What to Serve with Taco Soup ? Taco soup is a warm, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. It’s a versatile meal that combines the best of a taco’s bold flavors with the comforting nature of a soup. But what really elevates your taco soup experience is the sides, toppings, and accompaniments you choose to serve alongside it. If you’re looking for even more ideas, this guide offers plenty of inspiration. From crunchy options to creamy sides and even beverages, let’s dive into the ultimate guide to pairing your taco soup for a memorable meal.
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Why Pairing Matters
While taco soup is a meal in itself, pairing it with complementary sides enhances its flavors and creates a balanced dining experience. The rich, spiced broth pairs beautifully with a variety of textures—crunchy, soft, creamy, and tangy. By adding thoughtful sides, you can turn a simple taco soup into a complete feast.
Classic Toppings for Taco Soup
1. Cheese
Grated cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco are popular choices. Sprinkle them on top while the soup is hot for a gooey, melted finish. Cheese adds richness and a savory element to balance the spices in the soup.
2. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt brings creaminess and a tangy contrast to the bold flavors of taco soup. It also helps cool down the heat if your soup is particularly spicy.
3. Avocado or Guacamole
Avocado slices or a spoonful of guacamole add a creamy, fresh note to the soup. Their mild flavor complements the spice and richness of the dish without overpowering it.
4. Tortilla Strips
Crispy tortilla strips or crumbled tortilla chips add the perfect crunch. They soak up some of the broth while maintaining their crispy texture, creating a delightful contrast.
5. Cilantro and Lime
Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten up the flavors of taco soup. These fresh additions add a zesty, herbal note that cuts through the richness.
Best Sides to Serve with Taco Soup
1. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side that pairs perfectly with taco soup. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture complements the savory and spicy flavors of the soup. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Mexican Rice
Fluffy, seasoned Mexican rice is a filling side that works well with taco soup. It soaks up the soup’s broth, adding an additional layer of flavor to every bite.
3. Black Bean Salad
A refreshing black bean salad with corn, tomatoes, onions, and a light vinaigrette offers a cool and tangy balance to the warm, spiced soup.
4. Quesadillas
Cheesy quesadillas cut into wedges are perfect for dipping into taco soup. They’re easy to make and provide a melty, cheesy companion to the meal.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice adds a smoky, creamy side that’s bursting with flavor.
Bread and Crackers
1. Crusty Bread
A loaf of crusty bread or a baguette is great for soaking up the soup’s flavorful broth. Its firm texture holds up well to the soup’s liquid, making it a satisfying addition.
2. Saltine or Corn Crackers
Crackers are a simple but effective choice. Saltine crackers add a bit of saltiness, while corn crackers tie in with the Mexican-inspired flavors.
Beverages to Pair with Taco Soup
1. Horchata
This creamy, cinnamon-infused rice milk is a traditional Mexican drink that cools down the spiciness of taco soup while adding a sweet finish.
2. Margaritas
A classic lime margarita—whether frozen or on the rocks—is a zesty and refreshing pairing for taco soup. The tart lime complements the soup’s spice.
3. Mexican Beer
A light, crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
4. Iced Tea
For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea with a hint of lemon is a soothing drink that pairs well with the hearty flavors of taco soup.
Desserts to End the Meal
1. Churros
Crispy, cinnamon-coated churros are a sweet and indulgent way to end your taco soup meal. Dip them in chocolate or caramel for extra decadence.
2. Flan
This creamy, caramel-topped custard is light yet flavorful, making it an excellent dessert to follow a rich, spiced soup.
3. Tres Leches Cake
A moist, milk-soaked sponge cake balances the spice of the main course with its sweet, creamy texture.
Balancing Textures in Your Meal
The beauty of taco soup lies in its versatility, but what makes the meal truly shine is a balance of textures. While the soup itself is warm and comforting, pairing it with crunchy tortilla strips or crispy quesadillas adds an exciting contrast. On the other hand, creamy sides like guacamole or a dollop of sour cream provide a cooling complement to the soup’s spices. Combining these elements ensures every bite is dynamic and satisfying.
