Split pea soup is warm and tasty, perfect for when it's cold outside. It's made with peas and sometimes ham. But what else can you eat with it?

Here are 18 great side dishes that go well with this soup. They add different tastes and make your meal even more enjoyable.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with split pea soup are cornbread, sweet potato fries, kale chips, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, rosemary bread, pizza bagels, potato rosti, biscuits, potato salad, zucchini carrot bread, crispy chicken drumsticks, garlic bread, beet salad, shredded chicken, and honey glazed carrots.

Now, let's get cooking!

Sides For Split Pea Soup

1. Cornbread

Who doesn't love dipping bread or crackers in their soup? There's something comforting about it. However, dipping cornbread in your split pea soup is inspired. The sweetness of cornbread complements the earthiness of split pea soup so perfectly that you may or may not eat the entire pan of cornbread in one sitting without even realizing it 😶.

2. Sweet Potato Fries

So as it turns out, these sweet potato fries are also really great for dipping into your split pea soup. Do you have to? No, absolutely not. Should you? Again, no. You enjoy your food any way you want to. Do I highly recommend you try it? Absolutely! But then I'm probably biased because, as it turns out, I historically love to dip foods into other food. Regardless of whether you enjoy dipping as much as I do, they make a good pairing because the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes is a great match for the flavor of the soup.

3. Kale Chips

Kale chips are a popular side dish for many soups and stews, including split pea soup, because of their crispy texture. The slight bitterness of kale can also help balance out the richness of the soup, making for a flavorful and interesting meal.

4. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs well with split pea soup. Both are filling on their own, but when served together, they create a more substantial and hearty meal. And since rice pilaf can be seasoned with a variety of different ingredients, you can tailor the flavors to suit your tastes.

5. Mashed Potatoes

Serving split pea soup with these creamy mashed potatoes creates a comforting meal that warms and soothes the soul. Both dishes have a smooth, creamy texture and earthy flavors that make the meal cozy and enjoyable.

6. Rosemary Bread

Another option that is great for dipping and adding some substance to your split pea soup is this homemade rosemary bread. The subtle hints of rosemary in the bread add some freshness and flavor to the soup, while the bread crust adds a crunchy texture to the meal.

7. Pizza Bagels

To create a flavorful and fulfilling meal, try serving these quick and easy pizza bagels. Not only are they a deliciously hearty addition to the meal, but they are also super fun and customizable. Lay out some toppings and have everyone get creative by building their own pizza bagels to go with their split pea soup!

8. Potato Rosti

This tasty potato rosti is a great side to serve with any soup, including split pea soup. The crispy exterior of the rosti creates a nice textural contrast with the smooth and creamy split pea soup.

9. Biscuits

Biscuits are a simple and easy side dish to make, which is great if you're short on time or don't want to spend a lot of effort on the meal. They can also be made in a variety of flavors and styles, making biscuits a side dish that can be made to complement any variation of split pea soup.

10. Potato Salad

Potato salad is a refreshing and cooling side dish that provides a nice contrast to the warm and hearty nature of split pea soup. It can also be a great way to balance out the richness of the soup.

11. Mac & Cheese Pizza

Mac and cheese pizza is a comforting and satisfying side dish to serve with split pea soup that can help to make the meal feel more complete. Additionally, the combination of two unique and flavorful dishes can add variety and excitement to the meal.

12. Zucchini Carrot Bread

Zucchini carrot bread is a nutritious side dish to serve with split pea soup that adds vegetables and fiber to the meal. This can help to balance out the creamy, indulgent nature of the soup, creating a well-rounded and nourishing meal.

13. Crispy Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a great source of protein and can add a satisfying and filling element to your split pea soup. Additionally, you can season the chicken with spices or herbs that complement the soup's flavors.

14. Monte Cristo Sandwich

One of the classic go-to's for any soup is a delicious and hearty sandwich, and this fulfilling and tasty monte cristo sandwich pairs perfectly with split pea soup. The ham and cheese are a classic pairing with split pea soup, while the crispy texture of the bread adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.

15. Garlic Bread

Another option to add some ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness to your split pea soup is with this crispy, flavorful cheesy garlic bread. Plus, you can use different types of cheese or herbs to change the flavor profile of the bread to best complement the soup.

16. Beet Salad

Beet and arugula salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish to pair with split pea soup. The salad has a slightly bitter and peppery taste that complements the earthy, sweet flavors of the soup. Additionally, it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants such as vitamins C, K, folate, and potassium.

17. Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken is a light yet satisfying addition to split pea soup. It’s easy to make and can be flavored in many ways – think herbs, spices, or even a touch of lemon. The tender strands of chicken add a nice protein boost, making your meal more filling. Its mild flavor doesn’t overpower the soup, but rather complements its heartiness, adding a delightful texture contrast.

18. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory treat that pairs wonderfully with split pea soup. Roasting carrots with honey, butter, and a hint of cinnamon brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior. These glazed carrots add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your meal, offering a delightful contrast to the earthy, rich taste of the soup.

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