As winter approaches, I find myself craving cozy comforts like crackling fireplaces, snow-covered landscapes, and a warm, savory soup simmering on the stove. While I’m not typically a fan of chilly weather, I’ve learned to make the most of it by planning fun indoor activities with the kids. Whether we’re cozied up by the fireplace or huddled around the kitchen table, making soup is always a highlight of our winter days together.
My recipe may not be as polished as Campbell’s, but it has its own charm and the kids devour every spoonful.
Warming Soup Recipes to Keep Your Spirits up
Tortellini Soup
Kristin from Yellow Bliss Road inspired me to create this beloved recipe, which my students repeatedly requested last year. In fact, I prepared it twice – once in the cold weather and again during the hot summer months – and it received equal enthusiasm both times. While I’m unsure of the specific tortellini type recommended, I opted for a three-cheese blend both times, which proved to be a hit and will likely make another appearance this December or January with my new culinary students.
Potato Soup
This year, we revisited the classic potato soup recipe, thanks to my students’ enthusiasm. They were thrilled to take on the task of whipping up a batch, and I gave them the green light. To accommodate our gluten-free student, we substituted the traditional flour with cornstarch, ensuring everyone could enjoy the creamy goodness. The added touch of sour cream on top took it to the next level, perfectly balancing the flavors.
While I appreciate the creative twist Wendie from Butter Your Biscuit brings by incorporating carrots and celery into her recipe, adding a pop of color and sneaking in some extra nutrients for those who might not be vegetable enthusiasts.
Vegetable Beef Soup
My culinary journey began at the hands of my mother, who instilled in me a passion for cooking. Memories of her experimenting with new recipes still linger vividly, with my brother serving as a discerning critic – his thumbs up or down a testament to her culinary prowess. Sunday lunches after church were always a treat, and I have a special fondness for the times we dined at Pizza Man.
However, it’s not the elaborate meals that stand out in my recollection, but rather the humble vegetable soup paired with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches – a simple yet satisfying combination. The recipe has become a staple in my household, thanks to Jordan’s mother for creating it and Jordan herself for sharing it on her blog.
Ham and Bean Soup
I still vividly recall the aroma of Elise Baur’s ham and bean soup wafting from my mother-in-law’s kitchen shortly after my marriage. This hearty recipe, originally shared on Simply Recipes, held a special place in our household. Despite my husband not being a fan, I developed a deep affection for it. As Elise notes, the flavors only seemed to mature with time – by day two or three, it had become a comforting staple in my lunch routine.
The soup’s soothing quality was undeniable, and even though my family no longer prepares this dish, I still find myself craving those same warm, comforting feelings associated with two-day-old ham and bean soup.
French Onion Soup
Sally, from Good Dinner Mom, has shared a recipe with us that’s been refined through several attempts at perfecting the flavors. She’s a kindred spirit to many of us who’ve been driven to create our own recipes after being disappointed by subpar results. Sally’s journey began when she was served a mediocre French onion soup at a well-known restaurant, which sparked her quest for the ultimate recipe.
Thanks to her persistence and experimentation, we can now enjoy the best French onion soup with confidence.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Sometimes, even on snow days, us women find ourselves busier than expected, juggling various household tasks. Amidst the chaos, it’s easy to overlook self-care. This recipe offers a comforting solution: a warm, nourishing soup that can be whipped up in no time. Holly from Life in the Loft House provides flexibility by offering alternative cheese options.
I appreciate her suggestion to substitute processed Velveeta with cheddar – a move that aligns with my own preference for wholesome ingredients. In this recipe, we’ll opt for good-quality cheese, making it a true winner.
Tomato Basil Soup
What sets this tomato basil soup apart is its unorthodox use of potatoes instead of creamer to achieve a rich, thick flavor. This unique approach makes it an excellent option for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer to avoid dairy products altogether. As I delved into Tomatoland, however, I was reminded of the importance of using high-quality, locally sourced tomatoes whenever possible.
While it’s ideal to use homegrown and canned tomatoes from your own backyard, a local tomato will still yield a superior flavor. It’s astonishing that despite the revelations in this book, such subpar tomatoes continue to be available in America – a fact that has left me determined not to support their production by purchasing them.
Spicy White Cheddar Beer Soup
Bacon Corn Chowder
While this recipe has many redeeming qualities, one aspect that could be improved upon is the inclusion of potatoes. To rectify this issue, I would either omit them altogether or use an immersion blender to puree them into the dish. Otherwise, the addition of bacon and cheese elevates the recipe to new heights.
