35 Best Soup Recipes

If there's one thing I love about cold weather, it's soup! Read on to find over 30 easy soup recipes I'll be making all fall and winter long.

best soup recipes

Soup season is here! There’s a lot to love about fall – beautiful weather, changing leaves, cozy baked goods, and hot drinks – but the soup recipes are hands down my favorite part. I adore soup. I love making it, I love eating it, and I love packing up the leftovers so that I can enjoy it again the next day. When I’m stressed, I turn to soup because I find it meditative to cook. When I’m snowed in, I turn to it because I keep a stash stored away in my freezer. And when I’m in need of a healthy reset, I turn to it because it just makes me feel good inside.

To celebrate the start of soup season, I’m sharing my best tips for making soup recipes, as well as 35 of my favorite soups. In addition to classics like French Onion and Butternut Squash Soup, you’ll find a host of inventive, veggie-forward soup recipes like Golden Turmeric Noodle Miso Soup and a creamy White Bean Chili. I love them all, and I hope that you do too.

Best Tips for Making Soup Recipes

1. Season to taste. Raw vegetable ingredients need seasoning, and vegetable broths vary in salt level. If your soup is bland, don’t hesitate to add generous pinches of salt and lots of fresh black pepper. Taste as you go!

2. Drizzle with olive oil. I always finish soups with a generous drizzle of olive oil. It adds richness and makes the flavors sing.

3. Save some for lunch! Soup often tastes better on the second day, so be sure to make enough to have leftovers. Most soup recipes also freeze well for up to a few months. Check out this post for my best freezing tips!

4. Spice to your level. Customizing your soup is the fun, creative part of cooking soup recipes. If you’re making a recipe that calls for lots of spice but you prefer milder flavors, start with less. If you like things spicy, add more! Taste as you cook, and adjust the flavors to make something you really love.

Favorite Autumn Soup Recipes

In Chicago, soup season lasts from September to…well, way later than it should. I make soup recipes the whole way through, but I especially crave them now, in the heart of autumn. These 5 easy soup recipes are my favorites at this time of year. They’re cozy, comforting, and/or filled with aromatic flavor from herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Butternut squash soup

Butternut Squash Soup

Ginger, rosemary, and sage fill this soup with cozy autumn flavor. Lightly creamy, warming, and nourishing, it’s my go-to recipe for a cool fall night.

Wild rice soup

Creamy Wild Rice Soup

It might not look like it, but this soup’s base isn’t made with dairy. Instead, it gets its creamy texture from blended white beans, cashews, and savory miso paste.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Don’t even think about adding this cream of mushroom soup to your next green bean casserole! Brimming with rich, savory flavor, it’s meant to be enjoyed all on its own.

Potato leek soup

Potato Leek Soup

If you see a bunch of beautiful fall leeks at the farmers market or store, snatch them up to make this recipe. It’s a lighter version of the classic soup, made with blended white beans instead of heavy cream.

Broccoli cheddar soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

You can whip up this rich, cheesy soup in right around 30 minutes, which makes it one of the quickest recipes on this list. Top it off with homemade croutons for an easy, comforting cold weather meal.

Smoky, Spicy Soups and Chilis

Bring on the heat! Seasonings like smoked paprika, canned chipotles in adobo sauce, and fresh and dried chiles fill these hearty soup recipes with bold flavor.

Vegetarian chili

Easy Vegetarian Chili

Do we count chili as a soup? I’m on the fence, but I still had to include this recipe here. It’s super quick and easy to make, and on a cold night, its smoky/spicy flavor will warm you up in no time.

Best Corn chowder

Yellow Split Pea Soup

Yellow split peas mingle with the fresh corn kernels in this vegan riff on corn chowder, making it extra-hearty and super fun to eat. It’s delicious on its own, but I like it even more with crispy, smoky coconut bacon on top!

White bean chili with cilantro and avocado

White Bean Soup

This white bean soup is my spin on creamy chicken chili (minus the chicken, of course). Green chiles and fresh lime juice fill it with addictive zingy flavor. Pile your bowl with avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños, and serve with tortilla chips!

Creamy potato soup - easy Soup Recipes

Creamy Potato Soup

Can comfort food be…healthy? This recipe answers with a resounding, “YES!” It’s thick, creamy, and packed with smoky flavor, but it’s entirely plant-based. Instead of heavy cream, blended white beans and potatoes create its luscious texture.

Tortilla soup topped with avocado, radishes, and crispy tortilla strips

Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

Potentially one of my all-time favorite soup recipes! A blended corn tortilla thickens its rich, flavorful tomato and chile broth. Don’t skip the toppings here – crispy tortilla strips, avocado, sliced radishes, and Cotija cheese take this soup to a whole new level.

Best Black Bean Soup Recipe

Black Bean Soup

This black bean soup is creamy, spicy, and satisfying, but best of all, it’s really darn easy to make. It has a permanent spot in my regular recipe rotation, and I think it will in yours, too!

