10 Best Soups for Winter to Warm You Up on Chilly Days

Cozy up with these 10 best winter soup recipes—hearty, easy to make, and full of flavor. Perfect for cold nights and freezer-friendly for busy days.

A cozy overhead view of multiple hands reaching for bowls of various soups, including bean stew, creamy mushroom soup, green broccoli soup, and squash soup, arranged on a table with bread and cloth napkins.

When the wind’s howling and the frost starts to creep in, there’s nothing that hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup. It’s more than just comfort food—it’s soul food. From thick, hearty stews that fill you up after a long day outside to rich, creamy chowders that make you feel warm all over, winter soups are the kind of remedy every homesteader needs when the cold sets in.

In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite winter soup recipes that are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those cold, gray days. These are cozy, crowd-pleasing soups we’ve made time and time again—some on the stovetop, some in the slow cooker—and every one of them earns a spot on our winter menu year after year.

The Best Winter Soups for Cold Days

Whether you’re craving something hearty and filling or smooth and soothing, these winter soup recipes are just what you need to warm up from the inside out. Each one is simple, satisfying, and made with real ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Hearty Chili (Presidential Style)

Chili is a cold-weather classic for good reason, and this version brings a fun twist—it’s inspired by a well-loved recipe straight from Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to tweak with whatever you’ve got in the pantry. See the recipe for Obama’s Chili Recipe on HuffPost.

A close-up of hearty chili with red kidney beans, ground meat, and a thick tomato-based sauce, served in a white bowl. — A bowl of rich, flavorful chili made with ground meat, kidney beans, and a savory tomato sauce—perfect for warming up on a chilly winter day!

Ingredients: Ground turkey or chicken (or go meatless with lentils), beans, tomatoes, spices.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s high in protein, customizable, and warms you up fast.
Tip: For added texture, throw in a handful of corn or bell peppers.

Creamy Salmon Chowder

Don’t let the salmon scare you off—this chowder is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to love. It’s been tested, tweaked, and officially dubbed a family favorite around here.

Ingredients: Fresh or canned salmon, potatoes, cheddar cheese, carrots, onions, and celery.
Why You’ll Love It: A unique seafood twist that’s hearty and satisfying.
Tip: Make this in a Dutch oven or ceramic pot to let the flavors develop fully.

Bean and Bacon Soup

If you’re after a soup that sticks to your ribs and tastes like home, bean and bacon soup delivers every time. Packed with hearty beans, tender veggies, and just the right amount of smoky bacon, it’s the kind of meal that keeps you going on even the coldest days. Bean and bacon soup courtesy of The Pioneer Woman.

Ingredients: White beans (canned or soaked dry), carrots, celery, bacon, garlic, and herbs.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s simple, budget-friendly, and a big hit with kids and adults alike.
Shortcut: Use canned beans instead of soaking dry ones to save time.

Vegetable Barley Soup

Vegetable barley soup is the kind of simple, nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Loaded with hearty root veggies and chewy barley, it’s a cozy option that satisfies both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike. Recipe for this soup from Xtrema.

Ingredients: Turnips, carrots, celery, barley, vegetable or beef broth.
Why You’ll Love It: Healthy, hearty, and easy to make in big batches.
Vegan Tip: Swap beef bouillon for vegetable bouillon to keep it plant-based.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Got a busy day ahead? Let your slow cooker take over dinner duty. This hearty beef stew comes together with just a few minutes of prep and rewards you with tender beef, rich savory broth, and vegetables that are cooked just right. This soup recipe has been delicately designed by Damn Delicious.

Ingredients: Beef chuck, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, broth, and herbs.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a no-fuss, set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s as comforting as it gets.
Serving Idea: Pair with a crusty loaf of French bread for dipping.

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup

This vibrant soup brings together the natural sweetness of butternut squash and earthy carrots, all wrapped up in warm, cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s smooth, flavorful, and just the thing for a chilly evening. You’ll love this recipe from Mess in the Kitchen.

Ingredients: Butternut squash, carrots, onion, vegetable broth, coconut milk, and spices.
Why You’ll Love It: Smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet.
Tip: Add a dollop of crème fraîche or roasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Who doesn’t love a loaded baked potato? This creamy soup takes all those cozy flavors—melty cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions—and turns them into a bowl of pure comfort. Sugar Spun Run has nailed the ultimate potato soup.

Ingredients: Potatoes, chicken broth, cream, cheddar cheese, and toppings of your choice.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s indulgent, hearty, and easy to customize.
Shortcut: Use leftover baked potatoes to speed up prep time.

Classic Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a hearty Italian classic loaded with seasonal veggies, tender pasta, and protein-packed beans—all simmered together in a rich, tomato-based broth. It’s filling, flexible, and perfect for cleaning out the fridge. You’ll adore this twist on a classic Italian soup.

Two bowls of hearty minestrone soup filled with vegetables, pasta, and beans, served alongside crusty bread on a rustic wooden table. — Cozy up with this Classic Minestrone Soup, a nourishing blend of veggies, beans, and pasta – perfect for a warm, satisfying meal on chilly days.

Ingredients: Tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, beans, pasta, and herbs.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s healthy, filling, and great for using up leftover veggies.
Tip: Swap pasta for gluten-free options like rice or quinoa.

Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup

This cozy soup brings together the bold kick of spicy sausage, the earthy bite of kale, and a creamy broth that ties it all together. This beginner-friendly recipe by Sip & Feast is a hearty bowl of comfort that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients: Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, onions, garlic, and cream.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s rich, zesty, and full of protein.
Tip: Adjust the spice level by using mild sausage if preferred.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

If you’re craving something a little lighter but still full of flavor, chicken tortilla soup is the way to go. It’s loaded with southwest flair, a touch of heat, and plenty of bright, zesty goodness in every bite. This quick and easy tortilla soup is brought to you by Natasha’s Kitchen.

Ingredients: Shredded chicken, tomatoes, black beans, corn, tortillas, and spices.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s quick to make and full of vibrant flavors.
Serving Tip: Top with avocado slices, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

My Favorite Tip for Winter Soup Success

One thing I’ve learned over the years? Always make a double batch. Winter days have a way of getting hectic, and having homemade soup stashed in the freezer is a game-changer. I like to use silicone muffin trays or lay freezer bags flat for easy portioning—just pop one out, reheat, and you’ve got instant cozy without the extra work.

Soup-er Common Questions

Yes! Most soups freeze well, especially brothy or pureed varieties. Avoid freezing soups with dairy or pasta, as the texture can change.

Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring often. Add broth if the soup has thickened.

Add grains like rice, barley, or quinoa, or serve it with hearty bread for dipping.

Absolutely! Swap meat broths for vegetable broth and use plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, or tofu.

Save this post for later and keep your winter soup game strong!

Hands holding bowls of various winter soups, including creamy broccoli, mushroom, and tomato soup, surrounded by cozy sweaters and rustic tableware.

If you’re craving more cozy, satisfying meals this season, here are a few tried-and-true favorites to keep you warm. This rich and savory French onion soup is perfect for slow evenings by the fire. Got leftover roast? Turn it into a hearty leftover bean soup that’s just as good the second time around. For something simple and comforting, this creamy potato soup comes together fast and freezes beautifully. And of course, nothing pairs better with a steaming bowl of soup than a loaf of homemade bread—the smell alone is worth it.

What’s your favorite way to warm up with a bowl of soup? I’d love to hear your go-to recipes in the comments!