To enhance your split pea and ham soup, consider serving it with garlic bread for a crispy, buttery delight or a Caesar salad for a invigorating crunch. Coleslaw's tangy flavor offers a contrasting taste, while cornbread, especially with honey butter, adds a sweet touch. Roasted vegetables provide a rich, caramelized flavor. Mashed potatoes create a comforting side, and apple slaw brings a tangy twist. Grilled cheese sandwiches add melted goodness, and a quinoa salad offers a healthy, light option. Each of these sides complements the hearty soup perfectly, making your meal satisfying and delicious. Explore more to find additional tempting options!
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its crispy texture and rich, buttery flavor, serves as an excellent accompaniment to split pea and ham soup.
Made with garlic butter and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, this side dish enhances the soup's hearty taste. The blend of flavors creates a delightful balance, making every bite satisfying.
This combination is sure to please guests and elevate your meal.
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons, offers a revitalizing contrast to the rich flavors of split pea and ham soup.
The anchovy dressing gives it that classic, savory kick, while crouton variations, such as garlic or herb-infused, add an extra layer of texture.
This pairing provides a balanced, invigorating side to the hearty soup.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw, with its invigorating crunch and tangy flavor, offers another excellent accompaniment to split pea and ham soup.
This classic side dish can be easily tailored to suit various tastes through numerous coleslaw recipes. From traditional creamy coleslaw to zesty vinegar-based variations, the variety in coleslaw options guarantees a delightful contrast to the hearty, savory notes of the soup, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Cornbread
Cornbread, with its golden crust and tender crumb, serves as a perfect complement to split pea and ham soup, offering a slightly sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Consider making jalapeno cornbread for a spicy twist. Top it with honey butter for an extra layer of sweetness.
Together, they create a delightful balance that enhances the comforting nature of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, with their caramelized edges and rich flavors, make an excellent side dish that complements the hearty nature of split pea and ham soup.
Opt for a seasonal selection to guarantee peak freshness, and enhance the taste with a sprinkle of herb seasoning.
This combination not only adds nutritional value but also brings a delightful contrast in texture and taste to your meal.
Crusty Baguette
A crusty baguette guarantees the perfect accompaniment to split pea and ham soup, offering a satisfying crunch and a vehicle for soaking up every flavorful drop. Originating from France, the baguette's history enriches any meal.
Its crusty texture contrasts beautifully with the soup's creamy consistency, enhancing the dining experience. This classic bread guarantees every bit of the savory soup is enjoyed to the fullest.
Green Bean Almondine
Complementing the crusty baguette, Green Bean Almondine brings a fresh, crisp element to the table, balancing the hearty flavors of split pea and ham soup with its tender green beans and toasted almonds.
The nutty flavor from the almonds adds depth. Cooking tips include blanching the green beans for a vibrant color and sautéing with garlic for extra taste.
Enjoy this delightful pairing!
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of split pea and ham soup. They add both a touch of sweetness and a crispy element to the meal. With a variety of seasoning options like paprika and rosemary, they can be tailored to your taste.
Pair them with dipping sauces such as garlic aioli or honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad, with its revitalizing crunch and tangy vinaigrette, provides a light and invigorating contrast to the hearty flavors of split pea and ham soup.
Utilizing different pickling methods can enhance the cucumbers' flavor, while a creamy yogurt dressing adds a delightful twist.
This invigorating side dish not only complements the soup but also offers a palate-cleansing experience, making the meal more balanced.
Cheddar Biscuits
Cheddar biscuits, with their rich, buttery flavor and sharp cheese notes, make an excellent accompaniment to the savory split pea and ham soup.
Using various Cheddar varieties, these biscuits can be customized to suit your taste. Popular biscuit toppings include herbs, garlic, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese.
The warm, flaky texture perfectly complements the hearty soup, creating a delightful culinary pairing.
Spinach Salad
A vibrant spinach salad provides a fresh and nutritious contrast to the rich flavors of split pea and ham soup.
Using tender baby spinach, this salad can be easily elevated with a drizzle of tangy balsamic dressing.
The crispness of the spinach and the zesty notes of the dressing offer a revitalizing balance, making it an ideal side dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes serve as a classic and comforting side dish that pairs seamlessly with the hearty nature of split pea and ham soup. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor complement the soup's savory richness, creating a balanced meal.
The softness of mashed potatoes melds beautifully with the thick consistency of the soup, making each bite a delightful experience that warms the soul.
Apple Slaw
For a invigorating contrast to the creamy richness of mashed potatoes, consider serving a crisp and tangy apple slaw alongside your split pea and ham soup.
The flavor contrast between the sweet-tart apples and the savory soup adds excitement to your meal.
Additionally, the texture variety of the crunchy slaw complements the smoothness of the soup, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.
Grilled Cheese
One classic pairing for split pea and ham soup is a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Explore cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, or tangy Gruyère.
Experiment with toasting techniques, such as pan-frying or using a sandwich press, to achieve that golden, crispy exterior that complements the creamy soup wonderfully.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Split Pea and Ham Soup Similar to Those for Ham and Eggs?
The best side dishes for ham can enhance the flavor of split pea and ham soup as well. Classic choices like cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad can complement the hearty soup. For a more traditional pairing, consider serving the soup with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad.
Quinoa Salad
A lively quinoa salad brings an invigorating contrast to the hearty split pea and ham soup, adding both texture and nutritional value to the meal.
The nutrient content of quinoa, combined with fresh vegetables, creates delightful flavor combinations.
This side dish not only complements the soup's richness but also enhances the overall dining experience, making it a balanced and satisfying choice.