In light of adding this corn chowder variation to my repertoire, it seemed prudent to elucidate the fundamental distinction between a soup and a chowder: the former tends to be more liquid-based, whereas the latter is characterized by its thicker consistency. Additionally, I would argue that bisque falls into the same category as chowder, differing only in its lack of chunkiness. This raises an intriguing question – would I prefer a corn bisque over this hearty chowder?
The thought alone piques my curiosity.
Pizza Soup
My childhood memories are filled with my mother’s spontaneous cooking endeavors, which my brother and I would enthusiastically review by giving her thumbs up or down. Interestingly, there were only two recipes that received an overwhelming thumbs up from me – to the point where she probably grew tired of my repeated requests for them.
The first was a pasta dish that combined pepperonis, black olives, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, which remains, in my opinion, the perfect summer dinner to beat the heat. Its refreshing quality is unmatched.
The second was this pizza soup with a side of cheesy garlic bread – a match made in heaven! The earthy flavor of the mushrooms and other ingredients make it an irresistible treat that I’m confident you’ll find yourself craving again.
Stuffed Pepper Crockpot Soup
Amanda’s creation on Moms with Crockpots has taken the classic stuffed peppers recipe to the next level. This flavorful dish combines familiar favorites in a unique way. Although the original recipe only uses two bell peppers, which are diced into small pieces, I recommend adding more if you’re a pepper enthusiast. The tomato-based sauce gives the dish a cozy warmth, evoking memories of a hearty bowl of chili.
Chicken Noodle Soup
A trip down memory lane is what Beth’s Budget Bites brings me. The recipe is reminiscent of my husband’s own creation, which uses bouillon cubes and fewer vegetables. While his version may differ in some ways, I must say that the extra veggies in this recipe make it more to my liking. One thing I appreciate about cooking is making my own chicken stock from scratch. In fact, we often repurpose leftover rotisserie chicken bones into a delicious homemade broth.
My husband adds a personal touch by combining all the ingredients and letting them simmer for a bit before adding the egg noodles towards the end of cooking time. Despite the differences, I must concur that egg noodles are indeed the perfect complement to this hearty soup.
Parmesan Pasta Soup
I’m thrilled to share a recipe discovery with you, and it’s all thanks to Brooke Lark, a blogger I’ve been following since 2009. Her original blog was a staple in my daily reading routine, and I even won a gift set for making my own oatmeal creampie from her. As time passed, life got busy, and I lost touch with her blog.
When I returned to her site a few years ago, I was disappointed to find it had shifted focus towards health-related content and diets – an area that doesn’t resonate with me as much. However, a recent recipe caught my attention: the parmesan pasta soup. Its indulgent description piqued my interest, and I just had to share it with you.
What’s more, finding this gem reminded me of why I love blogging – the opportunity to connect with fellow writers and readers, fostering a sense of community and support. It’s a unique aspect that sets our profession apart from others.
Maple Brie and Cheddar Apple Soup
As I delved deeper into this recipe, I couldn’t help but think how perfectly it would pair with a cozy fall or winter light lunch. The combination of flavors and textures is truly inspiring. I’m thrilled to have stumbled upon the perfect soup recipe by Kevin Lynch, which not only satisfies my cravings but also showcases his creative genius. What’s even more impressive is that he drew inspiration from an apple pie, incorporating cheddar cheese – a bold move that surprisingly works beautifully.
The walnut granola adds a satisfying crunch, representing the crust of the pie, while the cream represents the creamy ice cream that accompanies it. This soup is not only delectable but also thoughtfully crafted, making it a perfect candidate for a warm breakfast option with a sprinkle of granola.
Beef and Tomato Soup
There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of Beef and Tomato Macaroni Soup, reminiscent of childhood favorites like goulash. My oldest daughter is particularly fond of this dish, which strikes the perfect balance between hearty beef, sweet tomatoes, and satisfying macaroni. The addition of carrots, corn, and a hint of runniness elevates it from a classic goulash to a nourishing soup.
Fresh herbs are the secret ingredient that brings out the best in the tomatoes, making this a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s one that my daughter might even request for dinner this week! I’m grateful to Jaclyn for sharing this delightful recipe.
Conclusion
As we dive into these soup recipes, it’s clear that they’re just a small sampling of the countless creative, healthy, and mouthwatering meals that can help keep us cozy during the winter season. Before we know it, the snow will melt and salads will take center stage again, so let’s savor every spoonful of this warm and comforting goodness while we can.
