Soups are a comforting and versatile meal option for any time of year. From hearty stews to light broths, there’s a soup recipe to suit every taste and occasion. These 50 must-try soup recipes offer a range of flavors and ingredients to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re looking for classic favorites or unique creations, this collection has something for everyone. You’ll find soups packed with vegetables, meats, noodles, and more. Many can be made in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Get ready to grab your ladle and dive into these delicious soup recipes.
This comforting soup combines ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for a classic flavor pairing. You start by roasting halved tomatoes in the oven to bring out their natural sweetness.
While the tomatoes roast, sauté onions and garlic in a pot. Add the roasted tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste, then simmer. Blend everything until smooth.
Finish your soup by stirring in some cream and chopped basil just before serving. The result is a velvety, rich soup perfect for chilly days.
You can customize this recipe by adding extras like carrots or celery. For a slow cooker version, combine ingredients and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Chicken noodle soup is a timeless comfort food. You can make it easily at home with simple ingredients. Start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onions in a large pot.
Add chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Toss in some cooked chicken pieces and egg noodles. Let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme. The result is a warm, soothing soup perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s also great for using up leftover chicken.
French onion soup is a classic dish that will warm you up on chilly days. This rich soup starts with caramelized onions cooked low and slow until golden brown.
You’ll simmer the onions in beef broth with herbs like thyme and bay leaves. A splash of white wine adds depth to the flavors.
To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with a slice of crusty bread and a layer of melted Gruyère cheese.
Broil until the cheese is bubbly and browned. The result is a comforting soup with a gooey cheese topping that’s hard to resist.
Butternut squash soup is a cozy fall favorite. You’ll love its creamy texture and rich flavor. To make it, start by roasting cubed butternut squash with carrots and garlic.
Once tender, blend the roasted vegetables with vegetable broth and coconut milk. Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, sauté leeks before adding them to the soup. Simmer everything together until hot. Serve in bowls and enjoy this comforting meal on chilly days.
Lentil soup with ham is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. You’ll love how easily this soup comes together using simple ingredients.
Start with dried lentils and add them to a pot with diced carrots, celery, and onions. Toss in some leftover ham or a meaty ham bone for extra flavor.
Season the soup with garlic, mustard, and a splash of red wine vinegar to enhance the taste. Let it simmer until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld.
This filling soup makes a great meal on its own. It’s also an excellent way to use up holiday ham leftovers and stretch your ingredients.
Clam chowder is a hearty soup that warms you up on chilly days. You’ll love its creamy texture and rich flavors. The main ingredients are clams, potatoes, and a flavorful broth.
To make clam chowder, start by cooking bacon until crispy. Then sauté onions, celery, and garlic in the bacon fat. Add diced potatoes and clam juice, simmering until the potatoes are tender.
Next, stir in milk or cream and flour to thicken the soup. Finally, add the clams and cook for a few more minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
Serve your clam chowder hot with oyster crackers or crusty bread on the side. It’s a filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Thai Coconut Chicken Soup is a flavorful dish that will warm your taste buds. This soup blends coconut milk, chicken broth, and aromatic ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and garlic.
To make it, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in a large pot. Add chicken broth and coconut milk, then bring to a simmer.
Next, add mushrooms, shredded chicken, and fish sauce for depth. Let the flavors meld together as the soup cooks. You can adjust the spice level by adding chili paste to your liking.
Serve this creamy, fragrant soup hot. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you want a taste of Thai cuisine at home.
Miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine. You can make this comforting dish at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Start with dashi, a flavorful broth. Then add miso paste, which comes in different varieties like white, yellow, or red. Each type has its own unique taste.
Tofu and seaweed are common additions to miso soup. You can also try adding vegetables like mushrooms or green onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Remember not to boil the soup after adding miso, as this can affect its taste. Serve your miso soup hot for the best experience. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a side dish with your main meal.
Italian Wedding Soup is a tasty mix of meat and veggies in a flavorful broth. You’ll love the small meatballs made from ground chicken or beef.
The soup also has pasta, usually small shapes like orzo or acini di pepe. Carrots, celery, and onions add nice color and crunch.
Don’t forget the leafy greens! Escarole or spinach work well. They give the soup extra nutrients and a fresh look.
To make it, you’ll cook the meatballs first. Then sauté the veggies, add broth, and let the flavors blend. The result is a warm, comforting soup perfect for any day.
Hungarian Goulash Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up on chilly days. This classic recipe combines tender beef, vegetables, and a rich paprika-spiced broth.
To make it, start by cooking onions in oil or lard until they’re soft and translucent. Then add beef chunks and brown them slightly.
Next, stir in paprika, garlic, tomatoes, and beef broth. Let the soup simmer for about an hour until the meat is tender.
