15 Best Cozy Soup Recipes for Winter: Warm Up This Season

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a steaming bowl of soup when the temperatures drop and the wind starts to howl outside your window. Winter is the perfect season for hearty, comforting meals that warm you up from the inside out.

I’ve rounded up my 15 Best Cozy Soup Recipes for Winter: Warm Up This Season. These soups are sure to become your go-to favorites, whether you're looking for something rich and creamy or light and brothy. From classic chicken noodle to unique twists like creamy cauliflower, there's something in this collection for everyone. So grab your stockpot and let’s dive into some seriously cozy soup recipes!

1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of classic chicken noodle soup. It's a timeless recipe that never fails to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until tender (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add shredded cooked chicken and egg noodles.
6. Reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender (about 10 minutes).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This cozy creamy tomato basil soup is the ultimate winter comfort food and is delicious with a toasty grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Beef and Barley Soup

Packed with tender chunks of beef and hearty barley, this soup is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Transfer beef to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until tender.
5. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
6. Return beef to the pot and add beef broth, barley, and bay leaf.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender (about 45 minutes).
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

4. Creamy Potato Leek Soup

This smooth and creamy potato leek soup is perfect for a cozy winter night.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced leeks and sauté until tender.
3. Add diced potatoes and broth; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft (about 20 minutes).
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.

5. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup is a delicious medley of meatballs, greens, and pasta that will warm your soul.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb ground pork and beef mixture
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (like acini di pepe)
• 4 cups baby spinach

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground pork and beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until tender.
7. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
8. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
9. Add pasta and meatballs; simmer until pasta is tender (about 10 minutes).
10. Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Butternut Squash Soup

Sweet and savory, this butternut squash soup is always a hit in the colder months.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add cubed butternut squash and diced onion; sauté until tender.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is very tender (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in ground nutmeg and heavy cream.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. French Onion Soup

This classic French onion soup is a rich, savory delight topped with cheesy toasted bread.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 large onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette slices, toasted
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 30 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in beef broth and white wine, bring to a boil.
5. Add thyme and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Ladle soup into oven-safe bowls, place a toasted baguette slice on top, and sprinkle with grated Gruyère cheese.
8. Broil in oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a hearty vegetable soup that’s perfect for cleaning out the fridge and warming the soul.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 yellow squash, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sauté until tender.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add chopped zucchini and yellow squash, cook for a few more minutes.
5. Pour in beans, tomatoes, and broth; bring to a boil.
6. Add pasta, dried basil, and oregano; simmer until pasta is tender (about 10 minutes).
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

9. Clam Chowder

Rich and creamy, this New England-style clam chowder is an absolute winter classic.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cans (10 oz each) clams, with juice
• 4 cups clam juice or seafood broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Add diced onion to the pot, sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add diced potatoes and clam juice; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
7. Stir in clams and heavy cream.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley before serving.

10. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This creamy broccoli cheddar soup is both comforting and filling, with a rich cheesy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add broccoli florets and broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until broccoli is tender (about 10 minutes).
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or leave some texture if preferred).
7. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This loaded baked potato soup is hearty and topped off with all your favorite fixings.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish
• Sour cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Add diced onion to the pot, sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add cubed potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or leave some texture if preferred).
8. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

12. Tortilla Soup

This zesty and spicy tortilla soup is perfect for adding a bit of warmth to your winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortilla strips for garnish
• Avocado slices for garnish
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeno; sauté until tender.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add shredded cooked chicken, corn kernels, cumin, and chili powder.
6. Simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with tortilla strips, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro before serving.

13. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A comfort food classic, chicken and wild rice soup is creamy, hearty, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Add shredded cooked chicken and cooked wild rice; simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Stir in heavy cream.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

14. Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is thick, hearty, and full of smoky flavor—perfect for winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb dried split peas, rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 ham hock
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add dried split peas, broth, ham hock, and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender (about 1-1.5 hours).
6. Remove ham hock and bay leaf, and discard.
7. Blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth (optional).
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

15. Lentil Soup

Packed with protein and veggies, lentil soup is both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups dried lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, dried lentils, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender (about 30-40 minutes).
6. Stir in cumin and paprika.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Conclusion

I’ve shared a variety of my favorite cozy soup recipes that are perfect for the winter season. With these recipes in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to making winter a little bit warmer and a lot more delicious. Dig in and enjoy the comfort!