30 Must-Try Soup Recipes: Your Ultimate Guide to Comfort and Flavor
Soup holds a special place in kitchens worldwide, celebrated for its incredible versatility, comforting warmth, and remarkable ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. Whether you’re looking to stretch leftovers into a creative “stone soup” masterpiece or craving a thoughtfully crafted dish from scratch, soup offers endless possibilities. It’s a timeless comfort food that nourishes the body and soul, perfect for any season or occasion. From budget-friendly choices to gourmet creations, our curated collection features recipes for nearly every variety you can imagine.
We’ve meticulously organized these delectable dishes into distinct categories to help you easily find your next culinary adventure: our most popular reader favorites, vibrant Mexican-inspired concoctions, hearty chicken soups, wholesome vegan and vegetarian options, luxuriously creamy bowls, and nourishing healthy selections. Prepare to embark on a flavorful journey that will undoubtedly add new staples to your recipe repertoire!
Our Most Popular Soup Recipes: Reader Favorites That Stand the Test of Time
These are the crowd-pleasers that consistently capture the most views and earn glowing five-star reviews from our community. These beloved recipes have proven their appeal over time, drawing countless clicks and becoming cherished favorites for many. Dive into these celebrated selections, and you might just discover your new go-to comfort meal!
1. Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup
With over 200 enthusiastic reviews, this Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup is incredibly popular for all the right reasons. It’s an exceptionally hearty, creamy, and flavorful dish that delivers all the deliciousness of enchiladas in a comforting bowl of soup.
One reader raved: “Oh my gosh, this is the best Mexican soup I’ve ever made or tasted! I described it to my friend as “award winning”! 🙂 thank you SO much for this awesome recipe. Delicious!!”
2. Lentil Soup
This Lentil Soup has taken social media by storm, and it’s easy to see why. People simply adore this flavorful, healthy, and remarkably satisfying soup. It’s a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.
One reader commented: “This soup is so insanely delicious. I’ve been sitting here, eating leftovers for lunch (still just as good if not better the next day!) trying to find words that would do it justice. I’m at a loss. I want to send the recipe to everyone I know and tell them to make it right away. Every single flavor just blends together so amazingly well. So glad I ran across your site and this recipe!”
3. Sausage Potato Soup
Our Sausage Potato Soup consistently ranks as a site favorite. This unique take on the classic “cheeseburger soup” offers a delightful blend of savory sausage and tender potatoes in a rich, comforting broth. It’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
A loyal reader shared: “Oh man, this soup is absolutely delicious. I have made it numerous times. This is my husband’s favorite recipe for soup. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s definitely a must !! This is what’s for dinner tonight !! Thank you for sharing Chelsea.”
4. Chicken Parmesan Soup (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
Craving the classic flavors of chicken parmesan but short on time? This quick and easy Chicken Parmesan Soup comes together in just about 20 minutes! It’s incredibly popular, packed with delicious, wholesome ingredients, and captures all the beloved flavors of traditional chicken Parm in a comforting soup form.
One reader noted: “Made this twice now. Super easy and nourishing.”
5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Every home cook needs a reliable Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe, and we firmly believe this one is the absolute best. Just take a look at the glowing reviews! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible soup that tastes even better than your favorite restaurant version.
A satisfied reader exclaimed: “Aaaahhhhmazing! My whole family loved this soup. I doubled the recipe and didn’t have quite enough cheese, but it worked fine. The spice combination is divine, thank you for this recipe. Definitely going in my recipe box!”
Vibrant Mexican-Inspired Soup Recipes
It seems everyone has a love affair with Mexican-inspired cuisine, and our collection of Mexican soup recipes is no exception—they’re consistently huge hits on our site! These vibrant soups feature essential ingredients like tortillas, classic taco components, and fresh salsa, and can be prepared in regular pots, slow cookers, or Instant Pots for ultimate convenience. Take a moment to explore these incredible flavors and try a few; we’re confident you’ll become a fan too!
6. Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
For the ultimate easy, dump-it-all-in-and-forget-about-it meal, look no further than our Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup! This popular and delicious recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, delivering robust Mexican flavors with minimal effort.
One reader praised: “Made your tortilla soup tonight in the Instant Pot. We doubled the recipe and it was the best soup I have ever had. My husband– who is not a big fan of soup– has already had 4 bowls. Thanks.”
