Have you ever been unsure of what to serve with split pea soup?
What sides dish can take this immensely deeply flavoured and hearty soup to the next level by complimenting its flavour profile?
You’re in luck, we have 14 options for side dishes that are perfect complements to a bowl of traditional split pea soup.
With these recipes you can create an entire meal, from appetizers (such as cheese straws) all the way through savory mains and delicious desserts.
Explore our suggested pairings below and get creative in your kitchen!
What to Serve with Split Pea Soup? Try These 14 Sides
1. Dinner Rolls
There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly-baked dinner roll.
Am I right? The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water.
And the taste? Even better. But did you know that there are a few easy ways to take your dinner rolls from good to great?
First, let’s talk about taste and texture.
When it comes to dinner rolls, I personally prefer a fluffy, slightly sweet roll.
But there are all sorts of different varieties out there, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect one for you.
As far as texture goes, I like my rolls to have a nice, soft crust.
Again, this is just a personal preference. Some people prefer a crust that’s crispy and flaky.
Others like a crust that’s chewy. It’s really up to you.
Now, let’s talk about how to elevate this dish.
One simple way is to add some butter and/or honey to your dinner roll before eating it.
This will give it an extra bit of flavor and make it even more irresistible.
Another way to make your dinner roll stand out is to top it with a savory or sweet topping before baking it.
For savory toppings, try shredded cheese, diced ham, or even caramelized onions.
For sweet toppings, go for chocolate chips, dried fruit, or cinnamon sugar.
2. Cheddar Biscuits
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy biscuit straight out of the oven.
And when it comes to cheddar biscuits, there’s definitely no shortage of flavor.
These savory little bites are the perfect side dish to any meal, especially when served with a hearty soup like a split pea.
Cheddar biscuits are known for their rich, sharp flavor.
The key to getting that perfect taste is to use quality ingredients, including sharp cheddar cheese and good-quality butter.
For the best texture, make sure to use self-rising flour.
This will help your biscuits rise nicely and fluffy.
If you want to elevate your cheddar biscuit game, try adding in some chopped green onions or even bacon bits.
Both of these ingredients will add an extra layer of flavor that takes these biscuits over the top.
Serve them warm out of the oven with a bit of butter melted on top, and you’ll have people coming back for seconds and thirds.
3. Cheese and Garlic Pull Apart Bread
This dish is the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
The garlic bread is already delicious on its own, but when you add in the cheese, it takes it to a whole new level.
The best part about this dish is that it’s so easy to make.
You can either use pre-made dough or make your own from scratch.
If you’re feeling extra lazy, you can even use frozen bread dough.
The taste and texture of this dish are amazing.
The garlic bread is soft and fluffy, and the cheese is gooey and melty.
The combination of these two ingredients is heavenly.
And if you want to elevate this dish even further, you can add some other toppings like bacon or jalapenos.
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious side dish to serve with split pea soup, look no further than cheese and garlic pull-apart bread.
This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
4. Crispy Rosemary Potato Fritters
Crispy rosemary potato fritters are the perfect side dish to any meal.
They are packed with flavor and have a great texture.
The best part about them is that they can be easily elevated to fit any occasion.
The taste of these fritters is amazing. The potatoes are perfectly cooked, and the rosemary gives them a wonderful flavor.
The texture is also perfect. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
There are a few things you can do to elevate this dish.
One option is to add some shredded cheese to the batter.
This will give the fritters an extra cheesy flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Another option is to serve them with a dipping sauce.
Aioli, ranch dressing, or even ketchup would be great choices.
5. Corn Fritters
There’s nothing quite like a corn fritter.
These little fried cakes are packed with flavor and the perfect addition to any meal.
But what makes good corn fritters? It all comes down to taste and texture.
A good corn fritter should be nice and crispy on the outside while still being soft and fluffy on the inside.
The best way to achieve this is to use fresh corn kernels that have been cooked until tender.
You’ll also want to add some flour to the batter to help bind everything together.
Once you’ve got your batter ready, it’s time to start frying.
Be sure to use plenty of oil so that your fritters don’t stick to the pan.
And once they’re golden brown and crispy, be sure to serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
6. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are one of my favorite side dishes. They are sweet, and salty and have a great texture.
I like to cook them in a little bit of oil so that they get nice and crispy on the outside but are still soft on the inside.
One of the best things about fried plantains is that they can be used as a side dish or even as a main course.
If you want to elevate your dish, try adding some chopped bacon or chorizo to the mix.
You can also top them with a fried egg for a complete meal.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish, look no further than fried plantains.
These sweet and salty treats are sure to please everyone at the table.
7. Creamy Pasta Salad
Looking for a delicious and easy pasta dish to bring to your next potluck or picnic? Look no further than this creamy pasta salad.
This dish is packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
The key to a good pasta salad is all in the balance of flavors.
You’ll want a mix of salty, sweet, and acidic ingredients.
For the salty element, add in some diced ham or pancetta.
For sweetness, add some diced fruit like pineapple or mango.
And for acidity, use a vinegar-based dressing or add in some fresh lemon juice.
To avoid a mushy pasta salad, be sure to cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions.
