20 of the best soups for winter

Baby, it’s cold outside. What food warms you up better than a hot, delicious soup in the winter? When the weather cools off, it’s time to get cozy inside with food to match the cozy mood. It’s also a time of shorter days and dwindling energy as our bodies produce more melatonin this time of year. Soup is the perfect complement to a lazy evening because making it is often less labor-intensive than other main courses, and many of these soups can serve as a full meal on their own.

If you’re not already on the soup train, perhaps you need some delicious suggestions to get you on board. There are so many great soup options, it’s hard to create a concise list. But we narrowed the choices down to a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections (many of which you can alter easily to fit your dietary preferences). Here are 20 of the best soups for winter, so grab your spoon and dig in.

Vegetarian

• Broccoli-cheddar

This soup has it all – hearty vegetables and creamy comforting cheese. It’s the perfect combo of healthy and indulgent, and a well-established comfort food. Try this recipe from Gimme Delicious that claims to be better than a popular restaurant version.

• Butternut squash

This is a perfect example of a soup you can make as light or as rich as you prefer.  This recipe from Love and Lemons opts for a totally-veggie version, but this soup is easy to supplement as you prefer.

• Creamy mushroom

Sure, you can get many soups already canned, and cream of mushroom is a popular canned commodity, but making this tasty version from Taste of Home will only take 15 minutes and is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

• Lentil soup

Even though there’s no specific connection, many observers of Lent tend to eat lentil soup in the spring when religious restrictions limit meat consumption. This hearty veggie soup is good all year round though, and highly comforting in winter. Try this recipe from RecipeTinEats.

• Pumpkin soup

While it is a quintessential symbol of fall, pumpkin is great to eat throughout the chilly months. There are lots of great canned organic pumpkin purees on the market to cook with. Check out this dairy-free version from Cookie and Kate that’s super easy to make with common ingredients.

• Tomato basil

It may take a little longer to make than other soups, but the flavor and comfort you’ll get from Ina Garten’s roasted tomato basil soup recipe are worth the wait. Plus, it’s a great accompaniment to another winter favorite food – grilled cheese!

• Vegetarian minestrone

It’s an Italian staple, and while it’s often made with meat, the vegetarian version of minestrone is still delicious and one of the best soups for winter. This recipe by Feel Good Foodie is packed with protein and fairly low-calorie, so it’s perfect for healthy eating plans.

• Vegetarian split pea

Another soup that commonly includes meat but can taste great without – and even be vegan – is split pea soup. Try this vegan version from Simple Veganista which supplements with cabbage for extra heartiness.

• White bean chili

This is another choice that might make you think of smoky meats, but the veggie version is delicious and different enough to feel like a nice change to your standard winter lineup. Try this version from Health.com for a protein-filled bowl of yum.

Non-Vegetarian

• Avgolemono

One of the most popular Greek soups, avgolemono literally means “egg lemon,” and that is the basis for this tasty soup made tastier with chicken. The Mediterranean Dish recipe can be made in under an hour and is filling all by itself.

• Beef stew

If you’re a meat-and-potatoes lover, then you can’t go wrong with a classic beef stew. It’s a classic comfort in cold weather and will fill you up for a nice long hibernation. This recipe from Once Upon a Chef has French roots that will have you saying je t’aime!

• Classic chili

Simple dishes are the best comfort foods, and you can’t go wrong with a classic chili to get you through a cold night. Try The Wholesome Dish’s classic chili recipe to find that comfort right in your own kitchen.

• Chicken noodle

One childhood favorite that will stick with you through adulthood if you find the right recipe is chicken noodle soup. This version from Damn Delicious is definitely one of the best soups for winter and will take you right back to the good ole days.

• Chicken tortilla

If you like Latin American inspired cooking, then chances are you’ve tried chicken tortilla soup while eating out. Bring the spice and flavor to your own home with The Best Chicken Tortilla Soup recipe from A Spicy Perspective.

• Clam chowder

In the Northeastern United States, clam chowder is king, and there’s no doubt that it’s a perfect antidote for the cold, wet days that winter can often bring. This classic clam chowder recipe from Tasty is sure to warm you up and satisfy that New England craving.

• French onion soup

It’s rich and hearty, and French onion soup itself is filling in its own right without containing any actual meat. Since its base is beef stock, however, it’s not quite vegetarian, though it can easily be modified. Gimme Some Oven’s version walks you through making French onion soup the traditional way.

• Italian wedding

With pasta, greens and meat all in the soup, Italian Wedding Soup is a meal in a pot. Even if you’re not Italian, it’s a doable dish that will enhance any cold and cozy night in. Try this version from Cooking Classy to make it on your own.

• Potato soup

Easy to make, creamy and delicious, loaded potato soup has all the ingredients to be a comforting and surprisingly rich dish that will make you feel warm and toasty this winter. You can’t go wrong with the Betty Crocker recipe for this classic.

• Shrimp and crab bisque

If you like seafood, then without a doubt shrimp and crab bisque is the best winter soup for you. It’s creamy and filling with savory bites of shellfish that will satisfy your taste buds with every spoonful. Big Oven’s shrimp and crab bisque recipe is simple and satisfying.

• Tom kha gai

For Thai food lovers, tom kha gai chicken coconut soup is probably already well-known. With a hint of spice to enhance its creamy, protein-filled composition, it really hits the spot, especially in cold months. This recipe from Bon Appetit is sure to please the tom kha gai lovers or make you into one if you’re new to the dish.

With so many delicious choices, you won’t go hungry all winter even if you only eat soups. There are plenty of options whether you are looking for something hearty and creamy or healthy and light. Try one of these mouthwatering dishes to enjoy some of the best winter soups this season.

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