7. Chicken Taco Chili
This Chicken Taco Chili is an absolute winner, always garnering rave reviews wherever it’s served! It’s packed with tender chicken, wholesome beans, fresh veggies, and a generous kick of good spice, making it a hearty and flavorful meal for any gathering.
A delighted reader shared: “This. Recipe. Is. Amazing. I’ve tried several different types of taco chili and this one takes the cake! My husband can’t get enough of it. I can’t wait to make it again! Thanks for this!”
8. Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Soup
Prepare to be amazed by this healthy Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Soup, bursting with incredible flavor! The best part? It requires less than 10 minutes of prep time—simply dump all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
One reader exclaimed: “I made this soup by the recipe last fall… And it was an INSTANT hit. It is a staple meal in our house now!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe with everyone!!”
9. Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with cleverly hidden vegetables, succulent shredded chicken, and ample protein from quinoa and beans. It’s a truly good-for-you meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
A pleased reader wrote: “This is the 3rd soup of yours I’ve made (sweet potato and quinoa, chicken parmesan, and now this one!), and 3 for 3 have been amazing. I love that I can now look to your blog to find a reliably delicious and easy-to-make crockpot soup!! I also love the flavors you tend to use (e.g., Italian, Mexican) because are my favorites too! Keep it up, Chelsea!”
10. Quick & Easy Pozole
Experience the rich, authentic flavors of Mexico with this quick 30-minute Pozole recipe. It’s generously filled with hominy, tender pulled pork, and an array of delicious toppings that allow you to customize each bowl to perfection.
One reader commented: “This Pozole soup is unbelievably delicious, it tastes like authentic Pozole and my whole family went crazy for it! Thanks for another great recipe Chelsea”
Hearty & Comforting Chicken Soup Recipes
What makes chicken such a quintessential ingredient for soup? Beyond being a lean, protein-packed choice, chicken’s mild flavor and tender texture make it incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a vast array of spices and aromatics. Our collection showcases this adaptability with exciting options like Chicken Curry Soup, Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Soup, Chicken Quesadilla Soup, and Chicken Corn Chowder. Give them a try and let us know your thoughts – as you’ll see from the reviews below, our readers consistently recognize a truly great soup recipe!
11. Flavorful Chicken Curry Soup
Indulge in this cozy and deeply comforting Chicken Curry Soup, featuring an incredible seasoning blend that creates an explosion of flavor. It’s both healthy and hearty, making it a perfect meal to warm you from the inside out.
One reader shared: “Nothing compares to this Chicken Curry Soup! It’s a winner, maybe my all time favorite soup! It has the best flavor and couldn’t be more delicious! ”
12. Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Is there anything more comforting than a classic Chicken Pot Pie? Now imagine all those beloved flavors transformed into a luscious, savory soup! This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, delicious, incredibly flavorful, and wonderfully filling.
A satisfied reader said: “I made it today. Great recipe. Absolutely delicious. A very comforting comfort food.”
13. Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Quinoa Soup is wildly popular for excellent reasons! It’s not only nutritious but also packed with protein and incredibly filling, making it a perfect wholesome meal that practically cooks itself.
One reader enthusiastically wrote: “This soup is fantastic! No really- it’s amazingly easy and so warm and comforting. You literally dump all the ingredients into the crock pot and for us, 4 hours later it was done. We left the house, and when we opened the door it smelled like thanksgiving. We plunged into the soup and it was so satisfying and delicious. Thanks so much!”
14. Creamy Chicken Quesadilla Soup
Prepare for a delightful meal with this creamy slow cooker Chicken Quesadilla Soup, served with delightful quesadilla “croutons.” This innovative and flavor-packed soup is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your table.
A reader simply stated: “This is by far the best and easiest recipe to make. It is delicious.”
15. Slow Cooker Chicken Corn Chowder
This Chicken Corn Chowder is an exceptionally popular recipe on our site, and for good reason! It couldn’t be simpler to prepare—just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinner is ready.
One reader exclaimed: “This was amazing! I doubled the recipe and shared with my neighbors and parents. Everyone LOVED it! I have never been able to find a good corn chowder recipe that had good flavor! Thanks so much!”
Wholesome Vegan and Vegetarian Soup Recipes
You certainly don’t need meat to create a hearty, deeply satisfying soup. Explore our incredible array of vegetarian and vegan soups for fantastic dinner ideas that are bursting with flavor and nutrition. From classic Tomato Basil Soup to rich Pumpkin Soup, vibrant Carrot Soup, protein-packed Chickpea Soup, and comforting Sweet Potato Soup—these recipes are full of wholesome ingredients designed to stick to your ribs and delight your palate.
