What To Serve With French Onion Soup (30 Best Side Dishes)

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of classic French onion soup. The combination of caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese is pure perfection. But, what makes this soup even better? The perfect side dish to go with it!

That’s why I’ve curated a list of the best sides to serve with French onion soup. From grilled cheese and croque monsieur sandwiches to roasted vegetables and warm baguettes with herb butter, these dishes will elevate your soup experience.

Whether you’re looking for a main course to pair with your soup or a delicious side dish, I have you covered. So, make a batch of your favorite French onion soup recipe, and let’s find the perfect sides to go with it.

1. Buttered noodles

French onion soup is a classic comfort food loved by many. And what could be a better side dish for this delicious meal than indulgent buttered noodles?

Buttered noodles are a great side dish to serve with French onion soup. The rich and creamy flavor of the butter adds another layer of indulgence to the savory broth and caramelized onions in the soup. Plus, the soft noodles are the perfect accompaniment or alternative to the crunchy bread and melted cheese on top of classic onion soup.

This easy recipe can be made in no time, and you can even use an instant pot to speed up the process. So next time you make French onion soup, don’t forget to serve it with a side of buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.

We love: Buttered Noodles Recipe (by Food Lovin Family)

2. Baked salmon

Baked salmon is a great way to round out a bowl of rich and savory French onion soup. The light and flaky fish provides a nice contrast to the heavy soup, making it a well-balanced meal.

For a complete meal, serve the baked salmon alongside a homemade French onion soup with lemon butter and a slice of crusty sourdough bread.

It’s a delicious and satisfying combination that is sure to become a new favorite.

We love: Baked Salmon Recipe with Parmesan Herb Crust (by Add a Pinch)

3. Grilled cheese sandwiches

Grilled cheese sandwiches are the perfect side dish for French onion soup. The combination of melted cheese and golden brown crispy bread complements the rich and savory flavors of the soup.

Making a grilled cheese sandwich is super easy, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.

Serve with your favorite French onion soup recipe for a delicious main dish. You can also pair it with a salad or french fries for a little bit of added crunch. Enjoy!

We love: Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Spinach (by Give Recipe)

4. Baked potatoes

Baked potatoes are a great side dish that go well with the rich flavors of French onion soup.

The starchy and filling potatoes provide a perfect contrast to the smooth and flavorful soup. Add a pat of butter or a dollop of sour cream to your baked potato for an extra layer of richness.

For a more satisfying meal, serve the French onion soup in a bread bowl and pair it with a refreshing green salad alongside the baked potatoes.

This classic combination is sure to become a favorite recipe for any lover of good food.

We love: Best Baked Potato Recipe (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

5. Croque monsieur

Croque Monsieur is a popular and delicious side dish to serve alongside French onion soup. This classic French cuisine pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful soup, making it a favorite choice for any dinner party or gathering.

To make a delicious Croque Monsieur, layer ham and cheese between slices of crusty bread and top it off with a creamy cheese sauce. Bake it in the oven until golden brown and bubbly for a delicious side dish that everyone will love.

Serve it alongside your warm bowl of onion soup for a satisfying and comforting meal.

We love: Classic Croque Monsieur (by Vikalinka by Julia Frey)

6. Garlic bread

Garlic bread is the perfect side dish to serve with a classic French onion soup recipe.

The crispy and buttery texture of garlic bread is a good complement to the hearty beef stock and sweet, tender onions in the soup.

Go ahead and indulge in this classic food pairing with your next bowl of onion soup.

We love: Cheesy Garlic and Herb Bread (by Melissa’s Southern Style Kitchen®)

7. Sautéed mushrooms

The earthy, rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms complement the sweet and savory broth. Add some gooey gruyere cheese to make every bite a happy moment!

Using simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce, this simple side dish comes together in no time and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.

So next time you need something to go with your French onion soup, consider buttery sautéed mushrooms for a tasty and satisfying side dish.

We love: Sauteed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter (by Dinner at the Zoo)

8. Baked parmesan tomatoes

Baked parmesan tomatoes are the perfect appetizer to serve alongside a warm bowl of French onion soup. This simple and flavorful side dish is a great way to keep things light while still satisfying your cravings for a hearty meal.

The juicy tomatoes, topped with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs are baked to a golden brown on a baking sheet—or in your air fryer. They go well with the rich and savory flavors of the soup, creating a perfect balance in every bite.

Baked parmesan tomatoes are a great gluten-free alternative to the typical cheesy baked bread that accompanies classic French onion soup.

This combination of flavors and textures is sure to please your taste buds and enhance every bite!

We love: Baked Parmesan Tomatoes (by Jo Cooks)

9. Pork tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a perfect side dish to serve alongside French onion soup. Its rich and savory flavors pair well with the sweet and tangy taste of the soup.

For an extra touch of French cuisine, try pan-searing the pork tenderloin with red onions and garlic butter. Then serve it with chewy French bread.

This combination will make you feel like you’re dining in a cozy bistro in Paris!

We love: Garlic Butter Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans (by No. 2 Pencil)

10. Sweet potato

Sweet potato is the perfect side dish to serve alongside a bowl of rich French onion soup.

