55 Soup Recipes You Have To Try

There is really nothing like a bowl of soup when you want comforting food on a cold day. Whether it’s a thin broth packed with meat and veg, or a thick and creamy soup with a silky finish, this varied dish is sure to satisfy.

Soup is eaten basically everywhere on the planet, which means there’s always a new soup to try! Check out our guide to find the best soup recipes for every mood, and every occasion. 

Comforting Soup For Cold Days

1. Wild Rice And Mushroom Soup

The earthy and meaty flavors of mushroom combine with nutty wild rice for a soup that’s just perfect for cold fall evenings.  The wild rice takes longer to cook than other rices, but give it time, and let the flavors release.

2. Cabbage Roll Soup

You’ll only need a spoon to tuck into this deconstructed take on the classic cabbage roll soup. There’s no rolling required, just shredded cabbage, ground beef, rice, and a delicious tomato broth. Make in advance to allow the flavors to deepen.

3. Split Pea Soup With Ham

Split pea soup is a classic comfort food. In fact, it’s so classic that the Ancient Greeks used to tuck into a bowl! Use smoked ham shank for a soup that produces layered flavors with just a few ingredients.

4. One Pot Lasagna Soup

This one pot lasagna soup is a massive crowd pleaser, and so easy to make you’ll wish you discovered the recipe sooner. It’s quicker to make than a lasagna, while retaining all those classic flavors.

Finish with a swirl of herbed ricotta cream, for a soup that all the family will love.

5. Indian Green Lentil Soup

Indian green lentil soup combines the classic flavors of lentil soup with aromatic and fragrant Indian spices.

Full fat coconut milk adds creaminess, while a spoonful of melted ghee finishes the dish off. It’s even better the next day, so make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.

6. White Bean And Lemon Soup

A creamy soup for those who can’t (or don’t) eat dairy, this white bean and lemon soup recipe achieves a thicker broth with the addition of blended cannellini beans. A squeeze of lemon lightens the bowl.

7. Italian Minestrone Soup

Just the smell of minestrone soup bubbling away on the stove is comforting, which is why this dish has become such a classic rainy day favorite.

Minestrone soup is a great one for using the odds and ends in your fridge, as all vegetables are transformed by this rich tomato broth. Finish by stirring through a handful of spinach leaves, and sprinkle with a hearty helping of Parmesan cheese.

8. Tomato Basil Soup

The comforting properties of a bowl of tomato soup cannot be overstated. The flavors of tomato are so bold and vivid, while the addition of chopped basil adds aroma.

By blending the tomatoes and adding a cup of cream, the soup becomes incredibly silky and smooth. Of course, the perfect accompaniment for this soup is grilled cheese, but it’s just as delicious on its own.

9. Vegetable Soup

It’s the simplicity of vegetable soup that makes it such a comforting classic.

Made using whatever vegetables you have to hand, and a few herbs that most people have in their pantry, vegetable soup is a dinner for those days when you just want something easy. Minimal effort will reward you with a hearty bowl of goodness.

10. French Onion Soup

Sweet caramelized onions, meaty beef broth, and creamy cheese — French onion soup combines the three for a soup to enjoy year round.

This French onion soup recipe lightens things up by using reduced-fat Swiss cheese, and brings that comforting creaminess for spring and fall days. But go for traditional Gruyère when you want a warming classic.

11. Chicken And Wild Rice Soup

Everyone knows just how good chicken soup is for improving your mood, and we love the nuttiness added by the wild rice in this recipe. It’s an easy recipe to master, and comes together in just one pan. This is a great way to use up shredded chicken.

Delicious And Creamy Soup

12. Creamy Zucchini Soup

Zucchini soup is creamy but light, and perfect for a summer evening. The blended soup packs in the veggies, but the creamy finish will appeal to children. A fantastic way to sneak some extra vegetables in!

13. Homemade Mushroom Soup

The meaty flavor of mushrooms forms the base of this creamy soup that tastes extra delicious on cold fall days. Once made, it can last for four days. Trust us, you won’t get tired of the flavor.

14. Broccoli Pesto Soup

Broccoli cheddar might be the better known soup, but this broccoli pesto is a simple and nourishing take on the classic. The whole broccoli is used to give the soup its creaminess. Yes, that includes the stems! They’re surprisingly tasty, and full of nutrients.

15. Brie And Cheddar Apple Beer Soup

The combination of cheesy beer soup and sweet apple is no-fuss, and ideal for lunchtimes. The sweetness of the apple lightens the sharp cheese, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper finishes things off. Enjoy with a pretzel!

