What to Serve with Italian Wedding Soup: 34 Delicious Pairings

Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Italian Wedding Soup and exploring the best culinary sidekicks to complement this hearty classic.

But before we get into our scrumptious suggestions, let’s set the stage by shedding some light on what Italian Wedding Soup actually is.

So grab your spoons and your appetite, and let’s get started!

What is Italian Wedding Soup?

Italian Wedding Soup, despite what its name might suggest, isn’t typically served at weddings.

The “wedding” in its name refers to the perfect marriage of its ingredients – a harmonious blend of hearty meatballs, tender greens (usually endive or escarole), small pasta shapes, and a savory broth. Each spoonful brings you a comforting and balanced bite of these flavors, making it a well-loved classic in Italian-American cuisine.

Now that you’re in the know, let’s take a flavorful journey together and explore some delicious pairings that will make your Italian Wedding Soup meal an unforgettable one.

Ready to dive in? Just scroll down and let the feast begin!

I’ve grouped these recipes into handy categories to make your culinary journey smooth. Feel free to use the navigation to skip around!

Breads

Bread is a classic accompaniment to soup. With its range of textures from crusty to soft, it provides a wonderful contrast to the liquid consistency of soup.

Served warm, bread like crusty Italian bread or aromatic garlic bread can be placed in a bread basket on the table, allowing guests to serve themselves. These bread varieties also excel at soaking up the flavorful broth of the soup, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Store-Bought Italian Bread

This is the easiest option as all you have to do is go to a local bakery or supermarket and purchase a loaf. The fluffy interior and crusty exterior make for a great texture contrast with the soup. Guests can tear pieces to dip in the soup, soaking up the flavorful broth.

Easy Garlic Bread

This easy garlic bread recipe pairs perfectly with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup.

The crusty French baguette adds a wonderful crunch to contrast the smoothness of the soup, while the garlic bread seasoning adds a savory kick that enhances the overall taste.

Served warm, this garlic bread can be dipped into the flavorful broth, allowing you to savor every last bit of the delicious soup. It’s a simple and delicious addition to complete your Italian wedding soup meal.

Let’s get cooking with this Easy Garlic Bread Recipe from SoupAddict.

Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread

This rosemary garlic pull apart bread pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup. The garlic and rosemary in the bread add a savory and aromatic element that complements the herbs and spices used in the soup.

The pull apart nature of the bread also allows for easy dipping and soaking up of the flavorful broth.

Overall, this bread adds a delicious and satisfying element to the soup experience.

Fancy this? Check out Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Bread from Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Gluten Free No Knead Focaccia

This gluten-free no-knead focaccia recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a crusty and flavorful bread option to accompany the soup. The focaccia’s texture and crustiness contrast nicely with the liquid consistency of the soup, adding depth to the overall dining experience.

Additionally, the garlic and rosemary flavors in the focaccia complement the traditional flavors found in Italian wedding soup. Thus, this recipe enhances the soup’s flavors and provides a satisfying accompaniment.

Fancy this? Check out Gluten Free No Knead Focaccia from The Gluten Free Austrian.

Appetizers

Appetizers set the tone for the meal. Light and flavorful options like Bruschetta and Antipasto platters offer a contrasting fresh, crisp start to your dining experience before you dive into the hearty soup.

Serve these on shared plates or platters in the middle of the table, encouraging communal dining and conversation before the main course.

Peach Caprese Skewers

This recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the light and fresh flavors of the soup. The peach caprese skewers provide a refreshing and fruity element that contrasts nicely with the heartiness of the soup.

The combination of juicy peaches, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil adds a burst of flavors that can enhance the overall dining experience.

Loving this? Peach Caprese Skewers on The Creative Bite is where you find the instruction.

(These also work well served alongside tortellini soup.)

Breakfast Bruschetta

This breakfast bruschetta recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup. The bruschetta provides a light and flavorful start to the meal, with the toasted bread providing a crunchy contrast to the soup’s broth.

The combination of the creamy goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil in the bruschetta adds a refreshing element that balances the heartiness of the soup.

Why not try Breakfast Bruschetta from Life As A Strawberry today?

Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella Balls

This recipe for antipasto skewers with marinated mozzarella balls pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup.

The skewers provide a light and refreshing appetizer option before the heartier soup, allowing for a contrast in flavors. The marinated mozzarella balls add a creamy and tangy element to the skewers, which can enhance the overall dining experience when enjoyed alongside the soup.