16. The Best Tomato Basil Soup
Hands down, this is the finest Tomato Basil Soup recipe you’ll ever find! It’s generously loaded with good-for-you ingredients and boasts the most incredibly rich, deep, and satisfying flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
One reader declared: “Hands down the BEST Tomato Basil soup ever. I love it!”
17. Effortless Pumpkin Soup (with Canned Pumpkin!)
This delightful Pumpkin Soup is one of the quickest and easiest soups to prepare, thanks to a clever shortcut: canned pumpkin! It’s a healthy, delicious, and wonderfully creamy option perfect for any autumn evening or anytime you crave a cozy meal.
A devoted reader shared: “This is my all time favorite soup! I genuinely don’t think it gets better! It’s the perfect combination of flavors! Trust me, give this one a try!”
18. Creamy Carrot Soup
This vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free Carrot Soup is as healthy as it is delicious! You’ll adore the harmonious blend of flavors in this naturally creamy and vibrant soup, making it a perfect light yet satisfying meal.
One reader happily stated: “This soup is delightful! The carrot flavor is present but not overpowering, the coconut milk adds a delightful creaminess. The recipe was straightforward and easy to follow. A wonderfully nutritious main course, definitely will add it to my repertoire of recipes!”
19. Nourishing Chickpea Soup
Our Chickpea Soup thoughtfully combines tender lentils, fresh vegetables, and hearty chickpeas in a fragrant coconut and curry-seasoned broth. This nourishing and satisfying soup is naturally vegan and dairy-free, offering a burst of exotic flavor.
One reader pondered: “Very tasty – the soup was very delicious. Makes a lot and my family isn’t as adventurous in their eating as I am; wondering if I can freeze it? And for how long?”
20. Velvety Sweet Potato Soup
This creamy and comforting Sweet Potato Soup is a delicious powerhouse: healthy, dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and absolutely delightful! Its naturally sweet flavor and smooth texture make it an instant favorite.
A reader commented: “Very tasty – the soup was very delicious. Makes a lot and my family isn’t as adventurous in their eating as I am; wondering if I can freeze it? And for how long?”
Luxuriously Creamy Soup Recipes
Elevate your comfort food experience to a whole new level with these irresistibly creamy soup recipes. Each bowl offers a silky-smooth texture and rich flavor profile, creating an almost sensual dining experience. Our selection includes comforting Creamy Chicken Noodle, wholesome Creamy Vegetable, classic Potato Soup, decadent Creamy Chicken Tortellini, and savory Ham and Potato Soup. These dishes encourage you to slow down, savor each spoonful, and truly enjoy the goodness they bring.
21. One-Pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This incredible one-pot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is thick, wonderfully hearty, and so lusciously creamy you’ll want to slurp up every last drop. It’s the ultimate rendition of a classic comfort food, perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a hug in a bowl.
A reader gushed: “I made this soup tonight and it is honestly the best creamy soup I have ever had. I made it exactly how the recipe said and would not change anything. Thank you so much for sharing!”
22. Insanely Popular Creamy Vegetable Soup
This incredibly popular Creamy Vegetable Soup is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, no matter the occasion! It’s wonderfully kid-friendly and absolutely packed with a vibrant assortment of healthy vegetables, making healthy eating delicious and easy.
One satisfied reader commented: “This exceeded my expectations. The end product is phenomenal. What a cost-efficient recipe! Also perfect when craving something hearty and wholesome. Thank you so much for posting!”
23. Classic Potato Soup
There’s no comfort food quite like a bowl of rich, creamy Potato Soup. Our version boasts all the familiar flavors you love, elevated with an ultra-creamy texture, plenty of cheese, and a robustly seasoned profile that makes it truly irresistible.
A new fan shared: “I never leave comments after I make recipes that I’ve found, but my goodness this was delicious. Even better the next day. Two thumbs up. Thanks for the delicious post!!!”
24. Speedy Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This delightful Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights! Its rich flavor and comforting texture are sure to make it a new family favorite.
One reader enthusiastically stated: “This was off the chart!!! Great taste, easy to make and fun. The wife loved it. Thanks!”
25. Flavorful Ham and Potato Soup
This Ham and Potato Soup is our absolute favorite way to utilize leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas ham! It’s so incredibly delicious that we often look forward to it even more than the actual holiday ham itself. A perfect blend of savory and comforting.
