Turkey soup is a cozy and comforting meal, especially on chilly days. But sometimes, you might wonder what else to put on the table to make it a fuller meal.
Here you can find 15 amazing side dishes to serve with turkey soup. These options are sure to make your soup meal more complete and satisfying.
The best side dishes to serve with turkey soup are garlic bread, baked potatoes, caprese salad, bruschetta, cornbread, garden salad, tater tots, jasmine rice, farro, gluten-free bread, quinoa salad, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, and mac and cheese.
Nothing beats the aroma of garlic bread fresh out of the oven. Its a simple side that pairs wonderfully with turkey soup. The buttery, garlicky crust becomes slightly crispy in the oven, offering a delightful texture contrast to your soup. Plus, its perfect for dipping into the broth and soaking up all the flavors. Making garlic bread is easy – just spread your favorite garlic butter mixture on a loaf of bread, sprinkle with herbs, and bake until golden.
Baked potatoes are like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with flavors. Theyre incredibly versatile – you can top them with butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or even bacon bits. The fluffy inside and crispy outside of a baked potato make it a hearty companion to a bowl of turkey soup. Its a comforting addition that adds substance to your meal.
For a lighter side, a Caprese salad is a fresh choice. The combination of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze brings a burst of flavor. Its a refreshing counterpoint to the warmth of turkey soup, adding a touch of summer to any meal. Plus, its bright colors make it an attractive addition to your table.
Bruschetta, with its toasted bread topped with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, offers a crunchy, flavorful side. Its a bit like garlic bread but with a fresh tomato topping that adds a juicy contrast. Bruschetta is not only delicious but also easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry.
Cornbread is a classic that never disappoints. Its slightly sweet flavor and moist texture are the perfect companions to turkey soup. You can bake it in a skillet for a crispy edge or in a baking dish for soft squares. Cornbread can also be spiced up with jalapeños or corn kernels for extra flavor and texture.
A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette can cleanse the palate and add a healthful element to your meal. You can toss in some mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, then dress it lightly. Its a straightforward side that complements the richness of the soup without overpowering it.
For a fun and kid-friendly option, tater tots are a great choice. Theyre crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loved by people of all ages. Serve them on the side for dipping into your turkey soup or as a standalone treat with ketchup. Theyre sure to bring a smile to everyones face.
Jasmine rice offers a subtly sweet flavor and a sticky texture that makes it an ideal side for turkey soup. Its fragrant aroma adds an exotic touch to your meal, enhancing the soup without overwhelming it. Serve it on the side or mix it into the soup for a heartier dish. Its a simple, comforting addition that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of the turkey.
Farro is a hearty grain with a nutty taste and a satisfying chewy texture, perfect for adding substance to your turkey soup meal. Its a fantastic way to introduce whole grains into your diet. Mix it into the soup or serve it on the side for a delightful crunch. Farro absorbs the flavors of the soup beautifully, making each bite a perfect blend of grain and broth.
For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free bread is a fantastic alternative to traditional bread sides. Toast it and rub with a garlic clove for a gluten-free version of garlic bread, or serve it soft with butter. Its perfect for dipping into turkey soup, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy the comforting combination of bread and soup without worry.
Quinoa salad is a light and healthy side that adds a protein-packed punch to your meal. Mix quinoa with diced vegetables, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing side. Its nutty flavor and crunchy texture contrast nicely with the smoothness of turkey soup, making your meal more balanced and nutritious.
Sweet potato fries bring a sweet and savory element to your meal. Their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make them irresistible, especially when seasoned with a touch of salt and smoked paprika. Serve them alongside your turkey soup for a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Coleslaw offers a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich and savory turkey soup. Combining shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, its a refreshing side that adds a bright note to your meal. Plus, its quick to prepare, making it an easy addition to any meal.
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, seasoned with herbs and olive oil, become caramelized and tender in the oven. They add a comforting and healthy side to your turkey soup. The natural sweetness and varied textures of the vegetables complement the soups flavors beautifully.
Turkey noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food With tender turkey, noodles, veggies, and seasonings simmered in a savory broth, it’s a soothing, hearty meal perfect for chilly days But eating a bowl of soup by itself can feel a bit lonely. The right side dishes make turkey noodle soup feel like a complete, satisfying dinner.
After researching many recipes and food blogs, I’ve compiled a list of 12 of the best side dishes to serve with turkey noodle soup. These sides provide delicious flavors, textures, and nutrition to perfectly complement the soup.