Add potatoes and carrots to the pot and cook until they’re soft. The result is a comforting soup with a deep red color and rich flavor.
Serve your Hungarian Goulash Soup hot with a slice of crusty bread on the side. You’ll love this tasty and filling meal!
Roasted garlic soup is a comforting dish that will warm you up on chilly days. To make it, you’ll roast whole garlic heads in the oven until soft and caramelized.
In a pot, sauté onions and add the roasted garlic. Mix in potatoes, herbs like thyme and rosemary, and broth. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can garnish your soup with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or croutons for extra flavor and crunch.
This soup has a rich, mellow garlic taste that’s not overpowering. It’s perfect as a starter or a light meal on its own.
Potato leek soup is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make. You’ll love its creamy texture and rich flavor.
This soup combines simple ingredients like potatoes, leeks, broth, and seasonings. You can blend it smooth or leave some chunks for added texture.
Many recipes don’t use cream, relying on the starchiness of potatoes for thickness. This makes it a lighter option that’s still satisfying.
You can customize potato leek soup with toppings like croutons, bacon bits, or fresh herbs. It’s perfect for cold days or anytime you want a cozy meal.
Try making a big batch – it reheats well for leftovers. You’ll have a tasty lunch or quick dinner ready to go.
Spicy black bean soup is a hearty and flavorful dish you’ll love. To make it, start by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a large pot.
Add spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano for a bold flavor kick. Pour in black beans and broth, then simmer until the beans are tender.
For extra heat, include jalapeños or cayenne pepper. You can blend part of the soup for a creamier texture or leave it chunky.
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors. Serve your spicy black bean soup hot, topped with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.
Greek Avgolemono soup is a comforting dish that combines chicken broth, rice, and a creamy egg-lemon mixture. You’ll love its tangy flavor and velvety texture.
To make it, simmer chicken with vegetables to create a flavorful broth. Add rice or orzo pasta and cook until tender.
The signature element is the avgolemono sauce. Whisk eggs with lemon juice, then slowly add hot broth to temper the eggs. Stir this mixture back into the soup to create a silky consistency.
Add shredded chicken and warm through before serving. This bright, lemony soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a bit of comfort.
Moroccan Chickpea Soup is a flavorful dish that will warm you up on cold days. This hearty soup combines chickpeas, fire-roasted tomatoes, and aromatic spices for a rich taste.
You’ll love the blend of North African flavors in this easy-to-make soup. It’s naturally vegetarian and vegan, making it a great choice for many diets.
The soup comes together quickly, often in just 20-25 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and filling.
Try this soup to experience a delicious mix of textures and spices. It’s a simple way to bring some Moroccan-inspired flavors to your table.
Chicken tortilla soup is a tasty and filling Mexican-inspired dish. You start by sautéing onions, garlic, and jalapeños in oil. Then add chicken breasts and other ingredients like broth, tomatoes, and spices.
Let the soup simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Take out the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. For extra flavor, squeeze in some fresh lime juice before serving.
Top your soup with crispy tortilla strips, cheese, avocado, or sour cream. This comforting meal is perfect for chilly days or when you want a taste of Mexico at home.
Thai pumpkin soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that blends the sweetness of pumpkin with aromatic Thai spices. You’ll love how the coconut milk adds richness to this comforting soup.
The recipe often includes red curry paste, giving it a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice brighten up the flavors.
This soup is easy to make and comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s perfect for chilly fall days when you want something warm and satisfying.
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Serve it as a starter or main course for a taste of Thai cuisine at home.
Tom Yum soup is a popular Thai dish known for its bold flavors. This hot and sour soup combines fragrant herbs and spices to create a tasty broth.
Key ingredients include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chili peppers. Shrimp is often the main protein, but chicken or tofu can be used instead.
To make Tom Yum, simmer the herbs in broth to infuse the flavors. Add mushrooms and your chosen protein. Finish with lime juice and fish sauce for that signature tangy taste.
You can find Tom Yum paste in stores for a quicker version. Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or fewer chili peppers.
Tuscan bean soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm you up on cold nights. This Italian classic combines creamy white cannellini beans with vegetables and herbs.
You can make this soup easily with pantry staples. The main ingredients are beans, broth, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and kale.
For extra flavor, some recipes add pancetta or use beef broth. But you can keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead.
Fresh rosemary gives the soup a nice aroma. You can serve it with crusty bread for a filling meal. The soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
Kimchi soup, also known as kimchi-guk, is a fiery Korean dish that will warm you up from the inside out. This soup combines tangy, fermented kimchi with a savory broth for a burst of flavor.
To make kimchi soup, start by sautéing kimchi in sesame oil. Add your choice of protein like pork or tuna, then pour in water or broth. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together.
For extra richness, stir in some gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or gochujang (red pepper paste). You can also add tofu cubes for a protein boost. Finish with green onions for freshness.
