Growing up in a large family, mealtime was an event in itself. The clamor of laughter, the sound of silverware clinking, and the enticing aroma wafting through the air – it was a sensory delight.
I distinctly remember one chilly winter evening when my mom made her signature potato soup. It was rich, hearty, and perfect for the cold weather. But what made that dinner even more memorable were the sides she paired with the soup, turning a simple meal into a delightful feast for all of us.
Having my own kids today and wanting to ensure they create the same loving memories, got me thinking: what are some easy and exciting dinner pairings that can accompany potato soup to create an amazing dinner?
How To Spice up Your Game?
Knowing that potato is heavily starched, you can find side dishes to pair with it and make the meal healthier and easier to digest. The key is to choose the right entrée to go with it and transform dinner into something that the whole family will look forward to each time.
1. Garlic Bread
If I happen to make the potato soup too creamy and heavy, pairing it off with fresh cheesy garlic bread will balance it down allowing you to enjoy more to fill in your stomach. In fact, I make crusty bread by myself.
The secret is to fry the bread in the melted butter to create a more intense flavor. I then sprinkle the garlic powder over and serve it hot. It is your choice whether to use a lot of garlic powder or not.
2. Dinner Rolls
Freshly baked dinner rolls are the best side dish that is a perfect alternative to crunchy garlic bread. When I desire to pair off my hot potato soup with something soft and fluffy, dinner rolls are my first pick.
Try it and experience the buttery and light texture of the dinner rolls absorb the flavor of your potato soup and make each bite melt in your mouth. I do not know about you, but my style is to dip the rolls into my soup for a more yummy and fun meal.
3. Beef Roast Sandwich
Have you tried serving a group of hungry young men who have just come back from a football game? Yeah, feeding them the potato soup will not be enough for sure, trust me.
No matter how heavy a potato fills your tummy, you still need a side dish that will add up to what you can offer. That’s when it occurred to me – I made a beef roast sandwich to delight the youths.
Beef Roast sandwich and potato soup are an excellent combination for growing children. It is a superb energy booster for all meat lovers out there. Make sure to use a leaner cut with a mineral, earthy tang for an enjoyable chew.
4. Grilled Chicken Legs
What could be a better pairing for a hot soup than freshly grilled chicken legs? I have to warn you, though, to eat them all quickly before it gets cold. I love the sizzling meat of grilled chicken eaten together with a sip of tasty potato soup.
My personal tip to you is to go for the spicy flavor. The potato will serve as a neutralizer of the spiciness it brings. You see now why they complement each other?
Don’t miss our article on easy ways to reheat chicken wings!
5. Strawberry Spinach Salad
I remember hosting a potluck party one night; all I needed to prepare was my creamy potato soup and strawberry spinach salad. The salad was a special request from my friends who were health conscious. They wanted to have a light side dish along with my heavily creamed potato soup.
Strawberry spinach salad is a refreshing twist of taste considering that potato soup is starchy. Therefore, any type of fruit-veggie salad is a perfect side dish for potato soups.
6. Lettuce salad with sliced pears
Just like the strawberry spinach salad, this lettuce salad with sliced pears is a delight that every vegetable and fruit-loving guest would love to devour. It will ensure a refreshing taste after the creamy taste of potato soup.
It is best to prepare fresh fruit salads to wash off the starchy flavor of the soup. I suggest garnishing the salad with some walnuts and gorgonzola pieces for a more diverse savor.
As an alternative, you can make garlicky roasted broccoli and tomato salad as well.
Beverages
I have shared with you various side dishes that I personally serve with my potato soup. All of the entrees are my family’s favorite and are part of our winter menu. However, what goes with potato soup when it comes to beverages?
You cannot deny that drinks are a necessity for every meal. It is an excellent choice to pair beer with potato soup during those ordinary peaceful cold nights, but when it comes to gatherings and parties, my potato soup is perfect with a glass of wine or champagne!
There are a few options that can complement its flavors and texture. Here are some suggestions:
- Beer: A light or medium-bodied beer, such as a pilsner or pale ale, can pair well with potato soup. The carbonation and bitterness in beer can help cut through the creaminess of the soup and enhance its flavors.
