Soups are a timeless comfort food that can warm you up on cold days and satisfy your hunger any time of year.
From hearty stews to light broths, these versatile dishes offer endless possibilities for combining flavors and ingredients.
Whether you prefer classic chicken noodle or adventurous international options, there’s a soup recipe to match every taste preference.
Finding the perfect soup recipe can transform your meal planning and provide nourishing options for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Many soups are surprisingly easy to prepare, often requiring just one pot and minimal hands-on time.
You can also customize most recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions or to use up vegetables and proteins you already have in your kitchen.
With these 21 best soup recipes, you’ll discover new favorites to add to your regular cooking rotation.
1. Avgolemono – Greek Chicken and Rice Soup
Avgolemono soup is a Greek classic that combines chicken, rice, and a silky lemon-egg sauce. This comforting dish features a rich, fragrant broth that’s both tangy and smooth.
You’ll find this soup incredibly satisfying with its simple ingredients.
Tender shredded chicken and arborio rice provide substance, while the egg-lemon mixture gives it a distinctive velvety texture.
You can prepare this Mediterranean favorite in about 30 minutes. The soup typically includes onions, carrots, and celery sautéed in olive oil before adding the broth.
Avgolemono is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal that’s both comforting and bright-tasting.
2. Italian Sausage Soup
Italian sausage soup combines savory sausage with a flavorful tomato-based broth. This hearty dish features vegetables like zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition.
The soup is often seasoned with basil, oregano, and a splash of red wine to enhance its rich flavor profile.
Many recipes include pasta such as ditalini or fettuccine to make it more filling.
You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level.
This is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for family dinners.
This comforting soup is both healthy and satisfying. The protein from the Italian sausage paired with vegetables creates a balanced meal you’ll want to make again.
3. Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food that you can make in just over an hour. It’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time or make homemade chicken stock for a richer flavor. Either way, the results will be delicious.
The basic ingredients include chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and egg noodles. You can customize your soup by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary.
For the best taste, use quality chicken stock if you’re not making it from scratch.
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep.
4. Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup offers comfort in a bowl with its rich texture and wholesome ingredients. This satisfying soup combines tender chicken, nutty wild rice, and fresh vegetables in a velvety broth.
You can prepare this hearty dish in just 20 minutes of active cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also an excellent way to use leftover chicken.
The classic combination includes carrots, celery, and herbs that create a balanced flavor profile. Some recipes even add a touch of lemon for brightness.
You can make this soup in a slow cooker for convenience, allowing the flavors to meld together while you handle other tasks.
5. Delicious Ham and Potato Soup
Ham and potato soup is a perfect way to use leftover ham. This hearty dish combines tender potatoes, savory ham, and fresh vegetables in a rich broth.
The basic ingredients include potatoes, ham, onions, and celery. You can also add carrots and green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
To make the soup, simply boil the ham and vegetables in water until tender. Some recipes call for butter to create a richer base.
For a creamier version, you can add cheese to the mixture. This transforms the soup into a thick, comforting meal that’s especially satisfying on cold days.
6. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup is a flavorful, Mexican-inspired dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. You can easily make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for a convenient weeknight meal.
This versatile soup typically contains chicken, tomatoes, black beans, and corn. It’s seasoned with zesty spices that give it a distinctive Southwestern flavor profile.
For a simple version, you can use just six canned ingredients. Many recipes can be adapted for cooking methods like the Instant Pot, which yields tender chicken and deep flavors in less time.
Serve topped with tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese for a complete meal that’s filling and delicious.
7. Classic French Onion Soup
French onion soup combines simple ingredients to create rich, savory flavors. The star of this dish is caramelized onions, which develop a sweet depth when cooked slowly.
Traditional recipes use beef stock as the base, though some variations exist. For the best flavor, make your own broth and add a dash of balsamic vinegar to enhance the taste.
The signature finish includes a slice of bread topped with melted gruyère cheese. The bread and cheese are gratinéed until crispy and golden, creating a delicious contrast to the soup below.
You can enjoy this soup as a starter or pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
8. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup combines tender broccoli with rich, melted cheddar cheese in a creamy base. You can prepare this comforting classic in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The soup can be made healthier by using cauliflower instead of cream as a thickening agent. Some recipes also use potatoes to create creaminess without heavy cream.
You only need about five basic ingredients to make a simple version. The soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping or can stand alone as a satisfying meal.
Try this versatile soup that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
9. Navy Bean Soup
Navy bean soup is a hearty comfort food that’s perfect for cold nights. You can make this flavorful dish with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Most recipes include smoky ham or ham hock that adds rich flavor as it simmers low and slow with the beans. The combination creates a delicious, warming meal.