The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of the sweet potato provide a nice balance to the bold and tangy flavors of the soup.

From crispy sweet potato wedges to creamy sweet potato mash, there are many options to keep soup night interesting.

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes (by Eatwell101)

11. Roasted veggies

Roasted veggies are the perfect side dish to serve with French onion soup, adding a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.

The golden brown edges of the roasted veggies, paired with the savory flavors of the homemade French onion soup, make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

To make roasted veggies, simply toss your favorite veggies on a baking sheet with olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of seasonings. Bake until golden brown and crispy.

For a complete meal, serve French onion soup with a side of roasted veggies, your favorite green salad recipe, and a lemon vinaigrette or Italian dressing.

We love: Garlic Herb Roasted Vegetables (by The Roasted Root)

12. Wild rice

Wild rice is a great side dish to serve alongside a bowl of savory French onion soup. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor add a delightful contrast to the rich and savory broth of the soup.

This easy recipe doesn’t require too much work and it adds a wholesome touch to an indulgent meal.

If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of indulgence. And for a complete and delicious meal, serve with some crusty, chewy French bread on the side.

We love: Almond Wild Rice (by Joy Food Sunshine)

13. Steak sandwich

A steak sandwich is another great side for French onion soup. The savory flavor of the soup pairs well with the juicy and tender steak, making for a satisfying meal.

For a homemade twist on onion soup, you can even make French onion soup steak sandwiches by topping the steak with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese.

We love: Steak Sandwich with Creamy Horseradish Sauce (by Kenneth Temple)

14. New York strip steak

New York strip steak is a delicious and hearty side dish to serve with French onion soup. The rich flavor of the steak pairs perfectly with the bold and savory flavors of the soup, making for a satisfying and satisfying meal.

For an easy gluten-free, low-carb side dish, top your steak with melted gruyere cheese and skip the classic bread side.

Plus, the good news is that you probably already have the ingredients for this simple but delicious side dish in your kitchen.

We love: How to Make the Absolute Best New York Steak (by The Recipe Critic)

15. Roasted brussels sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great option for a side dish to pair with French onion soup. Not only do they add a touch of deliciousness to the meal, but they also complement the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.

For a complete meal, serve the roasted Brussels sprouts with a grilled cheese sandwich or some mashed potatoes on the side.

We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts (by Eatwell101)

16. Cheese plate

A cheese plate is the perfect side dish to add French flair to your soup dinner.

With a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits, a cheese plate is a great way to add variety to your meal. You can also get creative and pair different cheeses with different types of bread or crackers.

Plus, a cheese plate is a super easy dish to put together, so you won’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen!

We love: How to Make a Simple Cheese Board For Two (by One Girl. One Kitchen.)

17. Crumbled bacon

Crumbled bacon is a great side dish or savory topping for a bowl of French onion soup. Its smoky and salty flavors add an extra layer of depth to the soup’s already rich flavor profile.

Simply sprinkle your French onion soup with crumbled bacon and fresh thyme for a satisfying one-bowl meal.

Or, serve your soup alongside a light green salad sprinkled with bacon bits for a satisfying and delicious meal.

We love: How To Make Bacon Bits (Bacon Crumbles) (by The Dinner Bite)

18. French bread

French bread is the ultimate side dish to serve with French onion soup. Its crusty exterior and soft interior are perfect for dipping into the warm, savory broth of this delectable soup.

The combination of flavors and textures in each bite is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

And, if you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, sprinkle the bread with mozzarella or Swiss cheese and grill until the cheese is melted. If you’re an avid baker, why not try homemade French bread?

We love: Easy Homemade French Bread Recipe (by Living On A Dime)

19. French dip sandwiches

When it comes to classic French cuisine, sometimes you need something simple and comforting to accompany a rich and flavorful dish like French onion soup.

A French dip sandwich, made with thinly sliced pan-seared beef, gooey cheese, and golden brown baguette slices, is the perfect solution. The crunch of the bread and umami flavors of the meat and cheese taste great with the savory broth and caramelized onions in the soup.

For a more balanced meal, add a simple side like Caesar salad. And don’t forget a glass of red wine to complete the French bistro experience.

We love: Slow Cooker French Dip (by The Wooden Skillet)

20. Garlic butter pork

Looking for the perfect side dish to serve with your favorite French onion soup? Look no further than garlic butter pork. This simple side dish is a delicious way to round out your meal and take your French onion soup to the next level.

Made ahead of time and served alongside some crusty sourdough bread, this garlic butter pork is the perfect addition to a brothy soup like French onion.

It’s also a great option for those who are not a fan of grilled cheese sandwiches, but still want something warm and comforting to dip into their soup.

We love: Garlic Butter Pork Bites with Lemon Green Beans (by Eatwell101)

21. Garlic butter shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is a delicious and high-quality side dish option for serving alongside your favorite soup recipe. The savory, buttery taste of the pan-seared shrimp perfectly balances the rich flavors of the caramelized onions in the soup.

This combination also helps to balance out the richness of the soup, making it a great side dish to serve with French onion soup.

