Hearty Soup and Sandwich Pairings

A pot of soup - canned or homemade - can be a quick meal for busy winter nights. But, when hearty appetites scream out for more, the simple addition of a sandwich can turn a soup supper into a filling meal.

Almost everyone is a fan of the simple meal of grilled cheese and tomato soup. These soup and sandwich pairings can easily fill out a soup-for-supper menu. While your soup is simmering, it's easy to whip up any of these hearty sandwiches that will fill up even the most hungry diner you could have.

French Onion Soup and Philly Steak and Cheese Sandwiches

While not exactly traditional, this Philly will satisfy the most hearty appetite. Thinly slice a beef chuck steak. Saute on a flat griddle with sliced onions, bell peppers and/or mushrooms. When the beef is cooked, divide it into sandwich portions. Place a slice of provolone cheese over each portion and top it with an open hoagie roll. Simmer for just three or four minutes, then use a spatula to scrape the sandwich together. Top the Philly sandwich with mayonnaise. For a more traditional Philly, omit the provolone cheese and warm the bun over the meat. Then, after filling the bun, top the sandwich with jarred processed cheese spread.

Italian Wedding Soup and Calzones

Calzones are a breeze if you start with refrigerated biscuits or frozen dinner roll dough that has been thawed. Roll each portion into a 5 to 6 inch circle. Place a slice of provolone cheese on the middle of each circle, followed by a slice of sandwich pepperoni. Place a tablespoon of browned Italian sausage on one half and then fold over the sandwich, sealing the edges. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cream of Broccoli and Shredded Chicken Sandwiches

Shredded chicken is a breeze if you start with canned, boned chicken. Shred the chicken in a saucepan with a fork and mix in cream of chicken soup. Heat over medium heat until simmering, then serve on sandwich buns.

Beef and Barley Soup with Mushroom Joes

Mushroom Joes are a twist on the classic Sloppy Joe. Brown some ground beef and add diced onion if you like. Once the beef is browned, add canned cream of mushroom soup and heat until warmed through. Serve on oven-toasted sandwich buns with dill pickle slices.

Cabbage Soup and Biscuits with Ham

Ham and biscuit sandwiches are simple. Bake a can of refrigerated biscuits as directed. When the biscuits are baked, add thin slices of deli ham or leftover ham.

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