A happy reader exclaimed: “This potato soup has SO MUCH flavor! My husband said it’s the best he’s ever had. And what a great way to use up leftover Easter ham. We loved it.”
Nutritious & Wholesome Healthy Soup Recipes
You don’t have to feel under the weather to appreciate a truly good, healthy soup. In fact, regularly enjoying nutrition-packed meals like these might just help keep those sniffles at bay! Explore the invigorating tastes of our Chicken Vegetable, hearty White Bean and Kale, classic Chicken and Rice, and all-vegetable standouts like the Best Vegetable Soup and wholesome Minestrone. Each recipe is designed to be incredibly flavorful and deeply nourishing – you can literally taste how good they are!
26. Clean & Healthy Chicken Vegetable Soup
This is undeniably one of the finest detox soups you’ll encounter! It’s exceptionally clean, wonderfully healthy, and utterly delicious, featuring a light, flavorful broth base brimming with an abundance of vibrant vegetables.
A grateful reader shared: “I made this yesterday and it was delicious!! Thank you so much for the healthy and flavorful recipe! I’m excited to try some more recipes from your site.”
27. Hearty White Bean and Kale Soup
This vegetarian soup is a powerhouse of nutrition, generously loaded with healthy plant-based protein and an array of fresh vegetables. It’s a beautifully balanced, wholesome, and incredibly filling meal that satisfies on every level.
One reader happily noted: “This soup is so delicious. It is a keeper! I didn’t have kale so I used spinach. Amazing”
28. Classic One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup
Discover the perfect hearty, nutritious, and flavor-packed Chicken and Rice Soup that simplifies mealtime by cooking entirely in one pot! It’s a comforting classic made even easier.
A reader enthusiastically commented: “I love soup especially during the cold winter months and this one looks delicious Chelsea! Loving all the bright veggies packed in here and a big hot steaming bowl of this is just perfect for a snowy day like today!”
29. The BEST 30-Minute Vegetable Soup
Prepare to be amazed by The Best Vegetable Soup, loaded with an abundance of fresh veggies, delicate miniature pasta, and a secret ingredient that adds an incredible depth of flavor! Best of all, it can be ready to serve in just 30 minutes.
One reader confessed: “I think this may be the best homemade soup I have ever eaten. I thought the pesto seemed like a strange thing to add to the soup but it was fantastic. My husband loved it.”
30. Wholesome Quinoa Minestrone Soup
This Healthy Minestrone Soup offers a delightful twist on the classic, made with protein-rich quinoa instead of traditional pasta. It’s generously loaded with good-for-you vegetables and simmered in a deliciously seasoned broth, making it a truly wholesome and satisfying meal.
A devoted vegetarian reader exclaimed: “This minestrone soup is absolutely delicious and the best I have ever made hands-down. I’ve been a vegetarian over 25 years. I did not change anything in the recipe! Thank you for this awesome recipe.”
Quick Tip: The Magic of Stone Soup
Have you ever heard the folk tale of Stone Soup? It’s a heartwarming story about human ingenuity and community. The tale goes that a clever traveler arrived in a village where no one claimed to have food to share. Resourcefully, he announced he could make a delicious soup from a simple stone. Intrigued, the villagers watched as he placed a large stone into a pot of boiling water. As the enticing aroma began to fill the air, he subtly suggested that a few extra vegetables or seasonings could make it even better. Soon, one by one, villagers contributed carrots, onions, broth, and even bits of meat, each believing their small addition would elevate the “stone soup.” The result was a magnificent, communal feast enjoyed by all.
This classic tale beautifully illustrates the power of collaboration and how small contributions can create something wonderful. In the culinary world, “stone soup” has become a delightful metaphor for using what you have – especially leftovers – to create a surprisingly delicious and resourceful meal. It’s one of our favorite ways to clear out the fridge and minimize food waste, turning forgotten ingredients into a fresh, comforting dish!
Explore More Delicious Soup Recipes:
Our soup journey doesn’t end here! For even more comforting and inspiring ideas, check out these additional fantastic soup recipes:
- Classic French Onion Soup
- Hearty Crockpot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
- Comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Wholesome Beef and Barley Soup
- Flavorful Italian Sausage Orzo Soup
We hope this extensive collection inspires you to explore new flavors and find your next favorite soup. Happy cooking!