Turning Taco Soup into a Full Feast
Taco soup can easily be the star of a multi-course meal when paired with the right sides and accompaniments. Start with a light appetizer, such as a fresh green salad or chips with salsa and guacamole. Follow with the taco soup served alongside cornbread or elote for a hearty main course. End on a sweet note with a dessert like churros or flan. With just a little planning, you can turn a simple soup night into a memorable dinner party.
Perfect Pairings for Different Occasions
When serving taco soup, consider the occasion to tailor your sides and accompaniments. For casual family dinners, stick with comfort foods like cheese quesadillas and cornbread. If you’re hosting a festive gathering, spice things up with an elaborate toppings bar, fresh lime margaritas, and colorful Mexican-inspired sides like elote or pico de gallo. Even for a quiet night at home, pairing the soup with simple crackers and a fresh fruit dessert can make it feel special.
Taco Soup for Game Day Gatherings
Taco soup is an excellent choice for game day spreads, offering a warm and satisfying dish that’s easy to serve. Pair it with crowd-pleasers like nachos loaded with cheese and jalapeños or a big bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips. You can set up a toppings station with options like shredded cheese, diced onions, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowls. Round out the menu with cold Mexican beer or refreshing lime-infused water to keep things festive.
Healthy Sides to Lighten the Meal
If you’re looking to keep things on the lighter side, pair taco soup with healthy options that won’t skimp on flavor. A crisp cucumber and avocado salad with a lime vinaigrette is refreshing and complements the soup’s bold spices. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, provide a nutrient-packed side that’s easy to prepare. For a low-carb twist, try serving the soup with lettuce wraps filled with beans, salsa, and a sprinkle of queso fresco.
Pro Tips for Hosting a Taco Soup Night
- Set Up a Toppings Bar: Create a self-serve toppings bar with bowls of cheese, sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips, and fresh herbs. This allows guests to customize their bowls.
- Offer a Variety of Sides: Mix and match sides like quesadillas, rice, and cornbread to provide variety.
- Keep Drinks Simple: Choose one or two signature drinks, like margaritas and iced tea, to make hosting easier.
- Balance Textures: Pair crunchy sides like tortilla strips with creamy elements like guacamole or flan for a well-rounded meal.
Bringing It All Together
When you’re wondering what to serve with taco soup, the possibilities are endless. From classic toppings like cheese and sour cream to hearty sides like cornbread and Mexican rice, there’s something for everyone. Pair your meal with refreshing beverages and finish with a sweet treat for a complete dining experience.
By thoughtfully selecting your accompaniments, you can turn a simple taco soup into an unforgettable feast. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these pairings will make your meal shine.
FAQs
What is a good side for tortilla soup?
A good side for tortilla soup includes options that complement its bold, spiced flavors. Cornbread, quesadillas, or Mexican rice are excellent choices. Fresh salads like a black bean salad or a crisp green salad with lime dressing also work well. Don’t forget tortilla chips or strips for extra crunch.
What side dishes go with soup?
Soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes depending on its type. For hearty soups, try crusty bread, rolls, or crackers. Creamy soups work well with fresh salads or roasted vegetables. For spicier soups like taco or tortilla soup, sides like quesadillas, elote, or even nachos add flavor and texture.
What to serve with tacos as a side?
Tacos are incredibly versatile and go well with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or elote (Mexican street corn). Chips and salsa or a fresh pico de gallo are also easy crowd-pleasers. If you’re looking for something lighter, a citrusy slaw or avocado salad is a great match.
What do you serve soup out of?
Soup is traditionally served in bowls, but you can get creative. Bread bowls are a fun and edible option, especially for thicker soups. For a more elegant touch, consider serving soup in ceramic mugs or small ramekins for individual portions.
Is soup a side or main dish?
Soup can be either a side or a main dish depending on its preparation. A light broth-based soup, like a starter, works well as a side dish. On the other hand, hearty soups like taco soup or beef stew, packed with protein and vegetables, are often served as a main course.
What do you eat Thai soup with?
Thai soup is often paired with jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up its flavorful broth. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside spring rolls, Thai-style salads, or stir-fried vegetables. Noodles are also a common accompaniment for certain Thai soups like tom yum or tom kha gai.