Treat yourself to this amazing Antipasto Skewers with Marinated Mozzarella Balls from A Saucy Kitchen.

Stuffed Mushrooms

This recipe for stuffing stuffed mushrooms pairs well with Italian wedding soup because both dishes have a comforting and savory flavor profile. The mushrooms add a rich and earthy element to the appetizer, which complements the depth of flavors in the soup.

Craving this? Check out the Stuffing Stuffed Mushrooms recipe from The Kitchen is My Playground.

Mozzarella Arancini (Fried Risotto Balls)

This recipe for mozzarella arancini pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup.

The arancini balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, providing a contrast to the warm and comforting soup. Additionally, the marinara or arrabbiata sauce adds a tangy and spicy element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the meal.

Loving this? Mozzarella Arancini (Fried Risotto Balls) on Lena’s Kitchen is where you find the instruction.

Prosciutto Wrapped Green Beans

This recipe for prosciutto wrapped green beans pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup. The prosciutto adds a salty and savory element that enhances the richness of the soup, while the green beans provide a fresh and crunchy contrast.

Why not try 4-Ingredient Prosciutto Wrapped Green Beans from Yay! For Food today?

Salads

Salads introduce a refreshing, crunchy element to your meal, providing a balance to the warm, hearty soup.

Served on individual plates or shared from a large salad bowl, salads can be a nice palate cleanser, preparing your taste buds for the flavors in the soup.

Simple Green Salad

This is your go-to when you want something straightforward and easy. A mix of crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, tossed with a light vinaigrette. Its refreshing crunch and simple flavors provide a nice contrast to the hearty soup.

Caprese Salad

This recipe for a caprese salad pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup.

The fresh tomatoes and mozzarella in the salad provide a refreshing and creamy contrast to the hearty and savory nature of the soup. The basil adds an aromatic element that enhances the overall Italian flavors in both dishes.

Additionally, the light and tangy balsamic dressing in the salad helps to cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of the rich and flavorful soup.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Caprese Salad on Amanda’s Cookin’.

Chicken Caesar Salad (30 Minutes!)

This recipe for chicken Caesar salad pairs well with Italian wedding soup because both dishes have a similar flavor profile and complementary textures

The refreshing and crunchy elements of the salad, such as the romaine lettuce and grape tomatoes, provide a nice contrast to the warm and hearty soup.

Additionally, the Caesar salad dressing adds a tangy and creamy element that complements the flavors in the soup. This combination provides a balanced and satisfying meal.

Loving this? Chicken Caesar Salad (30 Minutes!) on Wholesome Yum | Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. is where you find the instruction.

Panzanella (Italian tomato and bread salad)

This Panzanella recipe is the perfect companion to a bowl of Italian wedding soup.

Why? Well, the refreshing and crunchy nature of the salad provides a nice contrast to the warm and hearty soup. It’s like a little palate cleanser, preparing your taste buds for the delicious flavors in the soup. Plus, the combination of juicy tomatoes, crispy bread, and fresh basil in the salad complements the rich and savory flavors of the soup.

Feeling inspired? Try this Panzanella (Italian tomato and bread salad) from RecipeTin Eats.

Roasted Beet Salad

This roasted beet salad pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a refreshing and crunchy element that complements the warm and hearty soup. The combination of roasted beets, butternut squash, and pecans adds a variety of flavors and textures to the meal.

Additionally, the tanginess of the goat cheese and the balsamic dressing can help balance out the richness of the soup.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Roasted Beet Salad from Simple Joy.

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Feta and Balsamic

This grilled vegetable salad with feta and balsamic pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a refreshing and crunchy element to balance out the warm and hearty soup.

The grilled vegetables add a smoky and charred flavor that complements the savory flavors of the soup. The tanginess of the feta cheese and the acidity of the balsamic dressing also help to cut through the richness of the soup, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Sounds interesting? Check out this Grilled Vegetable Salad with Feta and Balsamic from Seasons and Suppers.

Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Arugula

This recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup.

The crisp and peppery arugula, sweet and juicy pears, and tangy Gorgonzola cheese in the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the soup. The vinaigrette adds a tangy and slightly sweet element that enhances the overall taste experience. Additionally, the walnuts and pomegranate seeds add a crunchy texture that complements the heartiness of the soup.

Check out this delicious Pear Gorgonzola Salad with Arugula recipe from Last Ingredient.