Plus, the shrimp can be made ahead of time and served immediately, making it a convenient and tasty option for a quick and easy meal.

We love: 15 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi With Garlic Butter (by Dinners Done Quick)

22. Green salad

A simple green salad is the perfect side dish for French onion soup. The light and refreshing flavors of the salad help balance out the rich and savory flavors of the soup.

Thinly sliced vegetables, like cucumber and radish, add a nice crunch to the salad, mimicking the caramelized texture of the onions in the soup. And, for a heartier meal, you can add some protein to your salad, such as rotisserie chicken or baked salmon.

So, whether you are looking for a quick and easy side dish or a light and refreshing addition to your meal, a simple green salad is always a good choice when serving French onion soup.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

23. Grilled chicken pesto panini

Grilled chicken pesto panini is another terrific sandwich to serve with French onion soup.

The flavor-packed sandwich comes together with gooey goat cheese, grilled chicken, and pesto spread, making it a delicious addition to the dinner table.

Keep things simple and serve it with a side salad or elevate the meal with baked parmesan tomatoes and mashed potatoes on the side. And, to take it up a notch, pair this meal with a glass of pinot noir for a complete and satisfying dining experience.

We love: Chicken Caprese Panini With Pesto (by Savory Experiments)

24. Classic Caesar salad

For many people, French onion soup with grilled cheese is a comforting and satisfying dish on its own. But if you need something refreshing to round out your meal, a classic Caesar salad is a great choice.

The crisp and refreshing lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons provide a nice contrast to the rich and savory beef broth and caramelized onions in the soup.

This simple yet delicious side dish is also a great way to add some freshness to an otherwise indulgent meal.

We love: The Classic Caesar Salad: A Timeless Favorite (by Urbaki Cooking)

25. Roasted asparagus with lemon zest

Roasted asparagus with lemon zest is the perfect side dish to serve alongside soup for dinner.

The bright and refreshing flavors of the lemon zest and the crispness of the asparagus provide a nice contrast to the rich and hearty soup.

Roasted asparagus also pairs well with other side dishes, such as pork tenderloin, chicken pesto panini, or New York strip steak.

We love: Roasted Thin Asparagus (by Food Banjo)

26. Warm baguette with herb butter

A warm baguette with herb butter is the perfect side dish to serve with French onion soup. This easy and delicious combination adds a whole new level of comfort to the already cozy and flavorful brothy soup.

The crispy crust and soft interior of the baguette are perfect for soaking up the rich broth of the homemade soup. Plus, the herb butter adds a layer of freshness and aromatic flavor to the warm bowl of soup.

A warm baguette with herb butter is always a great option to have on the dinner table whatever the main dish. For a more balanced meal, add a side of fresh arugula salad with a homemade vinaigrette dressing.

We love: How To Make Herb Butter (by Delicious Table ®)

27. Apple and walnut salad with blue cheese

One of the best side dishes to serve alongside a warm and hearty bowl of French onion soup is a crisp and refreshing apple and walnut salad with blue cheese.

The sweetness of the thinly sliced apples and the crunch of the walnuts perfectly complement the rich and savory flavors of the soup. The tangy blue cheese adds a creamy and unexpected twist to this classic side salad—amplifying the French flavors.

This easy dinner combination is a perfect example of comfort food at its finest. And for a heartier meal, add a side of chewy French bread. Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven.

We love: Apple, Blue Cheese & Walnut Salad (by Knife and Soul)

28. Pear and gorgonzola tart

The sweet and tangy combination of a pear and Gorgonzola tart perfectly complements the rich and savory flavors of French onion soup.

Dip the flaky pastries into your sweet caramelized onion soup for to create a perfect match with every bite.

For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or dry white wine and some fresh greens on the side. Whether you make a homemade tart or opt for store-bought, this gorgeous pear and Gorgonzola tart is sure to be a hit as a French onion soup side dish at your next dinner party.

We love: Pear Tarts with Blue Cheese (by Midwest Foodie)

29. Fruit salad with honey lime dressing

Fruit salad with honey lime dressing is the perfect dessert to follow your French onion soup if you’re craving something light and refreshing.

The honey lime dressing adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the fruit salad bringing balance to the meal.

We love: Fruit Salad Recipe {with Honey Lime Dressing} (by Cooking Classy)

30. Dark chocolate brownie

While French onion soup served with chewy French bread and gooey melted cheese is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, some days you want to follow it with something a little sweet. That’s where a dark chocolate brownie comes in.

The rich and decadent flavors of the brownie complement the brothy soup and add a touch of indulgence to the meal.

Feel free to serve brownie made well ahead of time or opt for a store-bought version. Either way, it’s a sweet and satisfying end to your French onion soup dinner.

We love: Ultimate Fudgy Crinkle Top Brownie (by My Tasty Curry)

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a simple side, french onion soup is a classic dish that never disappoints. But if you’re looking to take it to the next level, why not pair it with one of these perfect side dishes?

From New York strip steak and French dip sandwiches to fresh green salads, these side dishes are sure to complement the rich flavors of the soup.

Let me know in the comments which side dish for French onion soup you’ll be trying out next!