The Ultimate Guide to What Bread Goes With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Have you ever had a steaming bowl of delicious chicken tortilla soup but felt like something was missing? That perfect bread companion can elevate your soup experience from good to absolutely amazing! I’ve been experimenting with different bread pairings for years and I’m excited to share my findings with you today.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the best bread options to serve alongside your chicken tortilla soup, from classic crusty loaves to unique alternatives that might surprise you. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a cozy meal at home these bread pairings will take your soup game to the next level!

Why Bread and Chicken Tortilla Soup Are a Perfect Match

Before diving into specific bread recommendations, let’s talk about why bread and chicken tortilla soup make such a dynamic duo:

• Soaking power: Good bread absorbs the flavorful broth, concentrating the taste
• Textural contrast: Crusty bread provides a satisfying crunch against the soup’s smoothness
• Flavor balance: The right bread complements the soup’s spicy, savory notes
• Filling factor: Adding bread transforms your soup from a starter to a complete meal

Now, let’s explore the best bread options for your next chicken tortilla soup adventure!

The Gold Standard: Sourdough Bread

If I had to recommend just one bread to pair with chicken tortilla soup, it would be sourdough. Here’s why sourdough is considered the champion:

Why Sourdough Works So Well

• Tangy flavor: The subtle sourness balances the rich, spicy soup broth
• Sturdy texture: The chewy interior and crusty exterior hold up well to dipping
• Digestibility: The fermentation process makes it easier to digest than many other breads
• Dipping power: Those air pockets in sourdough are perfect for capturing broth

For the best experience, look for a loaf with a dark, crunchy crust and a distinct sour aroma. I like to slice mine about 1/2 inch thick – thin enough to easily bite through but thick enough to hold up when dipped.

Pro tip: Toast your sourdough lightly before serving to add another layer of texture and prevent it from becoming overly saturated with soup.

Cornbread: A Southern Twist

While sourdough might be the most popular choice, cornbread offers a unique and delicious alternative that shouldn’t be overlooked!

Why Cornbread Is Amazing With Tortilla Soup

• Sweet contrast: The slight sweetness of cornbread beautifully complements the soup’s spiciness
• Cultural alignment: Both have roots in Mexican/Southwestern cuisine
• Crumbling potential: You can crumble it directly into the soup for an interesting texture
• Scooping ability: Use it to scoop up chunks of chicken and veggies

When choosing cornbread for your soup, opt for a slightly moist, not-too-sweet variety. Too much crumbliness can make it fall apart in the soup before you get a chance to enjoy it. I personally love making cornbread with a hint of jalapeño to echo the flavors in the soup!

Crusty Rolls: Simple and Satisfying

Don’t have time to run to the bakery for sourdough or make cornbread from scratch? Crusty rolls make an excellent alternative that’s both convenient and delicious.

Best Roll Options

• Ciabatta rolls: Their airy interior soaks up broth beautifully
• French rolls: Offer a nice balance of chew and crunch
• Bolillo rolls: These Mexican rolls are authentic companions to tortilla soup
• Dinner rolls: Even simple dinner rolls work in a pinch!

The key is choosing rolls with a substantial crust that won’t immediately dissolve when dipped in your soup. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft interior creates a satisfying eating experience.

Tortillas: The Obvious Choice?

It might seem redundant given that tortilla strips are often already in the soup, but warm tortillas served on the side can be a delightful accompaniment!

Ways to Serve Tortillas With Your Soup

• Soft and warm: Heat corn or flour tortillas and serve alongside for dipping
• Homemade chips: Cut tortillas into triangles, bake or fry until crisp
• Mini tacos: Use them to create little tacos filled with the solid ingredients from your soup

I especially love serving warm corn tortillas on the side – they provide an authentic touch that really enhances the Mexican flavors of the soup.

Gluten-Free Options

For those with gluten sensitivities, there are still plenty of delicious options to enjoy with your chicken tortilla soup!

Gluten-Free Bread Pairings

• Gluten-free sourdough: Look for varieties made with tapioca, brown rice, and sorghum flours
• Corn tortillas: Naturally gluten-free and perfect with tortilla soup
• Gluten-free cornbread: Easy to make and complements the soup beautifully

When choosing gluten-free breads, look for options with a binding agent like xanthan gum to help mimic the chewy texture of wheat-based breads. I’ve found that the best gluten-free breads for soup dipping are those with a sturdy crust to prevent them from falling apart too quickly.

