What Bread Goes with Chicken Tortilla Soup? The Ultimate Pairing Guide

Chicken tortilla soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold winter day. With its blend of spicy, tomatoey broth and tender chicken, this Mexican-inspired soup really hits the spot. But what really takes it over the top is pairing it with the right bread. The bread soaks up the delicious broth while adding its own unique flavor and texture. But with so many bread options out there, it can be tricky to choose the perfect one to go with chicken tortilla soup.

In this ultimate pairing guide, we’ll walk through the best bread options to serve with chicken tortilla soup, from classics like crusty French bread to creative choices like cornbread and gluten-free sourdough. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to help you nail the perfect soup and bread combo. Read on to become a chicken tortilla soup pairing pro!

Sourdough – The Gold Standard Bread for Tortilla Soup

If you’re looking for a universally pleasing pairing, crusty sourdough bread is considered the gold standard accompaniment for chicken tortilla soup. The tangy sourdough flavor balances out the richness of the broth beautifully. Its sturdy, chewy texture also holds up well to dipping without falling apart. For the best experience, choose a loaf with a dark, crunchy crust and distinct sour aroma. Sourdough’s unique fermentation process also makes it easier to digest than other breads. So if you want a foolproof match with your soup, reach for sourdough.

Hearty Rolls for a Satisfying Soup Experience

If you don’t have sourdough on hand, hearty rolls like ciabatta and French rolls make excellent substitutes. Their crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for soaking up the broth. Ciabatta, in particular, has an airy crumb that sopps up flavor while still maintaining its structure. Sturdy French rolls also have a nice chew and crunch contrast. The smaller size of rolls makes them convenient to eat alongside a bowl of soup. For maximum enjoyment, just be sure to choose a roll with a substantial crust to avoid sogginess.

Cornbread – A Craveable Southern-Style Pairing

For a more unique, craveable pairing, try crumbling tender cornbread into your chicken tortilla soup. Cornbread’s hint of sweetness and signature gritty texture perfectly complement the soup’s spice and richness. As long as the cornbread isn’t too crumbly, it makes a delightful alternative to traditional bread bowls. It also provides fun scooping action! For the best results, choose a slightly moist, not-too-sweet cornbread recipe to allow the other flavors to shine. The match of cornbread and tortilla soup will transport your tastebuds straight to the southern United States!

Gluten-Free Options for Inclusive Soup Nights

If you or your guests follow a gluten-free diet, you can still enjoy delicious bread with your chicken tortilla soup! Gluten-free sourdough made with a blend of flours like tapioca, brown rice, and sorghum flours makes an excellent substitute. Look for loaves with a binding agent like xanthan gum to help mimic the chewy texture of wheat sourdough. A crusty Italian loaf or gluten-free French roll can also do the trick. Just ensure any gluten-free bread has a binding agent and a sturdy crust. With the right loaf, everyone can enjoy sopping up the tasty soup!

Satisfying Extras: Cheese, Olive Oil, and Avocado

Adding a few special touches can take your chicken tortilla soup and bread pairing over the top For starters, try sprinkling some melty Monterey jack or Oaxaca cheese onto your bread before toasting The melted cheese accentuates all the dynamic flavors. Drizzling some fruity olive oil onto your bread for dipping also makes for a tasty addition. For even more richness, spread some smooth avocado or guacamole onto your bread each bite. The cool, creamy contrast is so satisfying. With these simple upgrades, your soup and bread duo transforms into a truly gourmet experience.

Handling Leftover Bread for Maximum Enjoyment

Leftover bread makes an amazing base for soup croutons! Simply cut any extra sourdough, rolls, or cornbread into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss the cubes with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper Bake at 400°F until toasted and crunchy, about 15 minutes Add the crispy croutons to your reheated soup to add fabulous crunch. You can also transform leftover bread into bread bowls. Hollow out a loaf and fill with piping hot soup for an edible bowl experience. Repurposing leftover bread prevents waste while making your soups even more delicious.

Commonly Asked Questions About the Perfect Pairing

1. What if I don’t have time to bake bread from scratch? Store-bought bread works great too! Look for crusty loaves without too many add-ins.

2. Can I use rolls or breadsticks in a pinch? Yes high-quality rolls or breadsticks can work. Just aim for substantial breads without garlic or tons of salt.

3. What about pita or naan bread? Sturdy pita or naan with some chew make solid soup dippers. Avoid thinner, flimsier versions.

4. Is sweet bread off limits? Typically, yes. Sweet challah or brioche don’t pair as nicely due to their sugar content.

5. What’s the best shape bread for dipping? A round boule shape works perfectly since it provides lots of dippable surface area.

6. Should the bread be warm or room temp? Either works! Some like warm bread for maximum coziness.

7. Can I use tortillas or tortilla chips? You sure can! Warm tortillas or crisp chips pair deliciously for a more authentic tortilla soup experience.

With this guide under your belt, you are fully prepared to create the ultimate chicken tortilla soup and bread pairing. Remember to choose a bread with a sturdy crust, complementary flavor, and ability to soak up broth without getting soggy. Sourdough, hearty rolls, and cornbread make excellent traditional matches. But don’t be afraid to get creative with gluten-free options, cheese toasts, olive oil drizzles, or croutons. Your guests will be thoroughly impressed by your soup and bread pairing prowess. Now get out there and start dipping for soup nirvana!