10 Cozy Winter Soup Recipes to Warm You Up

When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to chase the chill away. Here are 10 cozy winter soup recipes that are easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or light, there’s a delicious option for everyone. Grab your favorite spoon and let’s warm up with these tasty creations!

Classic Tomato Soup

Classic tomato soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly winter days. Its rich, tangy flavor comes from ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream, making it both delicious and satisfying. Plus, this recipe is easy to whip up, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.

Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is sure to please. The combination of creamy broth and fresh basil adds a delightful touch that elevates this simple dish into something special.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Chicken and wild rice soup is a warm, comforting dish perfect for chilly winter days. With tender chicken, earthy wild rice, and a creamy broth, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This soup is not only delicious but also quite simple to make, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

The combination of herbs and spices adds an extra layer of warmth and richness, while the vegetables provide a nutritious boost. It’s a satisfying dish that will fill your home with inviting aromas, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup wild rice, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and wild rice, stirring for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken, heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly days. With its rich, savory broth made from caramelized onions and beef stock, every spoonful is full of deep flavor. Topped with melted cheese and crusty bread, this soup is both satisfying and simple to prepare, making it a great choice for a cozy night in.

The combination of sweet onions, hearty broth, and bubbling cheese creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist. Plus, making it at home allows you to adjust the ingredients to your liking, ensuring a personal touch in every bowl.

Ingredients

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 slices of French bread
• 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Stir in the sugar to help the caramelization process.
2. Add the Broth: Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth, white wine, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for another 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
3. Prepare the Bread: While the soup simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the French bread slices on a baking sheet and toast until lightly golden.
4. Assemble the Soup: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a slice of toasted bread on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
5. Bake: Place the bowls on the baking sheet and bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden, about 10-15 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy potato soup is a comforting dish that warms you up on chilly winter days. It’s rich and velvety, with a blend of tender potatoes, savory onions, and creamy goodness that makes each spoonful delightful. This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.

The soup’s smooth texture and hearty flavors mean it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious winter staple!

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes and pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Heat through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chives.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a cozy and comforting dish perfect for chilly winter days. Its naturally sweet and nutty flavor makes it a favorite among many, and it’s incredibly simple to make. This creamy soup warms you from the inside out and is great on its own or paired with crusty bread.

The process is straightforward, requiring just a few fresh ingredients and a bit of blending for that smooth consistency. You can easily whip it up in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Squash: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
2. Add the Squash: Stir in the diced butternut squash and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soften.
3. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the vegetable broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
5. Finish the Soup: If desired, stir in the heavy cream for added richness. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy with warm bread!

Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and barley soup is a hearty dish perfect for chilly winter evenings. With tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich broth, it offers comfort in every spoonful. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm, satisfying meal that is both nourishing and delicious.

This recipe is simple to make, requiring just a bit of chopping and simmering. It’s a great option for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a complete, cozy meal!

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Return the beef to the pot and stir in the barley, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
6. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Creamy broccoli soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for winter days. Its smooth and velvety texture, combined with the vibrant flavor of fresh broccoli, makes it a favorite among soup lovers. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also easy to whip up, making it a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

This soup is rich in nutrients and can be enhanced with a touch of cream for a luxurious finish. You can easily customize it with spices or toppings to suit your taste. Grab a bowl of this hearty soup, and you’ll feel cozy and satisfied!

Ingredients

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: grated cheese or croutons for topping

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
2. Add the broccoli florets and broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Warm through for a few minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with grated cheese or croutons, if desired.

Mushroom and Leek Soup

Mushroom and leek soup is a warm and comforting dish, perfect for chilly winter days. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms blend beautifully with the subtle sweetness of leeks, creating a rich and creamy texture that is simply delightful. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.

The soup is fragrant and satisfying, with each spoonful delivering a burst of flavor. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal ingredients while warming up from the inside out. Pair it with some crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large leek, sliced and rinsed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender.
5. Return the soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Heat gently before serving.

Split Pea Soup with Ham

Split Pea Soup with Ham is the perfect winter comfort food. Rich and hearty, this dish combines the earthy flavors of split peas with savory chunks of ham, creating a deliciously warming experience. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

This soup boasts a creamy texture and a depth of flavor that comes from slow cooking. You can easily adjust the thickness by adding more or less broth, and the smokiness of the ham enhances the overall taste. Serve it with some crusty bread for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried split peas, rinsed
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the split peas, diced ham, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are soft. Stir occasionally.
5. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper, and adjust the consistency with extra broth if needed. Serve warm.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and a delightful crunch from tortilla strips, this soup is a favorite for many. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste with various toppings like avocado, cheese, and fresh cilantro.

The combination of spices brings warmth, while the fresh ingredients add a vibrant touch. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up, making it a quick weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips for serving
• Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder and cumin, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors.
4. Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with tortilla strips and your choice of additional toppings.