17 Comforting Soups We’ll Be Cooking All Season
When temperatures drop and cozy sweaters come out of storage, nothing warms you up quite like a steaming bowl of soup.
Get ready to ladle up some serious comfort with these twenty recipes that’ll keep your kitchen smelling amazing all season long.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
Your grandma wasn’t kidding when she called this liquid gold. Tender chicken, slurpy noodles, and vegetables swimming in savory broth create pure magic in a bowl.
It’s the ultimate cure for cold days, bad moods, and actual colds. Plus, making it from scratch fills your house with the kind of smell that makes everyone suddenly appear in the kitchen asking what’s for dinner.
2. Tomato Basil Soup
Silky smooth and bursting with tangy-sweet flavor, this classic pairs perfectly with grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort combo. Fresh basil adds an aromatic punch that canned versions just can’t match.
Roasting the tomatoes first deepens the flavor and adds a subtle smokiness. One spoonful and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for the stuff from a can.
3. Creamy Potato Soup
Loaded with chunks of tender potatoes and finished with all your favorite baked potato toppings, this soup is basically a hug in edible form.
Bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives transform simple spuds into something spectacular.
It’s thick enough to be filling but smooth enough to feel indulgent. Perfect for using up those potatoes sitting in your pantry.
4. French Onion Soup
Patience is the secret ingredient here – slowly caramelized onions turn sweet and deeply flavored in rich beef broth. Top it with crusty bread and melted Gruyere cheese for that iconic gooey, stretchy pull.
Yes, your eyes might water while chopping all those onions, but the end result is totally worth the tears. Fancy enough for company, comforting enough for Tuesday night.
5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Sneaking vegetables into your diet has never been this delicious. Sharp cheddar cheese makes broccoli taste like the star it was always meant to be, all wrapped up in a velvety cream base.
Serve it in a bread bowl and suddenly you’ve got an edible dish situation happening. Kids who claim to hate broccoli will mysteriously clean their bowls without complaint.
6. Beef Stew
Technically a stew, but it earns its spot because it’s basically soup’s heartier cousin. Melt-in-your-mouth beef chunks, root vegetables, and a rich gravy-like broth create the ultimate stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Low and slow cooking transforms tough meat into fork-tender perfection. It tastes even better the next day, which makes it ideal for meal prep or planned leftovers.
7. Clam Chowder
Creamy, briny, and packed with tender clams and potatoes, this coastal classic brings beachside vibes to your kitchen. Whether you’re team New England white or Manhattan red, there’s no wrong answer here.
Oyster crackers are basically mandatory – it’s the law. Fun fact: San Francisco’s sourdough bread bowls were invented specifically for this soup, proving great minds think deliciously.
8. Butternut Squash Soup
Autumn in a bowl, this vibrant orange soup tastes like fall decided to get cozy. Naturally sweet squash gets a flavor boost from warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of maple syrup.
Roasting the squash beforehand caramelizes its sugars and intensifies the flavor. Top with toasted pepitas and a cream drizzle for Instagram-worthy presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
9. Lentil Soup
Budget-friendly and nutrition-packed, lentils create a satisfying soup that’s hearty without being heavy. Earthy flavors mingle with vegetables and spices for a bowl that’s wholesome and filling.
No soaking required unlike other legumes, which means you can go from craving to eating in under an hour. Add a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten everything up beautifully.
10. Minestrone
Italy’s gift to vegetable lovers everywhere, this soup is basically a garden party in a bowl. Pasta, beans, and whatever vegetables you have on hand swim together in a tomato-herb broth.
No two batches are exactly alike, which is part of its charm. Grate fresh Parmesan on top and serve with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth.
11. Cream of Mushroom Soup
Forget the canned stuff – homemade cream of mushroom soup is an entirely different experience. Earthy mushrooms get sautéed until golden, then blended into a silky, umami-rich base that’s pure luxury.
A splash of sherry or white wine adds complexity that elevates this from simple to sophisticated. Drizzle with truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy and watch dinner guests swoon.
12. Split Pea Soup with Ham
This hearty green soup turns leftover ham bone into liquid gold. Split peas break down into a thick, creamy consistency without needing any dairy, making it naturally rich and satisfying.
It’s the kind of soup that gets better as it sits, developing deeper flavors overnight. Smoky ham and tender vegetables make every spoonful feel like a warm blanket on a cold day.
13. Tortilla Soup
Spicy, tangy, and loaded with toppings, this Mexican-inspired soup brings serious flavor and fun. The base is tomato-y and chile-spiked, while crispy tortilla strips add that essential crunch factor.
Pile on avocado, cheese, cilantro, and lime for a customizable experience everyone will love. It’s like eating nachos and soup at the same time – what could be better than that?
14. Corn Chowder
Sweet corn kernels suspended in creamy, buttery broth make this soup taste like summer, even when it’s freezing outside. Bacon and potatoes add substance, while a touch of cayenne brings subtle heat.
Fresh corn works best during peak season, but frozen corn makes this a year-round possibility. Blending half the soup creates creaminess while leaving some kernels whole for texture.
15. Vegetable Barley Soup
Chewy barley grains make this vegetable soup extra hearty and filling. It’s loaded with whatever vegetables you have hanging around, making it the ultimate clean-out-the-fridge recipe.
The barley adds a pleasant, nutty texture that keeps things interesting. Completely vegetarian but satisfying enough that even meat lovers won’t miss it, especially when served with warm, crusty bread for dunking.
16. Pumpkin Soup
Not just for lattes, pumpkin makes an incredibly smooth and slightly sweet soup that’s perfect for fall. Warming spices like ginger and curry powder add complexity without overwhelming the delicate pumpkin flavor.
Coconut milk creates a dairy-free creaminess that’s absolutely luxurious. Top with toasted pepitas for crunch and serve in small portions as an elegant starter or larger bowls for a light meal.
17. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Similar to regular tortilla soup but with extra chicken for protein lovers. This zesty, tomato-based soup gets its kick from jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder that wake up your taste buds.
The toppings are where the magic happens – crispy strips, creamy avocado, tangy lime, and melted cheese create textural heaven. It’s basically a fiesta in a bowl, and everyone’s invited to the party.
