10 Best Winter Soups to Warm You Up on Chilly Days

Warm up with these easy, hearty winter soup recipes! From creamy chowders to slow-cooker stews, discover comforting bowls perfect for cold 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 cold winds howl, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of homemade soup. Whether it’s a hearty stew that sticks to your ribs or a creamy chowder that warms you from the inside out, winter soups are the ultimate remedy for a chilly day.

In this post, I’m sharing some of the best winter soups that are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for taking the chill off during the colder months. From family-tested recipes to slow cooker favorites, these warm soup recipes are guaranteed to become staples in your kitchen this season.

The Best Winter Soups for Cold Days

Hearty Chili (Presidential Style)

Chili is a winter classic, and this version comes with a twist—it’s inspired by a famous recipe from Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s hearty, filling, and incredibly versatile. 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 throw you off—this chowder is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Tested and tweaked for perfection, this soup is a family favorite.

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

For a soup that’s as filling as it is flavorful, bean and bacon soup is hard to beat. It’s loaded with fiber-rich beans, vegetables, and smoky bacon—perfect for fueling a long winter day. 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 a wholesome, cozy meal perfect for vegans and meat lovers alike. Packed with root veggies and chewy barley, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious. 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

Busy day ahead? Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. This beef stew comes together with minimal prep and delivers tender meat, rich broth, and perfectly cooked veggies. 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 blends the natural sweetness of butternut squash with earthy carrots and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. 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 baked potato? Turn it into a creamy soup with all your favorite toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions. 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 an Italian favorite brimming with seasonal vegetables, pasta, and beans, all simmered in a savory tomato broth. 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 soup combines bold flavors from spicy sausage with the earthy goodness of kale in a creamy broth. This beginner-friendly soup recipe from Sip & Feast will warm you from the inside out.

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

For a lighter, zesty option, chicken tortilla soup is packed with southwest flavors and just the right amount of heat. 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 is to always make a double batch of soup and freeze portions for later. Winter days can get hectic, and having homemade soup ready to reheat saves time and keeps you cozy. Use silicone muffin trays or freezer bags to portion and freeze soup for easy reheating.

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 looking for more cozy and satisfying meals this season, you’ll love exploring other comforting recipes perfect for chilly days, like this french onion soup. A slow-cooked roast can easily pull double duty with leftovers turned into a hearty bean soup. For an ultra-simple option, try this creamy potato soup made with just a handful of ingredients—it’s freezer-friendly, too. And if you want something to pair with your soup, why not bake up a loaf of warm, homemade bread? There’s nothing like the aroma of fresh bread to make your home feel extra inviting.

What’s your favorite way to stay cozy with a warm bowl of soup? Share your go-to recipes in the comments below!