Easy Soup and Sandwich Recipes for Perfect Pairings

These hearty pairings, packed with classics like chicken noodle soup and Italian subs along with new soon-to-be favorites, prove that soup and sandwich recipes are the ultimate comfort food. Countless options are warm, filling and ready in no time.

When you think of classic meal combinations, soup and sandwich recipes are high on the list. The pairing became popular as an inexpensive and fast meal during World War II, but it has stood the test of time. In addition to being deeply satisfying, soups and sandwiches are some of the most customizable lunchtime recipes, so you can always make something to fit your mood.

This collection celebrates that perfect balance of cozy and practical, bringing together some of our best soup recipes with sandwiches ranging from delicious grilled cheese creations to hefty, meaty options. We chose these classic comfort food combos for the balance of spicy, creamy and mild flavors and kept in mind the ease of creating both the soup and the accompanying sandwiches.

These recipes are also surprisingly flexible. Swap in seasonal produce or leftover roasted veggies for new sandwich recipes that help use up whatever’s in the fridge. If you’re taking lunch on the go, pack the soup in a sturdy Thermos that keeps soup hot and use parchment or beeswax wrap to keep the sandwiches fresh. Perfect soup pairings have been a favorite for generations, and there is no reason to stop enjoying them now.

1/9

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Total Time 25 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: A good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 218 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 980mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.

Pair It With: Grilled Goat Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches.

2/9

Tomato Soup

Total Time 50 min
Servings 16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.

Pair It With: The Ultimate Grilled Cheese.

3/9

Instant Pot Potato Soup

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder with roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously unique twist to an otherwise ordinary soup. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 289 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 848mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.

Pair It With: Ham and Brie Melts.

4/9

Chunky Beef Vegetable Soup

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: For a satisfying lunch or dinner, serve bowls of this thick soup with fresh-baked bread. Brimming with chunks of veggies, it's easy to stir together on a chilly day. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 149 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 618mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.

Pair It With: Grilled Cheese & Pepper Sandwiches.

5/9

French Onion Soup

Total Time 2 hours 20 min
Servings 12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

Pair It With: Grilled Steak and Portobello Stacks.

6/9

Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Total Time 6 hours 30 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. The recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Once you’ve made it, try mixing it up—add sage or savory with the thyme, or replace the thyme with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. —Jennifer Machado, Alta, California

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 124 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.

Pair It With: BLT with Peppered Balsamic Mayo.

7/9

Ham, Potato and Pepper Chowder

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: I have been serving this chowder for years now. When I’m feeding family members who don’t eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! —Eileen Stefanski, Wales, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 226 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.

Pair It With: Italian Sub.

8/9

Black Bean Soup

Total Time 45 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite soups because they are light and most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.

Pair It With: Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches.

9/9

Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup

Total Time 2 hours 25 min
Servings 8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Winter vegetables give the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 100 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.

Pair It With: Reuben Sandwich.

Soup and Sandwich Recipe FAQs

What perfect soup pairings are best to take to work?

The best soups to take to work travel well and reheat without losing flavor, like minestrone or tomato soup. Or, try a chilled soup, like gazpacho, that doesn’t even need reheating and tastes better a few hours after being made. Pair the soups with sandwiches that have sturdy bread or have been pre-toasted so they don’t become soggy. If you’re looking for more ideas for a quick workday lunch, try our no-cook lunch recipes that come together in minutes.

Can I make these quick soup and sandwich meals in advance?

Yes, most of the soups in these pairings can be made a day or two ahead and reheated when it’s time to eat, or they can be frozen in our favorite freezer containers for soup for at least three months. For sandwiches, build them no more than a few hours before eating so the bread doesn’t absorb too much moisture. Or, pack some of the wetter and more delicate ingredients, like sliced tomatoes and lettuce, separately and add them to the sandwich right before eating.

What other classic comfort food combos can I make for dinner tonight?

If these quick soup and sandwich meals get you in the mood for even more comfort food combos, try a dinner of meat loaf and mashed potatoes or fried chicken and homemade biscuits. Classic casseroles are also a simple way to fill the kitchen with comforting aromas. These hearty meals are built on familiar ingredients and flavors, making them just as satisfying as your favorite soup and sandwich pairing.