What To Serve With Tomato Soup: 18 BEST Sides!

What to serve with tomato soup is a common lunchtime quandary, and if you’re looking for some ideas and inspiration, you’ll be pleased to hear that you’ve come to the right place! 

You can’t beat a steaming hot bowl of tomatoey goodness, but there’s no denying that it can be a little bit boring and plain if you haven’t considered a side dish or pairing to make it into a filling meal. 

Worry no more, because your lunchtimes are about to get a lot more exciting. 

Just need some quick ideas? 

The best options for what to serve with tomato soup include grilled cheese toasties, bacon sandwiches, mozzarella dippers, cheese and bacon scones, jacket potatoes, Marmite roasties, nachos, parmesan crisps, and pesto pasta salad. 

Let’s dive into some more ideas, including easy to follow recipes to try at home… 

1. Grilled cheese (or a cheese toastie!) 

Soup and a sandwich is a classic combination that really can’t be overlooked here.

It’s widely found in homes and offices come 12 o clock, and it can keep you happy until dinnertime. 

Of course, grilled cheese is the obvious choice here – or a cheese toastie, if you happen to be in the UK! 

Just choose your favourite bread, your favourite cheese, pop it under the grill, and you’re good to go. 

There are lots of extras you can add, if you like.

Fresh or sun dried tomatoes, pesto, and onion chutney all work really well as additions to your grilled cheese. 

2. Bacon sandwich 

Dedicated carnivores will love the prospect of a doorstop bacon sandwich served with their bowl of tomato soup. 

White bread works best here, and if you’re feeling fancy, you might want to select a ciabatta or crusty variety. 

Grill or fry your bacon until it’s extra crispy for that satisfying bite. 

My personal secret addition is a couple of dashes of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce! 

If you like, you could add salad to create a BLT. 

3. Cheese and onion sandwich 

A cheese and onion sandwich is a good option for what to eat with tomato soup when you have access to limited kitchen appliances, such as when you’re eating at the office. 

Choose a seeded bun, and add fresh tomato and cucumber for extra bite. 

4. Mozzarella dippers 

If you love dipping something super tasty into your bowl of tomato soup, you can’t beat a portion of mozzarella dippers! 

This mozzarella dippers recipe takes around 35 minutes to make, and they’re freezable before the frying process, so you can prep some extras to keep for another day. 

5. Cheese and bacon scones

If you love baking, I highly recommend trying my cheese and bacon scones recipe. 

I love making a batch of these on a Saturday morning and getting through them over the weekend.

They’re wonderful for breakfast, for snacks, for sandwiches in place of bread, and of course for dipping into tomato soup! 

6. Jacket potato 

A jacket potato is always a staple side dish in my house.

They’re easy to prepare and don’t require a lot of hands-on time, and you can serve them on their own with a knob of salted butter, or jazz them up with some extra toppings. 

Consider adding sour cream, crispy bacon, grated cheddar, and chopped spring onions to create a lovely loaded potato. 

(Fancy trying something new? If you love soup, you’ll love checking out tortellini soup sides and accompaniments!) 

7. Potato chips 

Sometimes the easiest options are also the best! 

Just open up a bag of your favourite potato chips and tuck in.

My favourite to serve with tomato soup is a strong cheese and onion variety. 

8. A side salad 

Want to keep things light? 

A side salad is a delicious choice.

Be sure to include good quality fresh tomatoes, and some feta and mozzarella cheese.

A drizzle of balsamic dish will complement the soup and bring everything together perfectly. 

9. Marmite roast potatoes 

Dipping crispy, fluffy roast potatoes into a hot bowl of soup is one of life’s great pleasures. 

If you’re in the mood for trying something new, check out my Marmite roast potatoes recipe. 

They’re beautifully golden and fabulously savoury, which makes them into something extra special.

I make them in an air fryer, though if you don’t have one of these in your kitchen, you can use an oven instead for the same results. 

10. Baked parmesan broccoli 

Baked parmesan broccoli is a creamy side dish that’s likely to become a firm family favourite. 

It’s easy to prepare, it’s wholesome, and it puts a fresh spin on everyone’s favourite green vegetable.

It’s so tasty that it’s likely to even be enjoyed by your fussy eaters and the veggie dodgers! 

11. Nachos 

Nachos are a delicious choice for what to serve with tomato soup, and another great dipping option!

They’re best served hot, so work best when you’re cooking at home and have access to your oven. 

Add cheese, and customise with your favourite extras.

Jalapeños, fresh tomato, and chopped coriander are all so tasty. 

12. Bread sticks 

Bread sticks are a good choice because you can easily pick them up at the supermarket if you’re a bit short on time, or you can make your own at home. 