Once it’s cooked, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it retain its shape.
This creamy pasta salad can be served as is or elevated by adding in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a main dish.
You can also top it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Ham and Cheese Sliders
These Ham and Cheese Sliders are the perfect party food.
They’re easy to make, and they’re always a hit with guests.
The combination of salty ham and cheesy goodness is irresistible, and the soft, fluffy rolls just make it that much better.
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As far as taste and texture go, these sliders are spot on.
The ham is nice and salty, while the cheese is ooey-gooey and melty.
The rolls are soft and fluffy, and they soak up all of the flavors perfectly.
If you want to elevate this dish, there are a few things you can do.
First, you could try using a different type of cheese.
Sharp cheddar or Gruyere would be great options.
You could also add some Dijon mustard to the mix for a little bit of tanginess.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try adding a slice of bacon to each slider.
9. Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are a classic appetizer that always pleases a crowd.
They are simple to make and can be easily tailored to your taste.
Jalapeno poppers are traditionally made with cream cheese and cheddar, but you can use any type of cheese you like.
I personally love to add some crumbled bacon to my jalapeno poppers for an extra bit of flavor.
These little bites are the perfect combination of spicy and creamy.
The heat from the jalapenos is offset by the smoothness of the cheese.
And, of course, the bacon adds a delicious salty component.
If you want to take your jalapeno poppers to the next level, try serving them with a dipping sauce.
Honey mustard or ranch would be delicious.
10. Kale Salad
Kale salads are a trendy and delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-rich leafy green.
Kale has a slightly bitter taste and a tough texture, but when massaged with dressing or marinated, it becomes much more palatable.
To make a great kale salad, start with a base of massaged kale and then add in your favorite toppings.
Some of our favorites include roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, shaved Parmesan cheese, and toasted nuts.
For a finishing touch, drizzle with your favorite salad dressing.
11. Quinoa Salad
If you’re looking for a salad that’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, look no further than this quinoa salad.
Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse that will keep you feeling satisfied long after you’ve finished eating.
And when paired with the right ingredients, it can make for a deliciously satisfying salad.
This quinoa salad has a light, lemony dressing and is loaded with fresh herbs and vegetables.
The combination of textures and flavors makes it irresistible.
The quinoa provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture, while the vegetables are crisp and refreshing.
The herbs add an extra layer of flavor, and the lemon dressing ties everything together.
To elevate this dish, try adding some grilled chicken or shrimp.
The protein will make it even more satisfying and filling.
You could also try swapping out the lemon dressing for something more adventurous, like a balsamic vinaigrette or tahini sauce.
No matter what you do, this quinoa salad is guaranteed to please.
12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect side dish for any meal.
They are packed with flavor and have a great crispy texture.
Roasting Brussels sprouts is a simple way to elevate this dish and make it even more delicious.
To roast your Brussels sprouts, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Then, cut your Brussels sprouts in half and coat them in olive oil.
Next, Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
Once they are finished, remove them from the oven and enjoy.
- Try adding some garlic or onion for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Add some bacon bits for a delicious crunch.
13. Sweet Potato Wedges
Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? They’re delicious and nutritious root vegetables that can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy them is by roasting them into wedges.
Sweet potato wedges are the perfect side dish for so many different meals.
What we love about sweet potato wedges is their versatility.
They can be enjoyed as-is, or you can elevate them with your favorite seasonings.
We like to keep things simple with just a little salt, pepper, and olive oil, but you can really get creative here.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a smoky flavor.
Or, if you’re looking for something a little sweeter, toss your wedges with some brown sugar and cinnamon.
Another great thing about sweet potato wedges is that they’re super easy to make.
Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then slice your sweet potatoes into wedges (we like to leave the skin on for extra nutrients and flavor).
Next, toss your wedges with your desired seasonings, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re nice and crispy.
14. Summer Panzanella
Summer Panzanella is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summertime.
The dish is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions and is tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing.
The dish is then topped with fresh herbs and bread crumbs.
The taste of Summer Panzanella is light and refreshing, with a slight acidity from the vinegar in the dressing.
The texture of the dish is crunchy from the vegetables and the bread crumbs.
The dish can be elevated by adding protein, such as chicken or shrimp, or by using a more robust bread, such as sourdough.
It is a simple dish that is perfect for summertime entertaining.
The dish can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.
The dish is best when made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Conclusion
There are a variety of great side dishes that go well with split pea soup.
I hope this blog post has been helpful in deciding what to serve with your next batch of split pea soup.
Download our recipe book for more great ideas on what to cook for your next meal.
Let us know what you are making for dinner tonight, and tag us on Instagram and Facebook.
What to Serve with Split Pea Soup? Try These 14 Sides
Ingredients
- 1. Dinner Rolls
- 2. Cheddar Biscuits
- 3. Cheese and Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- 4. Crispy Rosemary Potato Fritters
- 5. Corn Fritters
- 6. Fried Plantains
- 7. Creamy Pasta Salad
- 8. Ham and Cheese Sliders
- 9. Jalapeno Poppers
- 10. Kale Salad
- 11. Quinoa Salad
- 12. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 13. Sweet Potato Wedges
- 14. Summer Panzanella
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!