Top 10 soup toppers

We've got a few tricks up our sleeve for garnishing your favourite winter soups. They're flavour-packed winners!

Top 10 soup toppers

It’s soup season, which means we all need a bowl of something warming to drink for dinner at some point.  But before you whip out Australia’s #1 pumpkin soup recipe, think about how you can take it to the next level upon serving. 

These hacks will allow you to not only turn your bowl of soup into something even more satisfying, they’ll impress everyone too!

1. Bacon lattice

Interweave thin strips of bacon to create a lattice effect. Bake until crisp and golden. Place on top of soup and drizzle with a little maple syrup. This one works brilliantly with a classic leek and potato.

2. Sweet potato chips

Use a mandolin to cut thin slices of sweet potato. Shallow-fry in vegetable oil until crisp. Drain on paper towel and sprinkle with dried chilli flakes and sea salt. We love these with pumpkin soup – sprinkle them on top or you can serve them on the side for dunking.

3. Crispy kale

Toss torn kale leaves in a little melted coconut oil. Season, then roast for 10 minutes or until crisp. Place on top of soup and sprinkle with dukkah. This one works really well with a creamy mushroom soup.

4. Simple tropicana

Toss toasted coconut chips with lime zest and thinly sliced long fresh green chilli. We’ve tried this with many a noodle broth, like this one.

5. Spiced chickpeas

Drain and pat dry canned chickpeas. Shallow-fry in extra virgin olive oil until crisp. Drain and toss with paprika, ground cumin and sea salt. This topping goes perfectly with a Middle Eastern-inspired lentil soup.

6. Cheesy ravioli

Dust fresh ravioli in plain flour, dip in whisked egg and coat in panko breadcrumbs. Deep-fry in vegetable oil until golden and crisp. Drain. This roasted tomato soup is usually served simply with crusty bread, but give it an Italian twist by topping with cheesy ravioli, fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

7. Mexican twist

Shallow-fry thinly sliced corn tortillas in vegetable oil until crisp. Drain. Top soup with tortillas, chopped avocado, chargrilled corn kernels and fresh coriander leaves. This super filling bean soup is delicious as is, but even better with these Mexican toppings.

8. Parmesan tuiles

Mix 2 cups finely grated parmesan with 2 tsp plain flour. Sprinkle clusters over a lined baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and melted. Cool. Place on top of soup. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh chives. Because of the pesto in this green veg soup, it works perfectly with these parmesan crisps.

9. Japanese sprinkle

Shallow-fry julienned ginger in peanut oil until crisp. Drain. Toss with thinly sliced nori sheets, edamame beans and toasted sesame seeds. This creamy cauliflower soup is great with this textured topping.

10. Mini toasties

Sandwich bread with shaved leg ham and grated cheddar. Remove crusts. Pan-fry in butter and olive oil until golden. Cut into triangles. This carrot soup is simple, affordable and kid-friendly – take it to the next level with the toasties on top.

More soup recipe ideas

• 25 nourishing chicken soup for flu season
• Weeknight soups you can make in a flash
• 22 budget-friendly soup ideas

Originally published as Top 10 soup toppers