17+ Best Soup for a Cold Day Recipes

When the weather turns chilly, nothing compares to the comfort of a warm, hearty soup. Discover these delightful recipes that promise to keep you cozy and satisfied.

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup from Tastes Better From Scratch

Rating: 5 (7966 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe from The Kitchn

Rating: 5 (16 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Noodle Soup from Delish

Rating: 4.9 (8 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

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Imagine the aroma of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs simmering together in a savory broth. This classic chicken noodle soup is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up on a cold day.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and the way it brings familiar flavors together. With just a handful of ingredients, including chicken, carrots, celery, and egg noodles, you can create a dish that feels like a warm hug. The broth is seasoned with bay leaves, thyme, and a hint of garlic, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Many people love this recipe not only for its taste but also for its versatility. You can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, turning it into something new and delicious.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup from Love and Lemons

Rating: 5 (19 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup from Cookie and Kate

Rating: 4.8 (15 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (26 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

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Butternut squash soup offers a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. Made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a touch of nutmeg, this soup is as vibrant in flavor as it is in color.

The magic happens when the roasted squash is blended into a smooth puree, creating a velvety base. A splash of cream or coconut milk adds richness, while the nutmeg and a sprinkle of cinnamon bring warmth and depth. This soup is a favorite during fall and winter, often enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup from Spend With Pennies

Rating: 5 (11 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup from Serious Eats

Rating: 4.9 (7 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 15 min.

Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup from Sip and Feast

Rating: 5 (96 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 50 min.

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This robust soup is packed with flavor and nutrition, featuring tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a meal in a bowl that promises to fill you up and keep you warm from the inside out.

The secret to its rich taste lies in the slow-cooking process, where the beef is browned to perfection before simmering with onions, carrots, and celery. Barley adds a delightful texture and absorbs the savory essence of the broth. A touch of tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce gives the soup a slight tang, enhancing its hearty profile.

Popular among those who appreciate a filling meal, this soup is perfect for making in large batches and freezing for future dinners. It’s like having a comforting, homemade meal ready whenever you need it.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup from Cookie and Kate

Rating: 4.9 (660 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

Spicy Black Bean Soup from NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Rating: 5 (16 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe

Spicy Black Bean Soup Recipe from Chili Pepper Madness

Rating: 4.9 (15 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

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If you crave a bit of heat to warm you up, spicy black bean soup is a fantastic choice. This soup is rich with the flavors of cumin, chili powder, and a hint of lime, making every spoonful a zesty delight.

Black beans provide a creamy texture and a hearty base, while diced tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers add a fresh contrast. A dash of smoked paprika and jalapeño gives it a kick that’s just enough to make your taste buds dance. The lime juice brightens the flavors, ensuring each bite is balanced and satisfying.

What makes this soup particularly appealing is how easy it is to prepare. You can use canned beans for convenience and have a delicious meal ready in under an hour. Pair it with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.

Potato Leek Soup

Potato Leek Soup

Potato Leek Soup from Love and Lemons

Rating: 4.9 (140 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Potato Leek Soup

Potato Leek Soup from Once Upon a Chef

Rating: 4.8 (11 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.

Potato and Leek Soup

Potato and Leek Soup from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (12 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

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Potato leek soup is a creamy, comforting classic that’s both elegant and simple. The combination of tender potatoes and mild leeks creates a smooth, satisfying soup that’s perfect for cold days.

The key to its delightful flavor is the gentle sautéing of leeks in butter, which brings out their sweet, mild taste. When combined with potatoes and simmered in chicken or vegetable broth, the result is a velvety smooth soup that’s both filling and flavorful. A touch of cream adds richness, while a sprinkle of chives brings a fresh finish.

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup from Love and Lemons

Rating: 5 (224 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup from Tastes Better From Scratch

Rating: 4.9 (455 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (14 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

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Bright, tangy, and utterly comforting, tomato basil soup is a favorite for many. It’s a classic that pairs perfectly with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, making it a beloved choice for cold days.

This soup balances the acidity of ripe tomatoes with the sweetness of sautéed onions and garlic. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant herbal note, while a hint of cream smooths the texture and rounds out the flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it highlights fresh ingredients.

Perfect for both lunch and dinner, this soup is quick to prepare and can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. It’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and an irresistible aroma to your kitchen.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Cold Day Soups

The Absolute BEST Soup For A Cold from The Health Investment

Total Time: 30 min.

Easy winter vegetable soup recipe from Larder Love

Rating: 4.2 (21 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

Cold Cure Soup from NYT Cooking – The New York Times

Rating: 5 (1572 reviews). Total Time: 2 h 15 min.

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Maximize Flavor with Quality Ingredients

Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Fresh herbs, ripe vegetables, and good-quality meats make a significant difference in the taste of your soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices to create a depth of flavor.

Get the Right Consistency

For creamy soups, use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth texture directly in the pot. If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some ingredients before blending. Adding cream or coconut milk can enhance richness and mouthfeel.

Enhance with Garnishes

Garnishes like fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of cheese can elevate your soup to new heights. They add color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor that makes your dish visually appealing and more delicious.