What To Serve With Lasagna Soup (19+ Lasagna Soup Sides) (2024)

Lasagna soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavours of traditional lasagna in a more accessible, spoonable format.

Need ideas for what to serve it with?

You’ve got it!

Some of the tastiest ideas for what to serve with lasagna soup are garlic bread, bread sticks, focaccia, Caesar salad, Caprese salad, stuffed peppers, grilled asparagus, polenta, and a cheese board.

Read on for more ideas, and expert serving suggestions…

Essentials of a Complementing Side Dish

When considering a side dish to serve with your lasagna soup, think about textures and flavours that will balance the meal.

Crisp, fresh elements or a side with a contrasting texture can truly enhance your dining experience.

• Textures to Consider:
  • Crunchy: Add a crunch with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta. This will provide a satisfying contrast to the hearty, soft texture of the lasagna soup.
  • Crisp: Fresh salads with a zesty dressing cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
• Flavour Profiles:
  • Acidic: Complement the cheese and tomato flavours with something acidic like a balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Herbaceous: Consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add a burst of freshness.

Here’s a simple guide to follow:

Stay mindful of the soup’s flavour intensity.

Your side dish should never overshadow the main attraction—aim to elevate the primary dish.

Choose light and refreshing sides if your lasagna soup is particularly rich.

Remember, balance is key.

Your side dish should complement, not compete with, your lasagna soup, making every bite enjoyable.

Bread Varieties to Accompany Lasagna Soup

When you’re enjoying lasagna soup, pairing it with the right kind of bread can elevate the meal.

Choose bread that complements the rich flavours of the soup, helping to soak up its hearty goodness.

Garlic Bread

There’s something classic about the combination of garlic bread with Italian dishes.

Opt for a crusty baguette with a generous spread of butter mixed with crushed garlic and parsley.

Bake until the butter is melted and the edges of the bread are golden brown, creating the perfect sponge for your lasagna soup.

• Ingredients: Crusty baguette, butter, garlic, parsley
• Preparation: Spread on bread, bake at 180°C until golden

Bread Sticks

For a lighter option, go for bread sticks. They add a pleasant crunch to your meal without overwhelming the soup’s flavour.

Dip them into your lasagna soup, or enjoy them on the side, seasoned with a hint of salt and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Texture: Crispy and light
• Serving suggestion: Seasoned with salt and Parmesan cheese

Focaccia

Focaccia is an Italian bread that is thick, fluffy, and full of flavour on its own.

When you pair it with lasagna soup, its olive oil richness and rosemary seasoning complement the tomato-based broth perfectly.

Use it to mop up the delicious flavours from your bowl.

• Characteristics: Olive oil richness, fragrant with rosemary
• How to serve: Warm it up, cut into squares and serve on the side

Salad Options for Balance

To add a burst of freshness, salads can be great choices for what to serve with lasagna soup.

Caesar Salad

Crafting a Caesar salad to go with your lasagna soup is a splendid choice.

You’ll want to start with romaine lettuce, tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing.

Be sure to sprinkle over a generous amount of Parmesan shavings and crunchy croutons for an authentic touch.

Caprese Salad

A Caprese Salad introduces a lovely contrast with its simplicity and vibrant flavours.

Your Caprese should have thick slices of ripe tomatoes, silky mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Drizzle the arrangement with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze to bring out the best of these classic Italian ingredients.

(If you love this idea, check out what to serve with Caprese salad).

Italian Mixed Green Salad

An Italian Mixed Green Salad is particularly versatile.

Begin with a mix of greens like spinach, arugula, and endive.

Introduce accents such as thinly sliced red onions, olives, and roasted red peppers.

A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can tie all the elements together harmoniously.

Vegetable Sides to Serve

When looking for the perfect accompaniment to lasagna soup, opt for vegetable sides that complement the rich flavours without overpowering them.

Roasted Vegetables

Select a variety of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.

Toss them in olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Roast them in the oven until they are golden and fork-tender. This provides a wonderful texture contrast to the soup.

Grilled Asparagus

Grill asparagus spears until they have a slight char to enhance their flavour.

Drizzle them with extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing side that balances the hearty lasagna soup.

Stuffed Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of sautéed courgette, aubergine, and cherry tomatoes.

Add a touch of garlic, basil, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Bake until the peppers are soft and the topping is warmed through.

This dish adds a vibrant, stuffed component that works well with creamy soups.

Starchy Sides to Soak Up the Soup

Choosing the right starchy side can turn your lasagna soup into a hearty and satisfying meal.

Your side dish should complement the rich flavours while providing a delightful texture contrast.