16. Southwestern Corn Chowder

You might be surprised to find that this southwestern corn chowder doesn’t actually use cream. Instead, blended butter and a spoonful of crème fraîche adds thickness, without dulling flavor.

17. Creamy Asparagus Soup

A perfect spring soup, asparagus and Greek yogurt are combined for a lighter broth to be enjoyed during lingering cold spells. Asparagus lovers won’t be able to resist, and even non-asparagus lovers will want to give it a try.

18. Sweet Potato Soup

If the vibrant orange of this sweet potato soup isn’t enough to cheer you up on a cold day, the sweet and smoky flavor should do it.

Sweet potatoes are at the heart of this dish, while coconut milk adds richness without weight. Finished with smoked paprika and apple cider vinegar, this is a masterful blend of flavors.

19. Garlic Creamy Cauliflower Soup

The subtle flavors of cauliflower act as a base for an intense hit of garlic in this creamy cauliflower soup recipe. They recommend using four cloves, but garlic lovers might want to play around with the measurements to really boost the flavor.

The pine nuts add a nutty creaminess to the body of the soup, and a crunchy texture when sprinkled over the top of your finished soup.

20. Miso Butternut Squash Soup

Slowly roasting your butternut squash adds a caramelized sweetness to the vegetable, which goes fantastic in this creamy soup.

The yellow miso paste adds a fun twist to the classic dish, and allows you to pack in umami flavors without needing a lot of extra ingredients.

Keep things vegetarian by using a vegetable broth, or up the comfort food factor with a chicken broth base. Either way, it’s certain to be delicious on a fall day.

21. Clam Chowder

Looking for a date night dinner that’s low effort but bursts with restaurant quality flavors? Try this classic clam chowder recipe!

It’s surprisingly easy to pull together, and the clam and potato combination tastes decadent without needing hours of hard work. It doesn’t freeze well, but that hardly matters — you’ll probably finish off the entire pot in one go.

22. Lobster Bisque

Lobster bisque is the ultimate test for any soup aficionado. This luxury recipe might take some time to come together, but it’s so worth it for the final dish. The key to lobster bisque is all in the stock.

For a quick solution, use prepared seafood stock as the base for your lobster bisque. But if you really want to push the (fishing) boat out, make it from scratch when you have someone to impress. 

Hot And Spicy Soup

23. Cowboy Pinto Bean Soup (Frijoles Charros)

Pinto beans, chili, and thick cut bacon are used to make this spicy soup recipe that’s sure to be a family favorite. Make in a slow cooker for a low effort soup that will fill your home with enticing aromas as it bubbles away.

24. Taco Soup

Not quite a taco, not quite a chili, taco soup is its own incredible meal. It comes packed with vegetables, and you can use pre-bought taco seasoning to speed up the cooking process. Stock up on toppings, for a new take on taco Tuesday.

25. Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

Thai red curry paste is an amazing base for soups because a little of it goes a long way. Choose a spicier curry paste for a hotter dish, or keep things mild for younger children. The plant-based dinner is a great way to introduce tofu to the menu.

26. Chinese Beef And Broccoli Soup

Known as a take-out classic, this recipe transforms Chinese beef and broccoli into a delicious and spicy soup. Head to your local Asian grocery store to pick up the oyster sauce and Sambal Oelek that gives this dish such a layered flavor.

27. Black Bean Soup

Using just 1 pot and taking only 30 minutes, this black bean soup is immensely satisfying. Be careful to taste as you go, to adjust the heat levels to your liking. Finish with a few squares of dark chocolate, to add depth but not sweetness.

28. Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup

Almost guaranteed to cheer you up on a rainy day, this authentic Mexican chicken soup roasts tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a smoky soup base. A large Ancho chili adds heat, while a dollop of Mexican crema cools things down.

29. Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum soup is a staple of every Thai restaurant, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why. This recipe is based on the flavors you’d find buying Thai street food Tom Yum soup.

Combining classic Asian flavors such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, Tom Yum soup is a refreshing seafood broth. Add evaporated milk for a creamy version, or keep things clear on hot days.

30. Sopa Azteca (Tortilla Soup)

Sopa Azteca is a hot and spicy vegetarian soup that uses slowly simmered broth to bring an intense flavor. Dried pastille chiles are best for an authentic flavor, but if you can’t find them, try experimenting with the chili options you have available.

