4 Global Soup Pairings to Amp Up Your Menu

Pairings for Campbell’s^® Culinary Reserve Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup

Several sandwiches could complement this chipotle-and-cumin-infused soup—which was voted the most popular fall comfort food in Florida, the state where the majority (64%) of the Cuban population in the U.S. lives.^{5, 6}

Traditional pork-starring handhelds such as the self-named Cubano, made with layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, or a Pan con Lechón, containing slow-roasted pork, seasoned with garlic and citrus, can be a natural fit for the soup.

A turkey-and-avocado sandwich, stacked with peppery arugula and a lime crema spread on whole grain or sourdough bread, can cater to customers who want a simple option. Consider adding additional veggies, like sliced Roma tomatoes and cucumber. Some may also enjoy a classic grilled cheese, possibly containing a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère, for a melty mouthfeel that enhances the soup’s winter coziness. It’s also a great option for dipping in soup.

To add extra kick, consider mixing pickled jalapeños or a spoonful of roasted tomatillo, green chili, and cilantro salsa into a bowl of Campbell’s® Culinary Reserve Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup. Buttery avocado slices or crumbled queso fresco can imbue additional richness; shredded cabbage slaw or tortilla chips that customers can also use to scoop up bites of soup will give the dish a contrast of textures by adding this crunch component.

Pairings to Complement Campbell’s^® Culinary Reserve Mexican Street Corn Soup

More than three-quarters of consumers (84%) say they either love or like Mexican food.⁶ Elote, literally translated as “corn cob,” is in fact that, topped with creamy spread like mayo or sour cream, and then garnished with toppings like cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and cilantro.  This delicacy was originally only available from street vendors in Mexico but has more recently become one of the most popular snack item flavors in the U.S. Now elote is also available as a low-prep foodservice soup option.^{7, 8}

Campbell’s® Culinary Reserve Mexican Street Corn Soup, featuring a mix of cotija cheese, traditional spices, sweet and roasted corn, and a hint of lime, can be topped with garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese—or plated with cilantro-and-lime-infused rice or a slice of cornbread.

The sweet and spicy soup would also pair perfectly with items such as a turkey sandwich spread with chipotle aioli, a slightly spicy grilled cheese stuffed with sliced jalapeños, a vegetarian-friendly black bean and avocado wrap, or a simple quesadilla. 

Other sandwiches couple impeccably well with this Mexican-inspired soup—such as a chicken torta made with shredded or grilled chicken, avocado, and a refried bean or mayonnaise spread on a crusty roll, or a bolillo roll containing slow-cooked pork carnitas flavored with a hint of lime, cilantro, and salsa.

The Mexican-street-corn-inspired soup can also be used as a base for numerous other menu items—ranging from a shareable Mexican Street Corn Dip appetizer to Sloppy Joes made with taco-spice-seasoned ground beef or turkey and a Mexican Street Corn Carnitas Bowl.

Pairings for Campbell’s^® Culinary Reserve Italian-Style Wedding Soup

This filling soup dish—whose name reportedly stems from an interpretation of the meat and vegetables in a Southern Italian soup being married—weaves together a rich spiced Italian chicken broth, acini di pepe pasta, tender beef meatballs, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.⁹

Crusty Italian bread or a warm, fresh baguette—better yet, seasoned with garlic—can be an ideal choice for soaking up the flavorful broth. Combining the soup with a salad provides patrons with a light bite, whereas an antipasti plate stacked with items such as marinated olives, sliced meats or cheeses, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts can make for a more substantial meal. 

Given that 85% of consumers say they’re Italian food fans, a number may be pleased to see the soup served with other traditional items from the country—a plate of Italian Sausage with Pasta, for example, or Whole Wheat Pasta Alfredo with Chicken & Broccoli.¹⁰

For a fulfilling lunch, Campbell’s® Culinary Reserve Italian-Style Wedding Soup can be coupled with a warm panini made with ciabatta bread and turkey, pesto, and melted fontina cheese or prosciutto, basil or arugula, and fresh mozzarella.