Easy Blended Soup Recipes

Traditional puréed soup recipes commonly call for butter, heavy cream, or whole milk, but you won’t find any of those ingredients in the creamy soups below. Instead, blended vegetables give each one its smooth, velvety texture. Yum!

Acorn squash soup

Acorn Squash Soup

Butternut isn’t the only squash that can blend into a delicious soup! Roasted acorn squash gives this one its sublimely creamy texture and rich flavor.

Homemade Tomato soup recipe

Tomato Basil Soup

This rich, savory soup stars roasted fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. I love to make it in late summer to preserve the last tomatoes of the season. It freezes perfectly!

Sweet potato soup

Sweet Potato Soup

Two bowls for me, please! Given that I’m a massive sweet potato fan, it’s probably not surprising that I adore this soup. It’s tangy, sweet, and smoky, and the blended sweet potato gives it a mouthwatering velvety texture.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Vegan “Cheesy” Broccoli Soup

Tasting this soup, you’d never guess that it’s totally dairy-free. It’s creamy, tangy, rich, and satisfying—everything cheesy broccoli soup should be!

Tomato soup

Tomato Soup

This classic tomato soup calls for basic pantry ingredients, so it’s a staple in my kitchen all soup season long. It’s the perfect partner for a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup

You only need 7 ingredients to make this energizing, refreshing carrot ginger soup! If you can get your hands on a bunch of carrots with good greens, make sure to blend up the carrot top pesto to drizzle on top.

Healthy soup recipes - roasted red pepper soup

Roasted Red Pepper Soup

A fan favorite from our first cookbook, this bright red soup is super easy to make! Serve it with homemade focaccia or a big hunk of crusty bread for a quick, healthy, and comforting dinner.

Cauliflower soup

Cauliflower Soup

Roasted garlic, shallots, and miso fill this creamy veggie soup with nutty, savory flavor.

Homemade Curried Soup Recipes

If you have a jar of red curry paste or a jumble of curry spices in your pantry, you’re well on your way to making a flavorful pot of soup!

Curry Lentil Soup

Curry Lentil Soup

If you open your pantry, you’ll likely find all the ingredients to this bright, warming, and weeknight-friendly lentil soup inside. It’s one of our favorites and a fan favorite, too!

Homemade soup recipes - Pumpkin soup

Pumpkin Soup

This fall, Jack and I have eaten this ultra-creamy pumpkin soup more times than we can count. Still, we’re nowhere near tired of it. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin, and cardamom pack it with warm curry flavor.

Red Curry with rice

Red Curry Lemongrass Soup

1 soup, 3 ways! Make this Thai-inspired recipe as written for a light, brothy vegetable soup, bulk it up with baked tofu, or add coconut milk for a creamy broth. Whichever option you pick, serve it with a scoop of freshly cooked rice.

Easy soup recipes - Curried Cauliflower Soup

Curried Cauliflower Soup

The beauty of this soup isn’t just its creamy texture, golden color, and bright curry flavor. It’s also a breeze to make! On a busy weeknight, you can get it on the table in 30 minutes flat.

Coconut carrot gazpacho

Carrot Coconut Soup

I think of this recipe as a “gazpacho” because it comes together easily in the blender. Chill it if you want to eat it gazpacho-style, but if you’re craving something warm, it’s equally good after a few minutes on the stove.

All About the Onions

You’ll find onions in almost every recipe in this post, but most often, they’re playing a supporting role. In the recipes below, they’re finally front and center, filling each soup with rich flavor.

French onion soup

French Onion Soup

This easy French onion soup recipe will rival any you’ve had at a restaurant. Topped with crispy, cheesy baguette, it’s rich, comforting, and packed with umami flavor.

Best Mushroom Soup Recipe

Oyster Mushroom Soup

This brothy soup is light and nourishing, but that doesn’t mean it’s bland. A whole lotta leeks create its savory, umami base, and miso, lemongrass, celery, ginger, tamari, and rice vinegar amp up its flavor even more.

Potato Leek Chowder

Vegan Potato, Leek & Artichoke Chowder, page 91 of Love & Lemons Every Day

This hearty soup is like a plant-based cross between potato leek soup and clam chowder. Blended potatoes and cashews give it its rich, creamy texture, while leeks, artichokes, and capers pack it with briny, savory flavor.

Nourishing Noodle Soup Recipes

You won’t find any chicken in these noodle soup recipes, but trust me, you won’t miss it. Each one is wholesome, energizing, and fun—the perfect pick-me-up for a cold, cloudy day, or anytime you’re under the weather.

Tortellini soup

Tortellini Soup

Chewy, cheesy tortellini make this brothy soup a satisfying meal on its own. Serve it with dollops of kale pesto to take it over the top.

Vegan ramen

Vegan Ramen

Homemade mushroom broth creates a flavorful base for this savory, slurp-able vegan ramen.

