What to Serve with Potato Leek Soup: 5 Easy and Tasty Side Dishes

Potato leek soup is a hearty, creamy dish that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening. The delicate flavors of the leeks, combined with the richness of the potatoes, create a comforting and satisfying meal. However, while this soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right side dish can elevate your meal to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore five easy and tasty side dishes that complement the smooth, velvety texture of potato leek soup. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these side dishes will add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Fresh, Crunchy Green Salad

When it comes to pairing side dishes with potato leek soup, a fresh, crunchy green salad is one of the best options. The crispness of the greens and the acidity of a tangy vinaigrette balance out the rich, creamy flavor of the soup. The freshness of the salad provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, comforting texture of the soup, making each bite feel lighter and more refreshing.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion (optional)
• Light vinaigrette dressing (or lemon vinaigrette)

Recipe:

1. Wash and dry the greens thoroughly.
2. Slice the cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
3. Thinly slice the red onion, if using.
4. Toss the vegetables together in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette dressing or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
6. Toss again and serve immediately.

A fresh green salad is simple yet full of flavor. The variety of textures and the lightness of the ingredients make it the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of potato leek soup.

Nutrition Table:

As you can see, this side dish is low in calories but packed with essential nutrients, providing a light and refreshing complement to the soup.

2. Crispy Garlic Bread

If you’re in the mood for something warm and comforting to pair with your potato leek soup, crispy garlic bread is an excellent choice. The golden, crispy crust, combined with the buttery, garlicky flavor, pairs perfectly with the velvety texture of the soup. You can’t go wrong with this timeless side dish that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of French bread
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt, to taste

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick pieces.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on each slice of bread.
5. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

This crispy garlic bread not only adds texture to the meal but also complements the flavors of the soup in a way that’s hard to beat.

Nutrition Table:

This dish is higher in calories due to the butter but is perfect for those looking for a hearty side to pair with their soup.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables offer a savory and satisfying side dish that pairs wonderfully with potato leek soup. The caramelized edges and natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes make them a fantastic complement to the earthy flavors of the soup. Roasting vegetables brings out their deep, savory flavors, adding complexity and texture to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
• 2 small sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the chopped vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.

Roasted vegetables add a healthy, hearty touch to your meal, providing a flavorful contrast to the creamy soup. The addition of fresh herbs adds an aromatic quality to the dish, making it even more appealing.

Nutrition Table:

These roasted vegetables are not only flavorful but also packed with important nutrients that complement the soup’s creamy texture.

4. Grilled Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a protein-packed side dish to serve with your potato leek soup, grilled chicken skewers are a perfect choice. The smoky, savory flavor of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the soup, providing a hearty and satisfying addition to your meal. The chicken’s lean protein makes it a filling option that complements the rich and creamy soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Recipe:

1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade and let sit for 20-30 minutes.
3. Thread the chicken onto skewers.
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

The grilled chicken adds a satisfying protein element to your meal, and its savory flavor balances the soup’s richness.

Nutrition Table:

Grilled chicken skewers are a great option for those looking for a more substantial side dish that pairs perfectly with potato leek soup.

5. Cheddar and Chive Biscuits

For a cheesy, comforting side, cheddar and chive biscuits are a fantastic choice to serve with your potato leek soup. The biscuits are warm and flaky, with the richness of cheddar cheese and the freshness of chives, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the soup. They’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped)
• 1 cup milk

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese and chives.
5. Pour in the milk and mix until a dough forms.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

These biscuits are the perfect side to pair with potato leek soup, providing a comforting, cheesy addition to the meal.

Nutrition Table:

Cheddar and chive biscuits add a rich, savory element to your meal, offering a wonderful contrast to the soup.

Conclusion

Potato leek soup is a comforting and versatile dish, but when paired with the right side dishes, it can become even more satisfying. Whether you choose the light freshness of a green salad, the crunch of garlic bread, the heartiness of roasted vegetables, the protein-packed grilled chicken skewers, or the rich, cheesy cheddar and chive biscuits, each side dish enhances the flavors and textures of the soup. These five options are simple to prepare, delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table. So the next time you make potato leek soup, try one of these side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.