Taco soup has a rich and flavorful broth brimming with hearty ingredients and is always a family favorite. If it's taco soup night in your home, here are the 60+ best side dishes for taco soup and tortilla soup. From appetizers, dips, condiments, and salads to veggies, sandwiches, bread, and more, you'll find just what you're looking for to complete your tasty dinner.
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Dress Up Your Taco Soup With Garnishes
Garnishes are the easiest things to add to taco and tortilla soup and they bring lots of extra flavor and texture. Small bowls of these favorite toppings are the perfect way for guests to customize their own bowl of taco soup at the dinner table. (Here is my favorite taco soup recipe with it's own homemade taco seasoning.)
Crispy tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch to your meal and are perfect for sprinkling on top of your soup for added texture and a dollop of cool and tangy sour cream is the perfect complement to the spicy kick of taco soup.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- A dollop of sour cream
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Sliced jalapeños or green chilis
- Sliced black olives
- Chopped green onions or scallions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
- Salsa (mild, medium, or hot depending on preference)
- Lime wedges for squeezing over the soup
- Sliced radishes for added crunch
- Hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced or diced red onions
- Crumbled bacon bits
- Corn kernels
- Diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- Pickled red onions or jalapeños
- Queso fresco or cotija cheese crumbles
- Saltine crackers
Dips + Salsa
Pico de gallo adds a burst of color and freshness to your meal with its combination of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Or choose a bright corn salsa or go fruity with mango salsa. Want something creamy? Guacamole is a natural. Serve these on your bowl of soup, beside with crispy corn chips or with your favorite bread.
Appetizers
Everyone loves a good appetizer and these ones are full of bold flavor.
Salads
Soup and salad is a classic combo and this is no exception. A crisp and flavorful taco salad keeps with the theme or serve a contrasting salad like Mexican slaw or street corn salad. A simple salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with olive oil and lime juice is another simple way to add freshness and crunch to your favorite easy taco soup recipe.
Sandwiches
Soup and sandwiches are another classic combo. A make-ahead muffuletta or kid-friendly sloppy joes pair up with taco soup for a hearty, complete meal.
Tacos
Make it an epic taco night with taco soup as a starter and tacos as the main. A bit of work but the flavorful soup can be made ahead (and make enough for leftovers so you don't have to cook tomorrow night!)
Veggie Sides
Mexican style corn ribs, elotes, hatch casserole, tostones, and more make satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of taco soup.
Rice + Beans
A staple of Mexican cuisine, Mexican rice is the perfect side dish to serve alongside your taco soup. Serve up beans in your rice or beans alongside or as a garnish in tortilla soup. Refried beans are another classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of taco soup and adds a creamy element to your meal.
Breads
Mexican Cornbread: Sweet and savory, Mexican cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to taco soup, with its rich flavor and moist texture.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of taco soup.
More Great Soups + Sides
If you have any questions or comments, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. I try to answer any recipe related questions quickly as I know you might be in the middle of making it.
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Cheers and happy cooking, Friends! Sabrina
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