Quick & Easy Winter Soup Recipes to Stay Warm This Season
Some people call it sweater weather. But to us, winter is first and foremost soup season. There is nothing better than curling up on the couch with a steaming bowl of it. Today we’re sharing our favorite winter soup recipes to beat the cold.
Benefits of Homemade Soup
Here are some of the many reasons we love soup in the winter.
Nutritious
Soup is extremely nutritious, and it provides key ingredients that help combat colds and even the flu. This includes protein, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, zinc, and more. So if you’re feeling under the weather, soup makes for great medicine.
It is also a good source of fruits and veggies, so consider adding soup to your dinner rotation this season to build a well-balanced diet. Visit our produce department for the freshest finds around.
Convenient
Eating healthy shouldn’t be difficult. Another benefit of winter soup recipes is that they are simple to cook. Most soups are easy to make in bulk, and if you have leftovers, don’t worry. Just store them in an airtight container and freeze them for later. When you’re ready for another bowl, just thaw it in your fridge overnight.
Comforting
Soups are also a comfort food. The warm broth and mouthwatering aromas instantly help you feel relaxed. They also have a high water content, making them easy to digest and more filling (so you don’t overeat).
10 Mouthwatering Winter Soup Recipes
Below are some irresistible winter soup ideas to try this season. And when you’re ready, head to your local Stauffers of Kissel Hill to get everything you need to start cooking.
Winter Sausage Soup
This Calypso Beef Soup combines some of our favorite hearty ingredients: sweet potatoes, bell peppers, peas, spinach, and ground beef. It’s a great source of protein, vitamins B6 and B12, iron, zinc, fiber, and more. And the best part? You can make it in under an hour.
Bring This Winter Sausage Soup to Life
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup
Cold season is upon us, and nothing hits the spot like a chicken winter soup. In just half an hour, you can whip up this delicious dinner, featuring carrots, celery, egg noodles, and chicken breast. For an extra nutrition boost, add leeks, parsnips, peas, or kale.
Bring This Chicken Noodle Soup to Life
Creamy Tomato Soup
As far as winter cream soups go, this tomato-vodka classic will fill you up and keep you warm with every spoonful. Just combine pasta sauce, garlic, onions, tomatoes, vegetable broth, parsley, half & half, and vodka for a steaming cup of goodness. Pair with a freshly-made grilled cheese for the perfect comfort meal.
Bring This Tomato Soup to Life
Curry Pumpkin and Walnut Soup
This winter soup recipe combines chicken broth, pumpkin, walnuts, onions, milk, and curry paste for a unique and cozy dinner. Not a big pumpkin fan? You can easily replace it with butternut squash for a healthier option.
Bring This Pumpkin and Walnut Soup to Life
Mixed Bean Soup
If you’re looking for a vegetarian winter soup, beans are your best friend. This soup is chock-full of nutritious ingredients like kidney beans, garbanzo beans, black beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, and more. To make it more substantial, we recommend adding your favorite whole-wheat pasta.
Bring This Mixed Bean Soup to Life
Potato Broccoli Soup
With half an hour and just a handful of ingredients, you can cook an amazing potato broccoli soup for you and your family. For a little protein, consider adding bacon or beef to the mix. And for extra creaminess, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Bring This Potato Broccoli Soup to Life
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This taco-inspired meal is a great way to transform your favorite Mexican dish. Combine chicken, broth, rice, corn, peppers, salsa, and cilantro for a flavorful base. Then add a little crunch to this chicken winter soup by sprinkling crispy tortilla chips on top.
Bring This Chicken Tortilla Soup to Life
French Onion Soup
Nothing is better than coming home to a bowl of warm French onion soup. These caramelized onions in a savory beef broth, topped with a baguette slice and melted cheese, make for an irresistible dinner. The cooking time is about an hour, but the extra effort is worth it for the tasty result.
Bring This French Onion Soup to Life
Sweet Potato Bisque
To make this smooth bisque, just boil and purée chicken broth, sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Then add milk for a creamy finish, and top it off with salsa and green onion. For a vegetarian winter soup option, just switch from chicken broth to vegetable broth.
Bring This Sweet Potato Bisque to Life
New England Clam Chowder
This winter soup recipe is for our seafood lovers out there. A mix of clams, heavy cream, potatoes, onions, edamame, and a few other basics, this clam chowder is sure to keep you warm and cozy all evening. It’s even better paired with a side of cornbread or fresh rolls.
Bring This Clam Chowder to Life
Tips for Perfecting Your Meal
Make the Most of Your Flavor
A great-tasting soup starts with the stock. We recommend choosing a flavorful broth, or even making your own chicken or vegetable stock. This way you have complete control over the end result.
Our next tip is to cook things separately before adding them to the soup. Sauté your vegetables in butter or oil for more flavor. If you’re using rice or pasta, cook it al dente and wait until the end to add it.
Pick Complementary Sides
For many people, a meal isn’t complete without a delicious side. If you don’t find soup to be filling enough, just add your favorite carb! We love garlic bread, pasta, cornbread, or flatbread. Another idea is to choose something with a contrasting texture like crackers or a salad.
You can also pair your soup with a sandwich—choose to dip it or just eat it separately. We recommend a grilled cheese, quesadilla, BLT, turkey panini, or chicken salad sandwich. You can also incorporate sides like avocado toast or pierogies.
If you’re not sick of vegetables, consider adding a few more. You can make fries, loaded baked potatoes, fried zucchini, or roasted veggies.
Make Extra
These winter soup ideas are a great option for meal prepping. If you have enough ingredients (and a big enough pot), consider doubling the winter soup recipe to make it in bulk. Since it’s so easy to freeze, you’ll have extra for a night when you don’t feel like cooking.
Be sure to let your soup cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container and placing it in the freezer.
Get all your soup essentials at your local Stauffers Fresh Foods store.