You can also find vegetable versions if you prefer a meatless option. Either way, this soup typically includes onions and other vegetables for added nutrition and taste.
For convenience, you can use either dried beans (soaked overnight) or canned beans. Both methods produce a satisfying soup that’s both filling and nourishing.
10. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup brings deep flavor through oven-roasted tomatoes that caramelize to perfection. The process intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness while adding a subtle smokiness.
This comforting soup combines roasted tomatoes with fresh basil, garlic, and caramelized onions. You can adjust the creaminess to your preference with optional add-ins.
For the best results, use ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic comfort food combination.
You can prepare a large batch and freeze portions for easy weeknight meals. It’s popular with both kids and adults alike.
11. Chicken Coconut Soup with Lemongrass
Chicken Coconut Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is a Thai classic that balances rich creaminess with bright, tangy flavors. The soup gets its distinctive taste from coconut milk, lemongrass, and lime.
Key ingredients include chicken, ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. These aromatic elements infuse the coconut broth with complex flavors.
You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by adding more or less pepper. The combination of salty, tangy, and creamy makes this soup uniquely satisfying.
This comforting dish works well as a starter or a main course when served with rice. It’s perfect for cold evenings or when you need a flavorful meal.
12. Cheeseburger Soup
Cheeseburger soup combines the flavors of your favorite burger in a creamy, comforting bowl. This hearty dish features ground beef, melty cheese, and vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
You can make this soup in just 20 minutes for a quick weeknight meal, or let it simmer in a slow cooker for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor. The creamy broth carries all the savory elements you love about cheeseburgers.
Many recipes include burger-inspired toppings and mix-ins. Some even incorporate french fries for an authentic cheeseburger experience. This family-friendly soup is filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
13. Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup brings all the comfort of traditional pot pie in an easy-to-make soup form. This creamy, hearty dish combines tender chicken with a variety of vegetables in a rich broth.
You’ll find it’s perfect for weeknight meals when you want something satisfying without much effort. The simple ingredients create a tasty dish that even picky eaters enjoy.
For extra convenience, you can prepare this soup in a slow cooker. Just add your ingredients and let it simmer throughout the day.
Serve with some crusty bread or biscuits on top to mimic the classic pot pie crust experience. It’s a cozy meal that works well year-round, especially on chilly evenings.
14. Vegetarian Enchilada Soup
Vegetarian Enchilada Soup brings all the flavors of traditional enchiladas into a comforting bowl. This one-pot wonder combines diced onions, red bell peppers, and jalapeños for a perfect balance of flavor and heat.
The soup typically includes black beans and sometimes rice, making it hearty and protein-rich. Ground cumin adds that classic enchilada warmth.
You can customize this soup with your favorite toppings. Try adding avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips.
This healthy option comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. For a vegan version, simply skip any dairy toppings or use plant-based alternatives.
15. Cauliflower Cheese Soup
Cauliflower cheese soup combines the mild flavor of cauliflower with the rich taste of cheese for a comforting meal. You can prepare this creamy soup in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for weekday lunches or dinners.
The basic recipe calls for cauliflower, potatoes, celery, carrots, and onions boiled until tender. These vegetables create a hearty base for the soup.
No heavy cream is needed for this satisfying dish. The cheese provides all the creaminess you want in a soup.
You can customize your soup by adding different cheeses or roasting the cauliflower first for deeper flavor. This simple yet delicious soup is both adult and child-approved.
16. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone is a hearty Italian soup packed with vegetables, beans, and sometimes pasta or rice. It’s incredibly versatile, letting you use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand.
This soup makes a complete meal with its balanced mix of proteins, carbs, and vegetables. You can easily customize it based on seasonal produce or your preferences.
For a healthier version, try a 21 Day Fix adaptation that maintains the traditional Italian flavors. Pair your minestrone with Italian sides for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
The best part? Minestrone relies on pantry staples, making it an easy and comforting option for any day of the week.
17. Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a hearty soup that brings comfort on chilly days. This classic dish combines clams, potatoes, onions, and celery in a flavorful base.
You can enjoy two main types: New England style with a creamy base or Manhattan style with a tomato base. The creamy version often includes bacon for extra flavor.
Making clam chowder at home is easier than you might think. You need just a few basic ingredients plus fresh or canned clams.
For a healthier version, some recipes substitute cauliflower for heavy cream while maintaining that rich, creamy texture you love.