Making your own fried corn tortilla chips is a great way to control the salt level, but for an easier method, use store bought tortilla chips.

31. Hot And Sour Soup

Hot and sour soup at a Chinese buffet can either be a culinary highlight, or a gooey mess. But with this homemade version, you can have an authentic and flavorsome soup every time.

Another benefit to homemade soup is that you can control the ingredients levels. Add as much (or as little) vinegar as you want, and play around with the spice levels.

32. Chipotle Black Bean Tortilla Soup

The key ingredient to this black bean tortilla soup is the chipotle salsa, which adds a big boost of flavor. The easiest method is to use store-bought salsa, but you can always make a batch of homemade salsa in advance.

It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, and can be safely stored in the freezer for a month. That way, you can make your favorite soup fresh, whenever the mood strikes.

33. Chili

Chili is a classic, and it’s very hard to get this dinner wrong! As it simmers and bubbles, check and adjust the flavorings, to be sure you have the perfect spice level.

We recommend making it in advance, so the flavors have the opportunity to deepen over time. Even better, most of the ingredients are store cupboard basics!

Filling Soup

34. Pinto Posole

This pinto posole soup will make you long for cold days, just so you can curl up inside with a big bowl of this hearty stew. Traditional posole is made with pork, but this recipe trades in pinto beans for a vegan take on a classic.

35. Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Soup

Adding a new layer to the classic tomato soup, this roasted red pepper tomato soup has a hint of sweetness from the addition of coconut milk. Roast the red peppers over an open flame for a charred skin and an intense flavor.

36. Carrot And Coriander Soup

Sweet and earthy carrots are combined with aromatic ground coriander and lashings of cream for a winter dish that’s easy and filling. Enjoy with a big slice of artisan bread, and a heavy sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

37. Short Rib Onion Soup

Short rib onion soup is a winter favorite that’s so good you might even be tempted to serve it on Christmas day. The oven braised short ribs form a decadent base, which is enhanced with the addition of caramelized onions, and finished with cheese croutons. 

38. Cannellini Bean And Rosemary Soup

It’s the hefty sprig of fresh rosemary that gives this soup a unique flavor profile, combined with the creamy tenderness of cannellini beans. With a big glug of olive oil, this soup tastes just like fall in Italy.

39. 5 Ingredient Bean Soup

Yes, you need just five ingredients to put together this incredibly delicious bean soup.

This is the perfect dinner for when you want something filling on a cold day, but you don’t have the energy for a difficult prep. The recipe is for a big batch, so keep some in the freezer for your next lazy lunch.

40. Chicken Gnocchi Soup

The gnocchi in this chicken gnocchi soup acts as an alternative to dumplings, soaking and absorbing the flavors of garlic, bacon, and Italian herbs and spices.

Incredibly tender after an hour in the crockpot, each bite delivers a mixture of creamy, fluffy, comforting goodness. On a dark and cold evening, this soup will warm you up from the inside.

41. Sausage, Kale, And White Bean Soup

A richer and creamier take on the traditional Tuscan soup, this sausage, kale, and white bean recipe is a family-friendly recipe that’s very simple to make.

It feels a little like a stew, with the combination of sausage, potatoes, and cannellini beans, but you won’t want to debate the difference once you’ve had your first bite. 

42. Potato Soup

Potato soup is perhaps the ultimate in filling comfort foods. This is what you dream of eating after a long walk on a winter day.

We love this recipe because it elevates the humble potato, making it the star of the show, rather than drowning it out with bacon and cheese. Although, we definitely recommend adding a grating of cheddar at the end!

43. Greek Red Lentil Soup

If you’ve found lentils tend to be a boring addition to otherwise delicious soups and stews, then you have to let this Greek red lentil soup change your mind.

Absolutely loaded with herbs and spices, this Mediterranean dish comes with layers of zest and warmth, finishing with a slight hit of chili. The lemon lightens the dish, while a handful of salty feta brings tang.

44. Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup 

There is nothing quite like chicken noodle soup for filling you up after a long, hard day. This is the ultimate in comfort food: creamy, rich, and delicious.

Master this recipe, and you’ll have the perfect meal to tuck into with a slice of artisanal bread whenever you need a pick me up.

Other

45. Spring Pea Soup With Fresh Herbs

Soup isn’t just for cold days, and this spring pea soup with fresh herbs is the perfect lunch dish for when warmer months are on the horizon.

Celebrating the best of the fresh produce, this soup zings with bright flavors from chopped herbs and newly shelled peas. Serve with a dollop of yogurt.

