When it comes to versatile meals, very few come close to the warm and comforting feeling of a nourishing bowl of soup. But despite the unique flavour combinations and fantastic recipes you can create, it may not be enough to satisfy that strong feeling of hunger, especially with families with several hungry mouths to feed.

Whether you’re looking to whip up a heartier meal to satisfy the children, or need a healthy, vegetable-packed side dish to add an extra layer of warmth to your dinner, these tips will take your humble soup dish to the next level.

How to Bulk Up Soup

It’s important to understand that soup as a main course is already a fantastic option for any dinner occasion. So, what we’re suggesting here are ways to add extra ‘bulk’ to your soup to satisfy even the biggest appetite in your home.

Soups are commonly taken as first course or a light lunch and aren’t typically considered to be a filling mealtime option. But what that means is the dish is simply crying out for some extra depth and a few more punchy ingredients to bulk it up.

A great option when looking to bulk up a soup is adding ingredients that will complement the flavour and add another element of texture. Using options such as rice and grains in a creamy mushroom soup, for example, will thicken the consistency and make it a more substantial meal.

If you’re specifically looking for a way to bulk up and thicken your soup, or searching for tasty alternatives to add to a broth, ramen is a delicious and versatile choice – allowing you to include your preferred seasoning or any herbs and spices you may enjoy. And parents… it even offers you the chance to sneak in some vegetables without the kids knowing!

Using Soup for a Pasta Bake

Pasta bakes are packed with flavour and allow you to place all the ingredients into one tray ready to eat straight from the oven. Not only that, but they can be adapted in any way to suit your family’s taste, using as many or few ingredients as you like.

Campbell’s selection of condensed soups can create a host of mouthwatering dishes to feed even the pickiest of eaters. All you need to do is heat up and mix in a can of our delicious, condensed soups and add them to the pasta mixture to create some tasty family meals. If you’re searching for inspiration, this crunchy tuna pasta bake is a popular choice that is sure to be a hit with the rest of the family.

Soup as a Side Dish

When soup isn’t the main part of your meal, there are many ways to bulk up your dinner that don’t involve adding ingredients straight into the liquid. Instead, the soup can be the star of the show as a delicious side dish, especially when served as a tasty soup and sandwich combo.

Try pairing a rich tomato soup with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich to create the perfect comfort meal. Or if you’re feeling hungrier, why not try a freshly baked potato to add a bit of bulk alongside your soup.

Not only can soup pair excellently with another warm and hearty dish, but it can be matched alongside your choice of healthy, less filling meals like a Mediterranean or Cesar salad to add a rich, flavourful element.

Bulk Up Your Soup with Bread

There are many tricks and ingredients you can use to thicken your favourite soup. But can you have soup without bread? Most would argue not, and more often the two go hand in hand to create one of the best warming comfort foods around.

The most important thing about having bread with soup is that there is no restriction on how it can be served or eaten. Its versatility means you can place chunks in the soup to add texture, serve it on the side with butter or dip it in the soup for extra flavour with each bite.

Simple meals can often be the most effective, so bulking up a soup with your favourite type of bread could be the solution to finding your ideal quick and easy meal that hits the right spot. And although there may be some slightly better breads for dipping specifically, the versatility of the combination means you can pick your favourite type of bread and create a delicious meal that you are guaranteed to enjoy.

Alternatives to Bread

Not a fan of bread? No problem, there are plenty of fantastic options that will provide that extra splash of flavour or texture you’re looking for. Salted crackers enhance the flavour profile of your meal and deliver a salty, crunchy alternative to traditional bread. You can also use fresh tortilla chips that will pair extremely well with several tomato soup recipes.

Add Protein to Your Soup

Perhaps the most common way you can ‘bulk’ up any soup is by adding a source of protein. Include an array of meat such as spicy shredded chicken or thinly sliced steak to add a succulent element of substance and texture to your soup and take your broth or simple recipe to a delicious new level. If you need vegetarian or vegan alternatives, ingredients like lentils and tofu are also high in protein and provide an extra degree of texture to help bulk up your soup.

Have you got a favourite way to bulk up your soup? Share your tips and recipes with us.

If you have any useful tips about adding a bit of bulk to your soup recipe, at Campbell’s we’re always excited to hear from our customers. Either take some photos and tag us on social media or contact us here.