Do you ever find yourself getting bored with the same old ham sandwich? If you’re craving a little something extra to elevate your lunch game, consider pairing your ham sandwich with a delicious and complementary soup. But with so many soup options out there, where do you even begin? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to soups that go well with ham sandwiches.
5 Delicious Soup Options to Pair with Your Ham Sandwich
If you’re looking for some tried and true soup and ham sandwich pairings, consider these five classic options:
- Tomato soup: This classic soup pairs perfectly with a traditional ham sandwich. The acidity of the tomato helps cut through the richness of the ham, while the soup’s creaminess provides a comforting contrast to the sandwich’s texture.
- French onion soup: Add some sophistication to your lunch with a classic French onion soup. The sweet onions and rich broth complement the smoky flavor of the ham.
- Split pea soup: This hearty soup packs a punch of flavor and texture. The smoky ham is the perfect complement to the earthy and slightly sweet split peas.
- Corn chowder: If you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, corn chowder is the way to go. The sweet corn pairs perfectly with the salty ham, and the creamy soup adds a luxurious element to your meal.
- Broccoli cheddar soup: For a lunch that’s both comforting and nourishing, pair your ham sandwich with a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup. The cheesy soup adds a richness that complements the meaty ham, while the broccoli provides some healthy greens.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, there are some unconventional soup options that can also pair well with a ham sandwich.
Carrot ginger soup: The sweetness of the carrots and the spiciness of the ginger create a unique flavor profile that can complement the smoky ham. This soup is also light and refreshing, making it a great option for a summer lunch.
Chicken noodle soup: While it may seem like an odd pairing, chicken noodle soup can actually be a great complement to a ham sandwich. The savory broth and tender chicken can balance out the saltiness of the ham, while the noodles add a comforting element to the meal.
How to Choose the Perfect Soup to Complement Your Ham Sandwich
Now that you have some soup options in mind, how do you choose the perfect one to complement your ham sandwich? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Flavor profile: Consider the flavors in your sandwich and choose a soup that either complements or contrasts with them. For example, if your sandwich is on the mild side, you might want to choose a soup with a bolder flavor, like chili.
- Texture: When pairing foods, it’s important to consider texture as well as flavor. A creamy soup might pair well with a crisp sandwich, while a chunky soup might work better with a soft roll.
- Temperature: If you prefer a cold sandwich, a cold soup might be a refreshing pairing. On the other hand, a hot soup might be the perfect warming accompaniment to a cold sandwich on a chilly day.
Another factor to consider when choosing a soup to complement your ham sandwich is the time of day. If you’re having a sandwich for breakfast or brunch, a lighter soup like tomato or vegetable might be a better choice. For lunch or dinner, heartier soups like chowder or stew might be more appropriate.
Lastly, consider the occasion or setting in which you’ll be enjoying your sandwich and soup. If you’re having a casual lunch at home, you might want to choose a soup that’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of fuss. If you’re hosting a dinner party, you might want to choose a more elegant soup like lobster bisque or French onion soup.
The Best Soup and Ham Sandwich Pairings for Every Palate
If you’re looking for some unique soup and ham sandwich pairings, we’ve got you covered with these unexpected flavor combinations:
- Gazpacho: This cold Spanish soup is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and is the perfect pairing for a cold ham sandwich. The bright, refreshing flavors are a delicious complement to the smoky cured meat.
- Miso soup: If you’re in the mood for something savory and comforting, pair your ham sandwich with a bowl of miso soup. The umami-rich broth is a flavorful complement to the ham, while the tofu and seaweed add some healthy protein and fiber.
- Ginger carrot soup: If you’re looking for a healthy and nutrient-dense lunch, pair your ham sandwich with a bowl of ginger carrot soup. The sweet carrots and spicy ginger make for a delicious flavor combination, while the soup’s smooth texture provides a nice contrast to the sandwich.
- Pumpkin soup: If you’re craving some fall flavors, pair your ham sandwich with a bowl of pumpkin soup. The sweet, nutty flavor of the soup is the perfect complement to the smoky ham.
- Taco soup: For a lunch that feels a little more festive, pair your ham sandwich with a bowl of taco soup. The spicy flavors of the soup are a delicious complement to the ham, while the beans and veggies in the soup add some healthy fiber and nutrients.
But if you’re looking for a classic pairing, you can never go wrong with a hearty bowl of tomato soup and a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The creamy, tangy tomato soup is the perfect complement to the salty ham and gooey cheese.