Grilled or Roasted Dishes

If you’re serving Italian Wedding Soup as a starter, following it up with a simple roasted or grilled dish like chicken or fish can provide a pleasing contrast. The robust, earthy flavors of roasted dishes or the lighter, smoky taste of grilled foods offer a counterpoint to the rich soup.

These dishes are usually served on individual plates following the soup course.

Easy Grilled Chicken Breasts

This easy grilled chicken breast recipe pairs perfectly with Italian wedding soup because it offers a delightful balance to the rich flavors of the soup.

While the soup is hearty and comforting, the grilled chicken brings a lighter and smoky taste to the table. The marinade, with its tangy vinegar and mustard, adds a zesty kick that complements the earthy flavors of the soup.

Dive into deliciousness with this Easy Grilled Chicken Breasts from Spend With Pennies.

Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon

Tempted to cook this? Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon from NatashasKitchen.com is where you find the whole recipe.

Simple Organic Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy

This recipe for simple organic roast chicken with pan gravy pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a contrast in flavors and textures.

The earthy and robust flavors of the roasted chicken complement the rich and savory flavors of the soup. Additionally, the tender and juicy chicken provides a satisfying protein element to the meal. The pan gravy adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to both the chicken and the soup.

Fancy this? Check out Simple Organic Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy from Garlic & Zest.

Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers

This recipe for grilled bang bang shrimp skewers pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it offers a contrasting flavor and texture to the soup.

The spicy and tangy bang bang sauce adds a burst of flavor to the grilled shrimp, which complements the earthy and rich flavors of the soup. Additionally, the grilled shrimp provides a lighter and smoky taste that balances the richness of the soup.

Treat yourself to this amazing Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers from Julie’s Eats & Treats ®.

Greek Grilled Lamb Loin Chops

This recipe for Greek grilled lamb loin chops pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a contrasting flavor and texture to the soup.

The robust and earthy flavors of the grilled lamb, along with the smoky taste from grilling, offer a nice counterpoint to the rich and savory flavors of the soup.

Feeling hungry? Take a look at Greek Grilled Lamb Loin Chops on Kevin Is Cooking.

Veggie Skewers with Magic Green Sauce

This recipe for veggie skewers with magic green sauce pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a contrast in flavors and textures.

The roasted vegetables on the skewers offer a smoky and earthy taste that complements the rich flavors of the soup. Additionally, the grilled or roasted dish adds a different cooking method to the meal, adding variety and interest to the overall dining experience. The freshness and vibrant flavors of the magic green sauce also enhance the overall taste of the meal.

Here’s the Veggie Skewers with Magic Green Sauce recipe if you’re interested, courtesy of Minimalist Baker.

Italian Pasta Dishes

Pasta dishes, especially the lighter ones like Aglio e Olio or Cacio e Pepe, can be a satisfying progression from the soup. The simple, comforting flavors of these pasta dishes resonate with the heartiness of the soup, creating a cohesive Italian dining experience.

Serve these dishes in warm bowls or plates after the soup.

Pasta Aglio e Olio

This recipe for pasta aglio e olio pairs well with Italian wedding soup because both dishes are Italian classics and share similar flavors.

The light and simple flavors of the pasta dish complement the heartiness of the soup, creating a cohesive and satisfying Italian meal. Additionally, the garlic and olive oil in the pasta dish add a depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste experience when enjoyed alongside the soup.

Let’s get cooking with this Pasta Aglio e Olio from Simple Vegan Blog.

(This simple pasta dish also pairs well with Zuppa Toscana and it’s a great option to serve alongside minestrone.)

Cacio e Pepe Recipe

This recipe for cacio e pepe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because both dishes are comforting and have simple flavors that complement each other.

The creamy and cheesy cacio e pepe pasta provides a rich and indulgent element that balances out the light and brothy nature of the soup. The peppery flavors in the pasta also add a bit of spice and depth to the overall meal.

Additionally, serving the pasta after the soup allows for a gradual progression of flavors and textures, creating a cohesive and satisfying Italian dining experience.

Sounds like something up your alley? Here’s the Cacio e Pepe Recipe recipe, courtesy of Feasting At Home.

Pasta alla Norma

This recipe for pasta alla norma pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the heartiness and flavors of the soup.

The eggplant adds a rich and savory element to the pasta, which enhances the overall depth of the meal. The fresh herbs and grated cheeses provide a burst of freshness and creaminess that balances out the flavors of the soup.

