A steaming bowl of soup is one of the simplest comforts, and here you’ll find a curated collection of 35 of the best soup recipes to carry you through the cool months. From classic chicken noodle and potato soup to vegetable-packed minestrone and creamy butternut squash, there’s something for every appetite and dietary preference.
January is Soup Month, so it’s the perfect time to gather a selection of favorite soup recipes. I enjoy soup year-round — it’s comforting, filling, and ideal for meal prep. One of the best features of soup is how adaptable it is: swap in different vegetables, proteins, grains, or pantry staples to suit vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets.
Whether you prefer silky purees, chunky stews, or light broths, you’ll find recipes here that are easy to customize and enjoy.
10 tips to make the best soup
- Use homemade stock. A good stock is the backbone of great soup. Bone-based stocks add body and a silky mouthfeel, while a homemade vegetable stock brings a fresh depth to vegetarian soups.
- Start with a mirepoix. Sautéed onion, carrot, and celery form a flavorful base. Browning them creates fond and builds savory complexity.
- Don’t add too much liquid. Add only enough liquid to cover the ingredients by a few inches. You can always thin a thick soup later, or thicken a thin one by pureeing part of it, adding mashed beans, or stirring in cream, yogurt, or coconut milk.
- Salt as you go. Seasoning in layers helps each ingredient shine. Taste toward the end, because ingredients like canned tomatoes or store-bought stock can add sodium.
- Bone-in ingredients add richness. Using bone-in chicken, turkey, or ham hocks contributes flavor and collagen for a fuller texture.
- Use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh thyme, parsley, basil, and rosemary lift soups with bright flavor. If using dried herbs, remember that 1 tablespoon fresh equals about 1 teaspoon dried.
- Add acidity. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar near the end brightens flavors and balances richness.
- Add umami. Parmesan rind, tomato paste, soy sauce, tamari, or anchovy paste deepen savory notes.
- Spice it up. Warm spices, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce can add welcome heat and complexity.
- Customize freely. Swap vegetables, proteins, and grains to adapt recipes to your preferences or dietary needs.
Most popular soup recipes — you can’t beat the classics!
Butternut squash soup is velvety and comforting — perfect for a crisp fall or winter day. Top with croutons for added texture, or try a roasted variation with pear for a sweeter note.
Instant Pot chicken noodle soup delivers comforting, homey flavor with minimal hands-on time — a familiar favorite when the weather turns cold.
Creamy potato soup is a classic cold-weather dish. Rich, comforting, and ideal with your favorite toppings like bacon, cheese, or chives.
Minestrone is hearty and versatile, packed with winter vegetables and grains like farro. Make a meatless version by skipping the pancetta and using vegetable stock.
A fragrant seafood stew, such as cioppino, is perfect for chilly nights — simmered with tomatoes, wine, and an assortment of seafood for a satisfying dinner.
Broccoli soup can be silky and indulgent while still feeling wholesome. It’s easy to make in a single pot or an Instant Pot and freezes well.
Instant Pot vegetable soup is a quick, nourishing way to get plenty of vegetables into one meal. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete dinner.
French onion soup is a classic of caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and finished with melted Gruyère over toasted bread — comforting and deeply flavorful.
Hearty soup recipes the entire family will love!
Greek avgolemono is a lemony chicken and rice soup that’s both bright and comforting — a family favorite and easy to prepare in a slow cooker.
Chicken tortilla soup is an easy, flavorful option that works well for meal prep. Top with fresh cilantro, tortilla strips, and a squeeze of lime.
Italian sausage and bean soup is filling and warming, a hearty choice when you want something robust and cozy.
Use leftover turkey in a turkey and wild rice soup — a comforting, naturally gluten-free way to stretch holiday leftovers.
Healthy vegetarian and vegan soup recipes
White bean and kale soup is hearty and bright, with creamy beans, chunky vegetables, and a touch of lemon for freshness.
Creamy roasted tomato soup is full of roasted tomato and basil flavor — simple, comforting, and freezer-friendly.
Carrot ginger soup combines warming ginger and turmeric with creamy coconut milk for a fragrant vegan option, especially nice with crunchy toppings like roasted chickpeas.
Roasted pumpkin and apple soup is smooth and slightly sweet — a seasonal vegan favorite that’s silky and satisfying.
Mushroom barley soup is rustic and filling, with earthy mushrooms and chewy pearl barley — comforting any time of year.
A silky vegan sweet potato soup with Thai-inspired flavors is quick to make and pairs beautifully with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Dairy-free corn chowder can be a summer staple, made creamy with coconut milk and packed with fresh vegetables and potatoes.
Roasted red pepper and butternut squash soup offers sweet, smoky flavors with a hint of spice and can easily be made vegan.
Vegetarian lentil tortilla soup is versatile and hearty—suitable for Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stovetop preparations and full of bold flavors.
Cabbage soup is light, nourishing, and quick to make — a simple vegetarian dish that’s both comforting and healthy.
Creamy summer squash soup blends coconut milk and curry for a fragrant vegan option that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Vegan red lentil soup is simple, anti-inflammatory, and deeply satisfying on cold days.
A sweet potato and black bean tortilla soup makes a hearty vegetarian meal, full of flavor and ready in about 30 minutes.
Autumn vegetable soup combines seasonal produce like butternut squash, kale, and white beans for a nourishing, meatless meal.