Experimenting with New Flavors: Unusual Soup Choices for Ham Sandwiches
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying out these unusual soup choices to pair with your ham sandwich:
- Cold avocado soup: If you’re a fan of avocado toast, you might enjoy pairing your ham sandwich with a bowl of cold avocado soup. The rich, creamy texture of the soup makes for a nice contrast to the salty ham.
- Cold cucumber soup: Another refreshing cold soup option, cold cucumber soup is made with yogurt and fresh herbs for a deliciously tangy flavor. The soup’s lightness pairs well with the richness of the ham.
- Curried butternut squash soup: The warm, spicy flavors of a curried butternut squash soup make for an unusual but delicious pairing with ham. The sweetness of the squash adds a nice complement to the smoky meat.
- Thai coconut soup: If you’re a fan of Thai flavors, consider pairing your ham sandwich with a bowl of coconut soup. Lemongrass, ginger, and lime add a bright citrusy flavor to the soup, making it a delicious complement to the ham.
- Beet soup: If you’re looking for a brightly colored lunch, consider pairing your ham sandwich with a bowl of beet soup. The earthy flavors of the beets pair well with the smoky ham, while the vibrant color adds to the meal’s appeal.
While these soup choices may seem unusual, they can add a new dimension to your lunchtime routine. Experimenting with different flavors and textures can be a fun way to break out of a lunchtime rut and try something new.
Additionally, pairing your ham sandwich with soup can be a great way to add some extra nutrients to your meal. Many soups are packed with vegetables and other healthy ingredients, making them a great way to get in some extra vitamins and minerals.
Classic vs. Modern: Which Soup Goes Best with a Traditional Ham Sandwich?
If you’re a fan of classic flavors, you can’t go wrong with a classic tomato or chicken noodle soup to pair with your ham sandwich. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try pairing your ham sandwich with a more modern soup like kale and sausage or white bean and basil.
Tips for Making Homemade Soups That Perfectly Match Your Ham Sandwiches
If you want to take your soup and sandwich game to the next level, consider making your own homemade soups. Here are a few tips to help you create soups that perfectly match your ham sandwiches:
- Experiment with herbs and spices: Adding herbs and spices is an easy way to elevate the flavor of any soup. Try experimenting with different combinations to find the perfect match for your sandwich.
- Consider the texture: Depending on the texture of your sandwich, you might want to choose a soup with a complementary texture. For example, if you have a soft sandwich, you might want to choose a soup with some crunch or chewiness to contrast with it.
- Homemade stock: Making your own stock from scratch is a great way to add depth of flavor to your soups. Consider using ham bones to make a ham-flavored stock to use in your soup.
Spice It Up: Adding a Little Heat to Your Soup and Ham Sandwich Pairings
If you’re a fan of spicy foods, consider adding a little heat to your soup and ham sandwich pairings. Here are a few spicy soup options to consider:
- Chili: A classic spicy soup that pairs perfectly with a ham sandwich. The spicy flavors of the chili help cut through the richness of the ham.
- Tom yum soup: This spicy Thai soup is made with lemongrass and chilies for a deliciously fragrant and spicy flavor. The soup’s lightness pairs well with the heaviness of the ham sandwich.
- Jalapeno soup: For a soup that packs a real punch, try making a jalapeno soup. The soup’s spiciness makes for a perfect pairing with the smoky ham.
Quick and Easy Soups That Go Great with On-the-Go Ham Sandwiches
If you’re looking for quick and easy soup options to pair with your on-the-go ham sandwich, consider these options:
- Vegetable soup: A simple blend of veggies, broth, and spices is all you need for a quick and easy vegetable soup. The soup’s lightness makes it a perfect pairing for a ham sandwich.
- Minestrone soup: Minestrone is a hearty Italian soup made with veggies, beans, and pasta. It’s a deliciously filling soup that pairs well with a ham sandwich.
- Tortilla soup: For a Mexican-inspired lunch, consider pairing your ham sandwich with a bowl of tortilla soup. The spicy flavors and crunchy tortilla strips add a nice contrast to the smoky ham.
The Perfect Soup Temperature and Consistency for Your Favorite Ham Sandwich
The perfect soup temperature and consistency will depend on the type of sandwich you’re pairing it with. For a cold sandwich, a cold soup might be the better choice. For a hot sandwich, a warm soup might be more appropriate. Similarly, the soup’s consistency should balance out the sandwich’s texture. A creamy soup might pair well with a crisp sandwich, while a chunky soup might work better with a soft sandwich.
With so many soup options available, the possibilities for pairing them with ham sandwiches are endless. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or something a little more adventurous, there’s a soup out there that will perfectly complement your sandwich and elevate your lunch game. Happy soup-sandwich pairing!