Breads to Avoid With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Not all breads are created equal when it comes to pairing with this flavorful soup. Here are some bread types that don’t work as well:

Skip These Breads

• Sweet breads: Brioche, challah, or breads with added sugar will clash with the soup’s savory profile
• Soft sandwich bread: White bread or sandwich loaves lack the structure needed for dipping
• Heavily seasoned breads: Garlic bread or those with strong herbs will compete with the soup’s flavors

I once made the mistake of serving garlic bread with chicken tortilla soup, and the competing flavors were just too much! Stick with more neutral options that enhance rather than overwhelm.

Creative Ways to Enhance Your Bread Pairing

Want to take your bread and soup pairing to the next level? Try these creative enhancements:

Tasty Additions

• Melty cheese: Sprinkle some Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese on your bread before toasting
• Fruity olive oil: Drizzle a high-quality olive oil on your bread for dipping
• Avocado spread: A thin layer of mashed avocado on your bread adds creaminess
• Compound butter: Mix butter with lime zest and a touch of chili powder

My favorite is toasting sourdough with a sprinkle of cheese until it’s just melted – the combination of tangy bread, melty cheese, and spicy soup is absolutely heavenly!

Making the Most of Leftover Bread

Don’t let leftover bread go to waste! Here are some ways to repurpose it for future soup nights:

Leftover Bread Ideas

• Homemade croutons: Cut into cubes, toss with olive oil and spices, then bake until crispy
• Bread bowls: Hollow out a round loaf to create an edible vessel for your soup
• Bread pudding: Transform leftover bread into a sweet dessert to follow your soup

I often make a big batch of homemade croutons with leftover sourdough – they stay crispy even when floating in the soup and add a wonderful texture contrast!

FAQs About Pairing Bread With Chicken Tortilla Soup

Can I use store-bought bread instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Look for crusty loaves without too many add-ins or flavors. Many grocery stores now carry excellent artisanal-style breads in their bakery sections.

Should I warm the bread before serving?

While not necessary, warm bread does add a cozy element to the meal. Just a few minutes in a 350°F oven will do the trick.

What’s the best shape bread for dipping?

A round boule shape provides plenty of crust and interior for optimal dipping, but any shape works fine when sliced appropriately.

Can I use tortilla chips instead of bread?

Yes! Crispy tortilla chips make an authentic and delicious alternative to bread. They’re especially good for scooping up chunky ingredients.

What if I don’t have time to get fancy bread?

Don’t worry! Even simple dinner rolls or sandwich bread toasted with a bit of butter can work in a pinch. The soup is the star – the bread is just the supporting actor.

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Your Soup and Bread

While bread makes a fantastic companion to chicken tortilla soup, you might want to round out your meal with some additional sides. Here are some great options:

• Mexican rice: A flavorful rice dish complements the soup beautifully
• Cilantro lime rice: The bright, zesty flavors balance the rich soup
• Simple green salad: A light, fresh salad provides nice contrast
• Cucumber tomato salad: Cool and refreshing against the warm soup
• Guacamole with chips: For an extra appetizer that fits the theme

I particularly love serving a fresh cucumber tomato salad alongside my soup and bread – the cool crispness balances the warm, spicy soup perfectly!

My Personal Favorite Bread Pairing

After years of experimenting with different combinations, my absolute favorite bread to serve with chicken tortilla soup is a rustic sourdough that I toast lightly and then rub with a clove of garlic. The subtle garlic flavor doesn’t compete with the soup but adds a wonderful aromatic quality that enhances every bite.

For a special occasion, I’ll even hollow out small sourdough boules to create individual bread bowls – they never fail to impress guests and make for a fun, interactive dining experience!

Final Thoughts

The perfect bread can transform your chicken tortilla soup from a simple meal into a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer the tangy chew of sourdough, the sweet comfort of cornbread, or the simplicity of a crusty roll, there’s a bread pairing out there that will elevate your soup to new heights.

Remember, the best bread for your soup is ultimately the one you enjoy most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options until you find your perfect match!

What’s your favorite bread to pair with chicken tortilla soup? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!