18. Spicy Black Bean Soup
Spicy Black Bean Soup is a hearty meal that comes together quickly with minimal effort. You can make this velvety soup in just 20 minutes using one pot and fewer than 10 ingredients.
Many recipes call for pureeing half the beans while leaving the rest whole for texture. This creates a perfect balance of smoothness and substance.
The soup gets its kick from ingredients like chipotle chilies, jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
For a complete meal, try making it in a slow cooker with chicken broth and spices. The flavors develop beautifully over time.
19. Lentil and Spinach Soup
Lentil and spinach soup is a hearty dish that combines protein-rich lentils with nutrient-packed spinach. Red or brown lentils work best for this recipe.
Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add lentils, vegetable broth, and your favorite spices like cumin or thyme.
Let the soup simmer until the lentils are tender, about 25-30 minutes. Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. You can enjoy this soup as is or with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
20. Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum is a hot and sour Thai soup known for its bold flavors. It gets its distinctive taste from three key herbs: lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves.
This popular soup often features prawns (Tom Yum Goong) but works well with chicken or as a vegetable version too. Mushrooms are a common addition that adds earthy notes to the broth.
You can customize Tom Yum with different proteins or keep it vegetarian. Some recipes call for a touch of sugar to balance the sour and spicy elements.
Making Tom Yum at home is simpler than you might think. With the right ingredients, you can create an authentic version just as delicious as what you’d find in Thailand.
21. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for cool weather. You can make it dairy-free and gluten-free while maintaining its rich texture.
Most recipes combine butternut squash with aromatics like ginger and herbs such as rosemary and sage. This combination creates a soup with deep fall flavors.
You can prepare this versatile soup on the stovetop, in an Instant Pot, or even a slow cooker. The cooking method is simple: cook until the squash is tender, then blend until smooth.
For those following specific meal plans like the 21 Day Fix, butternut squash soup can be a healthy, compliant option. It’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Health Benefits of Soup
Soups offer more than just warmth and comfort. They pack nutritional value and support your body’s natural defenses, making them an excellent addition to your diet year-round.
Nutritional Value
Soups are nutrient powerhouses that can help you meet daily nutritional needs. When made with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, they deliver essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber in one bowl.
Broth-based soups typically contain fewer calories than cream-based options, making them ideal for weight management.
A cup of vegetable soup averages just 75-150 calories while providing satisfying fullness.
Soups retain more nutrients than other cooking methods because vitamins and minerals that leach into the cooking liquid remain in your bowl. This makes nutrients more bioavailable – easier for your body to absorb and use.
Many soups contain high-protein ingredients like chicken, fish, beans, or lentils. These protein sources help maintain muscle mass and keep you feeling full longer.
Immune System Support
Warm soups can be particularly beneficial during cold and flu season. The steam helps clear congestion, while the warm liquid soothes sore throats and provides necessary hydration.
Research shows that chicken soup may help reduce inflammation and ease cold symptoms. The combination of protein, vegetables, and warm broth supports your body’s natural healing processes.
Many soup ingredients like garlic, onions, ginger, and mushrooms contain compounds with antibacterial and antiviral properties. These ingredients can help strengthen your immune response.
Vegetable-rich soups provide vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc – nutrients critical for immune function. Just one serving of tomato soup can provide up to 20% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Tips for Making the Best Soup
Making delicious soup requires attention to ingredients and proper cooking methods. These tips will help you create flavorful, satisfying soups every time.
Selecting Ingredients
Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables provide better flavor than frozen ones, though frozen can work in a pinch.
Choose the right broth for your soup. Homemade stock offers the richest flavor, but store-bought works well too. Look for low-sodium options so you can control the salt level.
Herbs add depth to soups. Fresh herbs work best when added near the end of cooking, while dried herbs should go in earlier. Bay leaves, thyme, and parsley complement many soup varieties.
Don’t forget about seasoning. Raw vegetables need proper seasoning, and you’ll likely need to adjust salt levels throughout cooking. Taste as you go and season accordingly.
Cooking Techniques
Develop flavor foundations by sautéing aromatics first. Cook onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in oil or butter until soft. Then, add other ingredients.
Control your heat level. A gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil preserves textures and flavors. Aggressive boiling can make vegetables mushy and meat tough.
Consider cooking time for each ingredient. Add harder vegetables (carrots, potatoes) earlier and quick-cooking items (peas, spinach) toward the end.
Allow flavors to meld. Many soups taste better the next day after ingredients have had time to blend.
Finish with fresh elements like herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a drizzle of olive oil to brighten flavors just before serving.
