What item is typically used for serving soup in a formal setting?

A soup tureen is the appropriate item used for serving soup in a formal setting. Traditionally, a soup tureen is a large, decorative container designed specifically for serving soup. It often comes with a lid and handles, making it easier to transport from the kitchen to the dining table.

In formal dining situations, the soup is ladled out from the tureen into individual bowls for each guest, which adds an elegant touch to the meal. The design of a soup tureen typically reflects the formality and aesthetic of the dining setting, often being made of fine china or porcelain, further enhancing the dining experience.

Other options, while they serve specific types of food, do not align with the customary practices of formal dining for soup. A sauce bowl is generally used for holding sauces or gravies, a pasta bowl is designed with wider sides to contain pasta dishes, and a salad plate is used for serving salads or appetizers, none of which are intended for soup. Therefore, the soup tureen stands out as the quintessential choice for serving soup in a formal context.