22 delicious soups to help you warm up every winter

A grilled cheese and tomato soup has long been a lunch staple. However, when the temps drop, sometimes you want something with a bit more substance. That’s why creamy tomato bisque is a delicious soup to make during winter.

Whether you buy delicata, butternut, acorn, or another winter squash, they all make the perfect base for a squash soup. Or maybe do a combination for added flavor!

You can't go wrong with a delicious chicken tortilla soup if you’re craving an enchilada or a quesadilla but also something warm to sip on. Shredded chicken, beans, tomato, cilantro, jalapenos, and cheese all combine for a uniquely tasty bowl. Top with avocado and tortilla strips.

Chili has always been a wintertime favorite. However, if you’re trying to cut back your meat consumption, consider swapping beef for beans. Black, kidney, and white beans are all great protein alternatives for your favorite chili recipe. 

This Irish favorite is the ideal meal for a cold night. It typically features beef, onions, carrots, potatoes, herbs, and a stock of your choice. You don’t have to wait until March to sample it!

Historians will debate whether this recipe has any connection to Italian weddings, but it does sure warm up the tummy. Homemade meatballs are best for a well-rounded taste, but frozen or store-bought will do in a pinch. Add your stock of choice: Onions, celery, carrots, and seasonings. 

Try this recipe if you want a creamy veggie soup but don’t like (or just aren’t in the mood for) tomato. Blended broccoli and your favorite cheddar pair perfectly with any sandwich for a mouthwatering winter lunch! 

Even if you’re a seafood chowder loyalist, sometimes it’s hard to find the ingredients when the temps drop. Or maybe you just want something heartier on a cold day. So, try potato chowder (and if you’re really missing clams, you can add them.)

Ramen noodles and a well-seasoned broth were made to warm your soul on a winter’s day. Ginger and garlic will elevate that, and add a protein of your choice.

If you love roasted carrots, why not blend them into a delicious soup? Add ginger, nutmeg, and coconut milk for additional flavor. Bonus: It’s totally vegan!

This French favorite isn’t for the faint of heart. The caramelized onions take constant stirring to get there, but once you do, the broth and rest aren’t too difficult.

Mushrooms are a great veggie or vegan wintertime replacement. So if you’re craving ramen but without beef or chicken, chop up your favorite mushrooms, sautee, and voila! 

If you’re craving this delicious food, you don’t need to make the journey to your favorite Chinese restaurant. You can make a quick version at home with chicken broth or stock, green onions, bok choy, soy sauce, and wonton wrappers cut into noodles. Then, make your own meatballs or use frozen ones for an easy solution to a favorite recipe!

Beets are a polarizing vegetable, but if you’re a fan, they make a mean soup. Cook garlic and oven in a pan before adding chopped beets. Then, the broth with salt, pepper, and whatever seasonings you like. Once everything is tender, blend in a food processor or blender in batches before cooking over low heat. Serve with yogurt or cream!

Love chowder but can’t find fresh seafood? Or maybe you have an allergy? Don’t worry: Corn chowder is the ideal creamy remedy. Start cooking bacon until crisp. Remove from the pot, but leave the grease. Then, cook diced potato, onion, corn, water, and spices, and boil. Reduce to low heat, stirring frequently until potatoes are soft. Add bacon and serve! 

Another favorite veggie option that can sometimes bring back not-so-great memories from childhood. However, in adulthood, you’ve probably realized it’s a great healthy meal and super easy to make. First, saute veggies like celery, onion, garlic, and perhaps carrots. Then add peas, water broth, and herbs. Add ham (or other meat) if you want, boil, then let simmer for about an hour. 

There’s nothing like escaping to a tropical island that has amazing seafood in the middle of winter. If you can’t do that, at least take a trip via your tastebuds. Coconut milk, broth, seasonings, celery, carrots, and shellfish of your choice; shrimp, mussels, clams, and maybe crab, and combine for a curry that pairs great with rice. 

No need to buy the canned stuff. Everyone’s sick day favorite isn’t complicated at all. First, cook the noodles, although not all the way, as they’ll cook more in the soup. Then, take chicken broth, seasoning, peas, carrots, and shredded chicken and simmer. Add noodles and enjoy.

Looking for a veggie-friendly option? Dig out a can of lentils and get to work. Cook veggies of your choice, vegetable broth, tomato sauce, water, and seasonings in a large pot. Add lentils and cover with a lid for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it sit for ten minutes before adding spinach.

These two winter staples can make a quick and easy liquid meal as well. Use pre-cooked (or bake your own) ham and chop into squares, set aside. In another saucepan, cook onion, garlic, and veggies, and add broth, bring to a boil. Add drained beans and ham and simmer until the protein is soft. 

A healthy alternative when the temperature isn't super friendly for barbecuing. Similar to the corn chowder, start with bacon, then set aside, but leave the grease in the pan. Add veggies such as celery, carrots, onion, and ground beef. Cook until the meat is brown, then add mustard powder, flour, and potatoes. Stir in cheese and serve with pickles or relish.

In recent years, cauliflower has become a great, healthy addition or alternative to many recipes. Surprisingly, it also makes a great soup. Combine it with onion, salt, pepper, and parsley for at least 15 minutes. Add broth to boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. In another pan, melt butter, milk, and flour before combining the two for a hearty winter soup!