshing salad. Serving something sweet with your French onion soup is a great idea. It cuts through the rich, savory flavors and cleanses the palate.
Conclusion
The 20 best side dishes for French Onion Soup will make your mouth water and whet your appetite. With so many delicious and varied options, creating a well-rounded meal that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds is easy. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen. Happy cooking!