- White wine: A dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can be a good match for potato soup. The acidity in the wine can balance the richness of the soup, while the citrus and herbaceous notes can add some brightness to the dish.
- Cider: A crisp and refreshing cider can be a great option for pairing with potato soup, especially if the soup has some bacon or ham in it. The sweetness and acidity of the cider can complement the smokiness of the meat and the earthiness of the potatoes.
- Coffee: If you’re having potato soup for breakfast or brunch, a cup of coffee can be a nice complement. The roasted notes in the coffee can match the flavors of the soup and provide a comforting, warm feeling.
- Water: Of course, water is always a safe and healthy choice to pair with any dish, including potato soup. Drinking water can help cleanse your palate between bites and enhance your enjoyment of the soup’s flavors.
Desserts
When the starchy flavor of your potato soup lingers in your mouth, you either pick the veggie salad or a cup of wine. However, nothing beats dessert when serving potato soup. Especially when kids are around, ice cream and cheesecakes are always something they look forward to after a bowl of potato soup.
Also, tarts, pies, and vanilla sticks are a great choice after this delicious main course.
Potato Soup Recipe
There are plenty of variations when it comes to this soup, but this recipe is what I cook often. Do you know that I make this soup every time someone in my family is down with a cold? Apparently, a warm bowl of soup has healing magic.
Feel free to improvise the recipe to your own taste.
What Do You Need?
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bacon strips | 6 strips (plus extra for toppings) |
| Chopped onion | 1/3 cup |
| Large potatoes, cubed | 3 cups |
| Chicken broth | 5 cups |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Basil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Flour | 4 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Cheese | 1 cup |
| Sour Cream | Optional |
Instructions:​​​​
- Place your chopped potatoes in the crockpot. Make your chicken broth enough to cover the potatoes in the crockpot. Pour it in.
- Drop the spices in the crockpot and stir it well.
- Crisp the bacon and crumble them after into tiny bits. Reserve some of the grease. Add it all in the boiling soup.
- Sauté the onions and garlic using the bacon grease until soft. Add it to the soup.
- Let the soup cook for at least three hours or until the potatoes are soft and the broth is slightly starchy.
- While the soup is cooking, make a flour/butter/milk thickener (roux). In a pan, melt the butter, then, mix the flour. It will normally clump together, but when you slowly pour the milk, it will become smooth and creamy.
- Add the cheese to the roux until it melts.
- Whisk your roux into the crockpot while stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and serve!
- You can put toppings in each bowl served like the extra cheese, parsley, bacon, or anything you like.
I have been using this recipe for years. The secret is to choose the right potato and use the best chicken broth there is.
FAQ
Can I freeze leftover potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze leftover potato soup. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space in the container for the soup to expand as it freezes. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes in my soup?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes in your soup. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals and have a sweeter taste than regular potatoes. However, keep in mind that they have a different texture and will give your soup a different flavor profile.
Adjust the spices and seasonings accordingly.
Can I make potato soup without dairy products?
Yes, you can make potato soup without dairy products. Instead of using milk or cream, you can use vegetable broth or coconut milk to give your soup a creamy texture. You can also add pureed vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to thicken the soup.
Adjust the seasonings accordingly to suit your taste.
What is the best type of potato to use for potato soup?
The best type of potato to use for potato soup is Russet potatoes. Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them ideal for thickening the soup. They also have a mild flavor that can be easily enhanced with seasonings and spices.
Can I make potato soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make potato soup in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Before serving, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender to make it creamy.
Are there any vegan or vegetarian side dishes that go well with potato soup?
Yes, there are several vegan or vegetarian side dishes that go well with potato soup. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes can be a healthy and flavorful side dish.
A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the creamy soup. You can also make a vegan or vegetarian version of garlic bread by using vegan butter and omitting the cheese.
The Bottom Line
I hope these suggestions bring warmth and joy to your family gatherings. Potato soup might be the star, but with the right pairings, you can ensure the entire meal shines
At the end of the day, it’s all about what makes you happy. So go ahead, make your own list of what goes well with potato soup, and enjoy the wide variety of choices.
