Sprinkled Garnishes

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to choosing a sprinkled topping to finish a soup or stew. Sliced or chopped nuts, crispy noodles, tortilla chips, fried bacon, and prosciutto bits add texture and crunch along with depth of flavor. Shredded or grated cheeses will melt into the soup to contribute a creamy element. Croutons can be garlicky hunks of sturdy bread to show off a bold soup or small and delicate pain de mie crumbs for a refined soup, such as crab or lobster bisque. Here’s a trio of recipes to get you started.