Serve your kimchi soup piping hot with a side of rice. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a spicy kick.
Beef Bourguignon Soup brings the rich flavors of the classic French dish to your bowl. This hearty soup combines tender beef, bacon, and vegetables in a savory wine-based broth.
To make it, brown beef chunks and bacon in a Dutch oven. Add garlic, carrots, and pearl onions, then pour in red wine and beef broth. Season with thyme and bay leaves.
Let the soup simmer slowly to develop deep flavors. Some recipes use a slow cooker for convenience. Add pasta near the end of cooking for extra heartiness.
Serve this comforting soup hot, topped with crispy bacon bits. It’s perfect for cold days or when you want a taste of France at home.
This comforting soup is easy to make and full of flavor. You’ll need cauliflower, onions, garlic, and broth as the main ingredients.
Start by sautéing onions in butter or oil until soft. Add chopped cauliflower and cook for a few minutes. Pour in broth and simmer until the cauliflower is very tender.
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. For extra creaminess, stir in some cream or milk. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or oregano to taste.
This versatile soup can be customized with toppings like crispy bacon, chives, or a drizzle of olive oil. It’s perfect for chilly days or as a light meal any time of year.
Udon noodle soup is a comforting Japanese dish you’ll love. It features thick, chewy noodles in a savory broth called dashi.
The basic version, kake udon, is simple yet delicious. You can easily make it at home with udon noodles and a few key ingredients.
For a heartier meal, try adding toppings like fried tofu (kitsune udon) or beef. You can also experiment with different flavors like curry udon for a bolder taste.
Udon soup is perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. Its versatility makes it a favorite in Japanese cuisine. Give this tasty noodle soup a try for a cozy meal any time of year.
This hearty soup combines savory Italian sausage with nutritious kale for a satisfying meal. You’ll start by cooking onions and garlic in olive oil until golden and fragrant.
Next, add sliced Italian sausage, potatoes, and broth to the pot. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. Toss in chopped kale and cook for a few more minutes until it wilts.
For extra richness, stir in some cream or cream cheese at the end. A splash of white wine can add depth to the flavor. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
This comforting soup is perfect for chilly days. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
This soup brings together the sweetness of corn and the delicate flavor of crab. You’ll start by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding fresh corn kernels.
Next, you’ll pour in chicken stock and let the corn simmer. After a few minutes, blend half the mixture for a creamy texture while leaving some whole kernels.
Add crabmeat to the soup, being careful to remove any shell pieces. A touch of milk or half-and-half gives it richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, you can add diced tomatoes or a dash of chipotle pepper. Serve this soup hot or chilled for a refreshing summer meal.
Chicken and wild rice soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. You’ll love the hearty blend of tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy broth.
To make this soup, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in butter. Add garlic and cook briefly. Pour in chicken broth and add herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage.
Add chicken breasts and wild rice to the pot. Simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
Finish your soup by stirring in some cream for richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade chicken and wild rice soup.
Curried carrot soup is a tasty and comforting dish you’ll want to try. To make it, start by roasting carrots, onions, garlic, and ginger in the oven. This brings out their sweet flavors.
Next, blend the roasted veggies with vegetable broth and curry powder. The curry adds a warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the carrots.
For extra creaminess, you can add a spoonful of peanut butter. This also gives the soup a nice protein boost.
Serve your curried carrot soup hot with a swirl of cream or coconut milk on top. It’s great for chilly days or when you need a quick, healthy meal.
Borscht is a hearty Eastern European soup that will warm you up on cold days. The star ingredient is beets, which give the soup its vibrant red color.
To make borscht, start by sautéing onions, carrots, and beets in a large pot. Add beef or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
Next, toss in diced potatoes and cook until tender. For extra flavor, you can include beef chunks or pork belly. Don’t forget to add some garlic and tomatoes for depth.
Finish your borscht with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill. This comforting soup is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially when served with crusty bread.
Corn chowder is a creamy, comforting soup perfect for any season. You’ll love its rich blend of sweet corn, tender potatoes, and savory bacon.
To make corn chowder, start by cooking bacon until crispy. Set it aside and use the bacon fat to sauté onions, celery, and garlic.
Add corn kernels, diced potatoes, and broth. Simmer until the potatoes are soft. For extra creaminess, blend part of the soup.
Finish by stirring in milk or cream and the crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your homemade corn chowder with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Brazilian fish stew, also known as moqueca, is a flavorful dish you’ll want to try. It combines white fish with a rich broth of coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices.
To make moqueca, start by marinating fish in lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a pot.
Next, add tomatoes, coconut milk, and dendê oil to create the stew base. Gently simmer the marinated fish in this aromatic mixture until cooked through.
