5 Ways to Fancy-Up Canned Soup

Ah, the quickest of on-the-go dinners, short of grabbing fast food: canned soup straight out of the microwave. It’s convenient, no-fuss, and it doesn’t mess up a ton of dishes.

But it can also be a little hum-drum, unless you do something to make it seem (and taste) a little more special. Here are a few ridiculously easy upgrades:

• Top with Crostini — Thinly slice a baguette on the bias (that is, diagonally), so it forms little coins, toast, then top with either melted cheese or olive tapenade, depending on how salty-savory you want to go. (Potato-Leek Soup becomes heavenly with this addition!)
• Sprinkle on Some Fresh Chives — Scallions work well too!
• Drizzle with a Flavored Oil — A few drops of extra virgin olive oil, garlic-infused oil or olive oil doesn’t just give you extra cool points for presentation; it adds a layer of flavor to the soup, making it taste richer.
• Stir in Sausage and Spinach — Slice up bite-sized pieces of precooked sausage, then toss ’em into the soup with a small handful of fresh baby spinach and heat the soup as you normally would. This is great for vegetable and bean soups that don’t already have meat in them. (But we’re not going to judge you if you opt for double-meat. Chicken Noodle Chorizo Soup, anyone?)
• Give it a Pasta-riffic Boost — What, you’ve never had tomato soup with orzo?! Then you just haven’t lived. Show those all-vegetable and pureed soups a thing or two by adding in a scoop of cooked pasta, like cavatappi, the aforementioned orzo or even tortellini, if you’re feeling W-I-L-D. It makes for a heartier meal, and ensures leftovers.

How do you boost the flavor (and overall appeal) of a classic canned soup?