Just take some stale bread, add a drizzle of olive oil, some finely chopped garlic, and fresh herbs, and bake in the oven until crisp and golden. 

13. Cucumber sandwich 

Cucumber sandwiches are quintessentially sophisticated, making them a fitting choice for what to serve with tomato soup if you have guests. 

The beauty of this lunch is that you can pull it together using items that you likely already have in your fridge and pantry, and yet it’s so impressive and feels like a carefully planned treat. 

To prepare them in the style of a traditional British afternoon tea, use sliced white bread and make sure that you cut the crusts off! 

14. French fries

Who doesn’t love a side portion of French fries?! 

This combination makes for a quick, easy, but satisfying lunch. 

Though you can of course make your own fries from scratch if you have the time, it’s often just as good to pick up a bag of frozen fries from the supermarket and cook them in an air fryer until satisfyingly crispy. 

15. Onion rings

Onion rings are another finger food style option that are fantastic served with a hot bowl of tomato soup.

Here’s a guide to making your own:

1. Ingredients: Gather large onions (preferably sweet onions like Vidalia), all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika or cayenne pepper for spice, an egg, milk or beer for the batter, and breadcrumbs or panko for coating. You’ll also need oil for frying.
2. Preparation: Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rings. Separate the rings from each other. In a bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk the egg and then mix in the milk or beer.
3. Breading Station: Create a breading station with three components: the flour mixture, the wet batter, and a shallow dish with breadcrumbs or panko.
4. Dipping: Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture first, then the wet batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge the ring in breadcrumbs or panko, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the onion rings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Draining: Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
7. Serving: Season the onion rings with a bit more salt while they’re still hot. Serve them warm with your tomato soup.

16. Stuffed mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a delicious option to add to your lunchtime spread, and the beauty of them is that you can tailor their fillings depending on your own personal tastes and the ingredients you happen to have in your fridge.

Here are some popular options for stuffing mushrooms:

1. Cheese: Use cream cheese, goat cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses as a base for the stuffing.
2. Vegetables: Finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives can add flavour and texture.
3. Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, basil, or dill, as well as spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, can enhance the taste.
4. Breadcrumbs or Panko: These can be mixed with other ingredients to create a filling that has more body and will crisp up nicely when baked.
5. Meats: Cooked and crumbled sausage, bacon, or crabmeat are popular choices for a heartier stuffed mushroom.
6. Grains: Cooked quinoa, rice, or breadcrumbs can be used as a filler or to extend other ingredients.
7. Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts can add a crunchy texture.
8. Sauces and Condiments: Pesto, marinara, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a burst of flavour.
9. Dips and Spreads: Think outside the box and use dips like spinach artichoke dip or a garlic hummus as a filling.
10. Egg Mixture: Similar to a mini quiche, beaten eggs with cheese and herbs can make a fluffy and light stuffing.

17. Parmesan crisps

For a sophisticated option, serve with tomato soup with parmesan crisps. 

These are the ideal choice if you’re entertaining friends, or you’re serving the soup as a starter before a main course.

Here’s what you need to know about making your own… 

1. Ingredients: All you need is grated Parmesan cheese. Choose a high-quality Parmesan for the best flavour.
2. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
3. Shaping the Crisps: Spoon small mounds of grated Parmesan onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each mound slightly to form circles, ensuring there is space between them as they will spread a little while baking.
4. Baking: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns a light golden brown. Watch them closely to avoid burning.
5. Cooling: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the crisps to cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
6. Serving: Once cooled, use a spatula to gently lift the Parmesan crisps off the baking sheet. Serve straightaway with your soup. 

18. Pesto pasta salad

A simple pesto pasta salad is another great choice for what to serve with tomato soup, and it’s easy to prepare in advance, making it ideal if you’re short on time during the day or you only have access to limited kitchen equipment.

Here’s a quick guide to making it:

1. Ingredients: Gather pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle), store-bought or homemade pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves. Optional additions can include olives, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken.
2. Pasta Preparation: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
3. Mixing the Pesto: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with a generous amount of pesto sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Adding the Mix-ins: Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the pasta along with any other ingredients you’ve chosen.
5. Toasting the Pine Nuts: In a dry pan, lightly toast the pine nuts over medium heat until they are golden brown, being careful not to burn them. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.
6. Combining Everything: Add the toasted pine nuts and torn fresh basil leaves to the pasta and give everything a final mix.
7. Chilling and Serving: For the best flavour, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give it a quick stir before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

What are your favourite choices for what to eat with tomato soup? 

Is there something special you like to sneak into your lunchbox when you’ll be having tomato soup? 

Or is there a recipe that you always take the time to make when you’re serving soup to friends or family? 

You can leave a comment and share your ideas below. 

If you love soup, head over and check out side dishes to lentil soup too!