Additionally, the pasta itself adds a comforting and filling component, making it a satisfying addition to the soup course.

Why not try Pasta alla Norma from A Couple Cooks today?

Pasta Puttanesca

This pasta puttanesca recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because both dishes are Italian classics that complement each other in terms of flavors and textures.

The robust and tangy flavors of the puttanesca sauce, with its garlic, anchovy, and tomato base, provide a nice contrast to the milder and comforting flavors of the wedding soup.

Additionally, the pasta in the puttanesca dish adds a satisfying element of carb to balance out the soup’s lighter ingredients.

Let’s get cooking with this Puttanesca Recipe from The Slow Roasted Italian.

Fettuccine Alfredo

This recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo pairs well with Italian Wedding Soup because both dishes are Italian classics and share a similar comfort food appeal.

The creamy and rich Alfredo sauce complements the hearty and flavorful broth of the soup. Additionally, the fettuccine pasta in the Alfredo dish provides a satisfying and substantial element that complements the meatballs and vegetables in the soup.

Check out this delicious Fettuccine Alfredo recipe from RecipeTin Eats.

Charred Eggplant and Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad

This recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it complements the flavors and textures of the soup.

The charred eggplant and walnut pesto adds a smoky and nutty element to the pasta salad, which adds depth to the overall meal. The freshness of the herbs and the tanginess of the sherry vinegar in the pesto help balance the richness of the soup.

Additionally, the pasta salad provides a lighter and refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup, creating a well-rounded Italian dining experience.

Loving this? Charred Eggplant and Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad on smitten kitchen is where you find the instruction.

Carbonara

This carbonara recipe pairs perfectly with Italian wedding soup because it provides a satisfying and comforting progression from the soup. The creamy and rich flavors of the carbonara sauce complement the heartiness of the soup, creating a cohesive Italian dining experience.

The combination of the crispy guanciale, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti adds a delightful contrast of textures to the meal. Plus, the simplicity of the dish allows the flavors of the soup to shine while still offering a delicious and filling pasta option.

Loving this? Carbonara (real) on RecipeTin Eats is where you find the instruction.

(By the way, we have a whole list of great carbonara pairings, in case you’re interested.)

Italian Desserts

To round off the meal, classic Italian desserts like Tiramisu, Cannoli, or Panna Cotta provide a sweet ending. The creamy richness or the light sweetness of these desserts can contrast beautifully with the savory soup and main courses, ending the meal on a high note.

Desserts are generally served individually, presenting each guest with their own sweet treat to enjoy.

Cannoli

The easiest option is to go to your local bakery and buy a bunch of cannolis. Cannoli never disappoints.

Affogato Coffee Dessert

This affogato coffee dessert pairs well with Italian wedding soup due to its contrasting flavors and textures.

The creamy and cold vanilla ice cream or gelato complements the savory and warm nature of the soup. The shot of espresso or strong brewed coffee adds a rich and bold flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.

Additionally, the nuts or shaved chocolate garnish can provide a delightful crunch and added depth to the dessert, further enhancing the contrast with the soup.

Whip up this How to Make an Affogato Coffee Dessert from Flavour and Savour.

(You can also serve affogato as a dessert following manicotti or pair it with baked ziti.)

Coconut Panna Cotta

This coconut panna cotta recipe pairs well with Italian wedding soup because it provides a sweet and creamy contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.

The light sweetness and smooth texture of the panna cotta can balance out the richness and heartiness of the soup, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Additionally, the use of coconut cream in the panna cotta adds a tropical twist that complements the flavors of Italian cuisine. Overall, this dessert adds a delightful and refreshing touch to the meal.

Tempted to cook this? Coconut Panna Cotta from Detoxinista is where you find the whole recipe.

Easy Tiramisu (Chef Recipe)

So, this easy tiramisu recipe pairs perfectly with Italian wedding soup because it provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.

The creamy and rich texture of the tiramisu, combined with the subtle sweetness, creates a beautiful balance with the soup. It’s like a little taste of heaven after enjoying a comforting bowl of soup.

Plus, serving individual portions of this classic Italian dessert adds a touch of elegance to the meal. It’s the perfect way to end your Italian feast!

Craving this? Check out the Easy Tiramisu (Chef Recipe) recipe from RecipeTin Eats.