Herb Couscous

Couscous is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with lasagna soup.

For a flavourful twist, try herb couscous.

You’ll simply need to:

• Cook the couscous according to the package instructions.
• Stir through a generous handful of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, basil, or coriander, just before serving.

Enjoy the way these small grains absorb the soup, enhancing each spoonful.

Risotto

A creamy risotto offers a luxurious texture that’s perfect for complementing lasagna soup.

To add an extra dimension of taste:

1. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until aromatic.
2. Add Arborio rice and toast it lightly before gradually adding vegetable stock, stirring continuously.
3. Finish with Parmesan cheese for a rich flavour that will infuse with your soup.

The creaminess of risotto makes it a fitting choice for what to serve with lasagna soup.

Polenta

Polenta is a traditional Italian cornmeal dish that can be served soft or firm to suit your preference.

For a heart-warming accompaniment:

• Prepare the polenta by simmering cornmeal in water or stock, stirring frequently until thickened.
• Enhance it with butter, cheese, and a pinch of salt for added taste.

Spoon over or dip into your soup, and relish the comforting combination.

Crafting a Cheese Platter

When serving lasagna soup, a cheese platter is a delightful accompaniment that can enhance the meal’s flavours.

Selecting the perfect array of cheeses involves a mix of textures and tastes.

Choosing Your Cheeses

Aim for a range of soft to hard cheeses:

• Soft: Brie or Camembert
• Semi-soft: Havarti or Gouda
• Semi-hard: Cheddar or Gruyère
• Hard: Parmesan or Pecorino

Accompaniments

Pair your cheeses with a variety of sides:

• Crackers/Bread: Opt for a selection, such as water biscuits or crusty baguettes.
• Fruits: Fresh grapes and figs complement the flavours, as do dried apricots and dates.

Presentation Tips

Create visual appeal:

• Slice hard cheeses into bite-sized pieces.
• Spread soft cheeses on the board for easy scooping.
• Place accompaniments in small, separate groups around the cheeses.

Pairing with Soup

Consider the soup ingredients:

• If your lasagna soup is rich and tomato-based, choose a sharper cheese like cheddar to cut through the richness.
• For creamier versions of the soup, go for mild, creamy cheeses like Brie.

Serving

Serve at room temperature to let the flavours of the cheese develop fully.

Arrange the platter before serving the soup, allowing guests to graze as they please.

Delightful Desserts to Finish

After savouring the rich flavours of lasagna soup, you’ll want a dessert that complements its heartiness with a touch of sweetness.

Tiramisu

Indulge in the classic Italian dessert, tiramisu.

It’s a wonderful blend of coffee-soaked sponge fingers layered with a whipped mixture of eggs, sugar, and mascarpone cheese, all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder.

This dessert’s luxurious texture and balance of flavours make it an ideal finale to your meal.

Gelato

For a lighter option, consider a scoop of gelato.

This Italian-style ice cream is denser than its American counterpart and comes in a variety of authentic flavours like hazelnut, stracciatella, or pistachio.

Its creamy consistency and intense flavour will provide a refreshing contrast to the lasagna soup.

Panna Cotta

Lastly, panna cotta is a silky, creamy dessert that simply melts in your mouth.

Often served with a berry coulis or a drizzle of caramel, its delicate sweetness and smooth texture serve as a soothing end to deliciously rich and hearty flavours.

Ideal Drinks for Pairing

When enjoying lasagna soup, choosing the right drink to complement its rich and hearty flavours can elevate your dining experience.

Select beverages that balance the soup’s robustness without overpowering its taste.

Italian Red Wine

For a classic pairing, Chianti or Barbera are ideal Italian red wines that match well with the tomato-based heartiness of lasagna soup.

These wines have a nice acidity that cuts through the richness while enhancing the herbal and meaty notes.

• Chianti: Medium-bodied with a balance of acidity and tannins.
• Barbera: Lighter in body, offering a fruity profile with a slightly tart finish.

Sparkling Water

A refreshing choice, sparkling water, provides a palate-cleansing effect.

Its bubbles can contrast pleasantly with the density of the soup.

• Plain Sparkling Water: A no-calorie option for a crisp, clean taste.
• Lemon or Lime Flavoured: Adds a citrusy twist that can complement the tomato flavours.

Herbal Tea

For a non-alcoholic option, herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint can be soothing and light, not competing with the lasagna soup’s taste profile.

• Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties and gentle, floral taste.
• Peppermint Tea: Offers a minty freshness that can help in digesting the meal.

Do you have a favourite option when it comes to what to serve with lasagna soup?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

If you love lasagna you’ll also enjoy starters for lasagna, and salads for lasagna.