46. African Peanut Soup Recipe

Nutty flavors are often under-utilized in soup, which is why the African peanut soup is so fantastic.

Combining peanut butter with yams (see also ‘26 Yam Recipes You Need To Try‘), tomatoes, and garbanzo beans, this is a soup with earthy depth. It’s a good summer soup, thanks to the rich spicing, but it is also delicious in winter, where the creamy texture adds extra comfort.

47. Gazpacho

Gazpacho is an oddity in the soup world, served cold rather than piping hot. Although it sounds unusual, you’ll soon fall in love with this refreshing summer soup.

Blend the ingredients until they’re silky smooth, and leave to chill for a couple of hours. Top with some leftover veg, or a sprinkling of ham, and crack over some black pepper. Enjoy while sitting in the sunshine.

48. Chicken Sotanghon Soup

Perhaps best known as Filipino chicken noodle soup, chicken sotanghon soup is a fresh take on the classic dish. Dried shiitake mushrooms add the oh-so important umami flavor, while the mung bean noodles give the dish its name, and texture. 

49. Simple Wonton Soup

Wonton soup is a takeaway classic, but the homemade version is just so much better.

Making those delicate wontons can take some time, but they freeze well for wonton soup whenever you want. Bring the family together, and make a big batch at the kitchen counter.

50. Italian Wedding Soup

Don’t let the name fool you — this is not just a soup for a wedding. In fact, the name comes from the marriage of flavors that you’ll find in the bowl. Make yourself up a batch, and discover why you and this soup are a match made in heaven.

51. Easy Homemade Ramen 

Master a basic ramen recipe, and you’ll have access to a soup that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

A Japanese noodle soup, ramen combines a hearty broth with thick and chewy noodles, and whatever toppings you can dream up!

On lazy days, top your ramen with mushrooms and a fried egg. Planning a special occasion? Go all out with seafood ramen.

52. Cioppino

The perfect soup for seafood lovers, Cioppino combines fresh fish and shellfish in one big bowl of goodness.

A fairly simple tomato sauce forms the base, where it’s enriched and enhanced by the addition of crab, shrimp, mussels, and clams.

Serve with a heavy squeeze of lemon juice, and a loaf of crusty bread. And plenty of napkins, because this is a hands-on kind of soup.

53. Miso Soup

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup that’s often eaten as an appetizer in America, and alongside rice in Japan. It’s also a popular Japanese breakfast item, and once you’ve had soup for breakfast on a cold morning, you’ll understand why!

54. Egg Drop Soup

Restaurant quality egg drop soup can be made at home in just 30 minutes with this incredible recipe. The trick is all in the egg pour.

Go slow and stir constantly, until the eggs have set into those delicious and silky ribbons. Eat as is, or serve alongside fried wonton strips.

55. Gumbo

Everyone has their own version of gumbo, a Creole soup that’s traditionally eaten in Louisiana.

Start with this amazing recipe for traditional New Orleans gumbo, and then you can try experimenting with the addition of other Creole classic ingredients. Gumbo is a soup for celebrating, and is often eaten around Mardi Gras. 

Frequently Asked Question

What Is The Secret To Making Good Soup?

Good soup is all about patience. Give ingredients the chance to simmer and cook together, so the depth of flavor can be released.

Often, good soup is made hours in advance, and only gets better the next day. Also, don’t forget to check your seasonings as you cook!

What Is The Best Soup In The World?

Tough question! Almost every nationality across the globe has its own version of soup, so there is a lot of competition to choose from. Cioppino, Tom Yum, Gazpacho, Gumbo, Peanut soup — it’s very hard to decide!

Should You Make Your Own Stock?

Making your own stock is surprisingly easy, and allows you to adjust the flavor levels to your preferred amount. So, no more overly salty stocks ruining your creamy soup.

Make up a big batch of stock, and freeze the extra for quick soup bases. However, store bought stock will work well in many recipes, and cuts down on time and effort.

Does Soup Get Better The Longer It’s Cooked?

Simmering soup to allow it to cook slowly often gives time for the flavors to release, creating a layered dish.

Most soups benefit from a longer cooking time, but that isn’t true for all soup. Some, like egg drop soup, are just as delicious, and only take a few minutes to cook.

There’s so much variety to soup! This dish is perfect for any time of day, and any time of year. Especially when you see just how many choices are available!

We hope this guide to our favorite soups will help keep you warm on cold days, and refreshed throughout the year!