Serve your Brazilian fish stew hot, accompanied by rice. The combination of tangy lime, creamy coconut, and tender fish makes for a satisfying meal.
Albondigas is a hearty Mexican soup featuring flavorful meatballs. You’ll love this comforting dish on chilly days.
To make the meatballs, mix ground beef with rice, egg, and spices. Form small balls and gently drop them into simmering broth.
The soup base combines beef broth, tomatoes, and vegetables like potatoes and carrots. Let it simmer until the meatballs are cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Season your albondigas with oregano, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for extra kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a burst of flavor.
This filling soup makes a great meal on its own. Pair it with warm tortillas to soak up every last drop of the savory broth.
Shrimp bisque is a luxurious French soup that will impress your dinner guests. This creamy delight is made with tender shrimp, vegetables, and a flavorful broth.
To make shrimp bisque, you’ll cook shrimp in butter and set them aside. Then, you’ll simmer the shrimp shells with broth ingredients to create a rich base. Next, sauté onions, celery, and carrots until soft.
The soup gets its signature smoothness from being puréed. Heavy cream adds richness, while a splash of brandy enhances the flavor. Spices bring warmth and depth to this elegant dish.
You can serve shrimp bisque as a fancy starter or a satisfying main course. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Ramen noodle soup is a comforting dish you can easily make at home. Start by heating broth in a pot with garlic, ginger, and your choice of vegetables.
Add protein like chicken or tofu and cook until done. Then toss in dried ramen noodles and simmer until tender.
Flavor your soup with soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, or miso paste for extra depth. Top with green onions, a soft-boiled egg, or nori for a restaurant-style touch.
You can customize your ramen with different broths, proteins, and toppings. It’s a versatile meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick dinner option.
Soups are great for packing in lots of veggies. You can add many different kinds to one pot, giving you a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Vegetable-based soups are often low in calories but high in fiber, which helps you feel full.
Broth-based soups can keep you hydrated. They’re a tasty way to get more fluids, especially if you don’t like drinking plain water.
Many soups contain protein from meat, beans, or lentils. This helps build and repair your body’s tissues. Protein also keeps you feeling full for longer.
How Soup Can Support Weight Management
Eating soup before meals can help you eat less overall. The liquid and fiber in soup fill your stomach, making you feel satisfied with fewer calories.
You can make big batches of soup and eat it throughout the week. This makes it easier to stick to healthy eating habits when you’re busy.
Soup is filling but often low in calories. This lets you eat a good amount of food without going over your calorie goals. Choose broth-based soups over cream-based ones for fewer calories.
Soups with lots of veggies and lean proteins are very nutritious. They give your body what it needs while helping you manage your weight.
Essential Ingredients and Techniques for Perfect Soups
Making great soup starts with the right ingredients and methods. You’ll need a few key items and skills to create delicious soups at home.
Must-Have Ingredients
Stock is the base of most soups. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock. Onions, carrots, and celery form the flavor base. Garlic adds depth. Salt and pepper are must-haves for seasoning.
Herbs and spices boost flavor. Try bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary. Canned tomatoes work well in many soups. Beans add protein and texture.
Don’t forget acid. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice brightens flavors. For creamy soups, you’ll need milk, cream, or coconut milk.
Keep pasta, rice, or potatoes on hand to make soups heartier.
Cooking Techniques for Flavorful Soups
Start by sautéing aromatics like onions and garlic. This builds flavor. Then add other veggies and cook until soft.
Roast vegetables before adding them to soup. This adds depth. Sear meat to lock in flavor before adding it to the pot.
Simmer soups low and slow. This helps flavors meld. Skim off any foam that forms on top.
Blend some or all of your soup for a smoother texture. Add fresh herbs at the end for bright flavor.
Taste as you go and adjust seasoning. Let soup rest before serving to let flavors develop.
Pairing Soups with Sides for Complete Meals
Soups taste great on their own, but adding the right side dish can turn them into satisfying meals. The best pairings complement the soup’s flavors and textures.
Best Bread Pairings
Crusty bread is a classic soup companion. Try dipping a slice of warm baguette into creamy tomato soup. For heartier options, go for thick slices of sourdough or whole grain bread.
Garlic bread adds zesty flavor to milder soups like chicken noodle. For a twist, try cheese-topped croutons or savory herb biscuits.
Grilled cheese sandwiches make the perfect match for tomato soup. The crispy, melty sandwich balances the smooth soup texture.
Complementary Salads
A fresh salad adds crunch and vitamins to your soup meal. Pair creamy soups with light green salads dressed in vinaigrette.
For broth-based soups, try a chopped salad with crisp veggies and tangy dressing. Cucumber and tomato salad goes well with vegetable soups.
Wilted spinach salad with warm bacon dressing tastes great with potato soup. For a hearty combo, add roasted sweet potatoes and fennel to Swiss chard.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
