Best Bread Pairings for European-Inspired Soups

Many of the world’s most comforting soups trace their roots back to Europe, where rustic breads and hearty bowls have been paired together for centuries. These classic combinations highlight Old World traditions—soups full of savory meats, earthy grains, and robust flavors matched with breads that are just as satisfying. In this part of our Best Bread Pairings for Every Type of Soup series, we’re celebrating European-inspired soups and the breads that make them timeless.

Rich beef broth and hearty barley call for a bread with character. Rye bread—with its slightly tangy flavor and dense crumb—brings out the deep, earthy notes of this rustic soup.

Try it: Dakota Territory Beef Barley

Our sausage and lentil soup is bursting with savory, herby flavor. Pair it with slices of soft, olive oil–brushed focaccia. The chewiness and herbs of the bread complement every spoonful of this Mediterranean-style favorite.

Try it: Indiana Harvest Sausage & Lentil

Italian wedding soup is light yet hearty, filled with tiny meatballs, greens, and pasta. Ciabatta bread—with its airy pockets and crunchy crust—makes the perfect companion for dipping into the flavorful broth.

Try it: Little Italy Wedding Soup

Nebraska Barnraising Split Pea + Dutch Oven Bread

Split pea soup is smooth, smoky, and satisfying. Pair it with a rustic Dutch oven bread: chewy on the inside, crusty on the outside. It’s the perfect contrast to the soup’s velvety texture.

Try it: Nebraska Barnraising Split Pea

This New England–inspired soup combines savory sausage, creamy beans, and a touch of apple sweetness. Breadsticks are easy to love when they soak up the broth of this flavorful soup.

Try it: Vermont Farmhouse Apple Sausage & Bean

A true comfort food, goulash is rich, meaty, and deeply flavorful. Traditional bread dumplings soak up the hearty sauce, turning every bite into a comforting taste of central Europe.

Try it: Wyoming Fireside Beef Goulash

Pennsylvania Woodlands Mushroom Barley + Onion Biscuits

Earthy mushrooms and nutty barley shine in this wholesome soup. Pair it with savory onion biscuits, which bring just enough sharpness and texture to balance the woodsy flavors.

Try it: Pennsylvania Woodlands Mushroom Barley

Old World Flavors, Old World Comforts

European-inspired soups are rooted in tradition, and their bread pairings are just as timeless. From rye bread with beef barley to ciabatta with Italian wedding soup, these combinations bring old-world comfort straight to your table.

Hungry for more? Don’t miss the next post in our Best Bread Pairings for Every Type of Soup series: Creamy & Cheesy Soups, where indulgent flavors meet their perfect bread match.