Bread
A slice of crusty bread is one of the most classic companions for soup. The bread soaks up the delicious broth while adding a bit of crunch and carbohydrates. For turkey noodle soup, I recommend soft, absorbent breads like rolls, biscuits, or cornbread that can really sop up all the flavor. Sliced bread or small breadsticks are nice too for dipping into the soup.
Top bread suggestions
- Parker House rolls – soft, sweet, pocketbook shape
- Skillet cornbread – crispy edges, moist interior
- Cheesy breadsticks – tasty for dipping
- Popovers – light and airy with a delicate crust
Salads
Crunchy, fresh salads provide texture, nutrition, and brightness to balance the hot, comforting soup. I’d suggest salads with crisp lettuces, colorful veggies, cheese, and a light dressing. Some excellent options include:
- Garden salad – mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes
- Apple and walnut salad – apples, cranberries, walnuts, blue cheese
- Caprese – mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic dressing
- Greek salad – lettuce, olives, feta, red onion, oregano dressing
Sandwiches
Sandwiches make a satisfying, filling accompaniment to soup. Almost any type of sandwich complements turkey noodle soup wonderfully. Here are some of my favorite soup sidekicks:
- Grilled cheese – classic, melty perfection
- BLT – crunchy, salty, sweet ingredients
- Club sandwich – turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato
- Monte Cristo – ham, turkey, cheese, French toast-style
- Cucumber – refreshing cream cheese filling
Potatoes
Potatoes are a hearty, comforting starch that pairs deliciously with soup. They fill you up and are great for soaking up extra broth. Baked potatoes, loaded skins, and crispy tots or fries are all excellent options.
Pasta and Grains
Pasta and grains provide extra carbohydrates to make your soup meal feel complete. Choose recipes with contrasting textures to the noodles in the soup. Great ideas include:
- Mac and cheese – cheesy comfort food
- Quinoa salad – protein-packed
- Couscous – quick-cooking, nutty flavor
- Polenta – creamy cornmeal
Veggies
Don’t forget to add veggies! Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower are tasty, caramelized sides. You can also try:
- Coleslaw – tangy, crunchy cabbage
- Roasted veggies – caramelized medley
- Green beans – fresh and healthy
Finger Foods
For a casual soup dinner, round out the meal with fun finger foods. Guests can munch on these appetizer-style sides while enjoying the soup:
- Cheese puffs – light, crispy bites
- Spinach-feta triangles – flaky, savory pastry
- Bruschetta – toasty bread with tomatoes, basil
- Deviled eggs – protein-packed
Sweets
Add a little something sweet to finish off your comforting soup supper. Easy dessert options include:
- Cookies – chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, ginger, etc.
- Fresh fruit salad
- Apple crisp – baked apples with crisp topping
- Rice pudding – creamy, warm dessert
With so many excellent sides to choose from, you can put together a different, delicious turkey noodle soup dinner for any night of the week. Breads, salads, sandwiches, starches, veggies, finger foods, and sweets all make fantastic complements to this classic soup.
1 Mac and Cheese
For a comforting, crowd-pleasing side, mac and cheese is a perfect choice. Its creamy, cheesy goodness pairs wonderfully with the savory depth of turkey soup, creating a combination thats hard to resist. Whether baked to crispy perfection or creamy stovetop style, mac and cheese adds a comforting, indulgent touch to your meal.
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Soup
FAQ
What do you serve when soup is the main course?
The best things to serve with soup are salads, sandwiches, a main course protein, or bread or a starchy topping.
What goes with noodle soup?
A grilled cheese sandwich pairs well with chicken noodle soup. Other dishes that go well with chicken noodle soup include: Potato pancakes, Beef stroganoff, Chicken paprikash, Meat stuffed cabbage, and Challah bread.
What can I serve with soup besides bread?
- Kiwi Salad with Tomato and Avocado. …
- Polenta Salad. …
- Millet Tabbouleh Salad. …
- Ranch Pasta Salad. …
- Roasted Carrots and Green Beans. …
- Savory Oat Crackers. …
- Gluten-Free Cheez Its. …
- Socca Chips.
What to add to turkey noodle soup?
Mirepoix: This is the French word for their classic combination of carrots, onion, and celery. Sautéed together, they form a delicious base of flavor for the soup. Herbs and garlic: Fresh thyme and garlic add an herby, garlicky punch, but you can use a big pinch of dried thyme if that’s all you have.