Vegan Pho

Easy Vegetarian Pho

In Austin, we lived just down the street from a Vietnamese restaurant that made the most amazing vegetarian pho. After ordering it on repeat for years, I finally developed my own version at home. Made with an aromatic broth, it’s light, nourishing, and delicious.

Pasta e fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli

Filled with veggies, beans, and pasta, this classic Italian soup is a meal in a bowl! Tip: Toss a Parmesan rind into the simmering pot to add rich, umami flavor.

Best Noodle Soup Recipe

Golden Turmeric Noodle Miso Soup

This invigorating recipe will brighten up the darkest days! Sunny turmeric and tangy citrus juices give the broth its vibrant color and flavor.

Minestrone

Minestrone Soup

To me, classic minestrone soup is pure comfort. The herb-flecked tomato broth is so flavorful, and I love the way the chewy noodles play off the creamy beans and tender veggies. Serve it with crusty bread and a shower of Parmesan cheese for a soul-warming winter meal.

Ginger Miso Soup Recipe

Ginger Miso Soup

Craving a classic miso soup? This recipe is for you. With ginger, soba, mushrooms, and tofu, it’s a simple, wholesome lunch or dinner.

Homemade Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna Soup with Vegan Ricotta, page 93 of Love & Lemons Every Day

Soup recipes don’t get more fun than this vegan lasagna soup! I love eating through the big, curly, sloppy noodles. Tasty and nutritious, it’s the perfect easy way to satisfy a weeknight lasagna craving.

Brothy Veggie Soup Recipes

When I’m craving a light, fresh meal in the dead of winter, I make these brothy soup recipes. On a cold night, they’re the perfect way to eat your veggies, as they’re warming and comforting, but still packed with produce.

Cabbage soup

Cabbage Soup

If you’ve had a head of cabbage hanging out in your fridge for a few days (erm…weeks), this easy soup is the perfect way to use it up. It’s bright and flavorful, and it uses an entire head of cabbage in one go.

Kale soup

Kale Soup

On the fence about kale? This recipe will make you a convert. The greens wilt down into a lightly creamy, rosemary-scented broth. Take one bite, and your bowl will be empty before you know it!

Ribollita

Ribollita

Don’t let your day- (or days-) old bread go to waste! Instead, toss it into this hearty Tuscan white bean soup made with kale, carrots, or whatever veggies you like best.

Instant Pot lentil soup

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

The Instant Pot makes this lentil soup gloriously simple to prepare. Once you sauté the veggies, the cooking process is entirely hands-off!

Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe

Many-Veggie Vegetable Soup

What veggies do you have in your fridge? No matter your answer, you can make this easy, flexible, many-veggie soup.

More Favorite Fall and Winter Recipes

If you love these easy soup recipes, try these cozy recipes next:

soup recipes

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35 Best Soup Recipes

rate this recipe:
5 from 30 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves 4 to 6
This creamy potato soup is one of our favorite soup recipes!

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, store bought or homemade
  • pounds Yukon gold potatoes, about 5, chopped
  • cups cooked white beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Scallions or chives
  • Coconut bacon
  • Greek yogurt, optional
  • Cheddar cheese, optional

Instructions

  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Sauté 6 to 8 minutes, until softened.
  • Add the garlic, stir, and cook 2 more minutes. Stir in the white wine vinegar and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, and then add the broth, potatoes, and white beans. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly, then transfer half of the soup to a blender with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the mustard, lemon juice, and paprika. Blend until smooth and return the pureed soup back to the pot.
  • Use a potato masher to gently smash the potato chunks and beans. Season to taste with more salt and pepper and serve with desired toppings.

 

38 comments

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Bruce
    12.14.2023

    Most excellent !
    Thank you for your time and effort.
    As I’m a soup lover myself, the ideas were great.
    Thank you.

  2. Maddy George
    12.09.2023

    Bro the minestrone soup and the tortellini look bomb ASF I can’t wait to make them

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      12.13.2023

      I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed them!

  3. Hunter from lawyerfornj.com
    09.18.2023

    5 stars
    They Cabbage Soup looks the best oh my God I cannot wait to make it at home. It looks delicious.

  4. James from fooddoz.com
    04.26.2023

    Thanks for the soup recipes.

  5. Gwen
    01.22.2023

    Thank you for this wonderful magical wealth of soup!!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      01.26.2023

      Hi Gwen, I hope you find some recipes you love!

  6. Gail
    06.06.2022

    Do you know which of your soups are most freezer friendly? I want to make a bunch to freeze for my 90 year old parents…they love soup!

  7. Kuechenrueckwand Folie
    03.11.2022

    5 stars
    It looks so delicious, Thank you.

  8. Lisa
    10.17.2021

    If I need 12 portions do I just triple the ingredients?

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      10.17.2021

      If you have a pot big enough… or depending what else you’re serving (if it’s more of a starter course), you might be able to do a double recipe.

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.