When the temperature drops, a big pot of soup is the easiest way to warm up the whole house. These 20 best soup recipes for cold days cover every craving, from creamy broccoli cheddar and loaded baked potato to hearty chili, beef stew and classic chicken noodle.
Many are copycats of restaurant favorites from Panera, Wendy’s, Cracker Barrel and more, so you can enjoy them at home for a fraction of the price. Make a batch on Sunday and you will have warm lunches and easy dinners all week.
Creamy and cheesy soups
Rich, velvety and pure comfort, these are the soups to make when it is freezing outside.
1. Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup
The cafe classic made at home in about 30 minutes, with tender broccoli in a thick, cheesy base. Serve it in a bread bowl for the full Panera experience.
Get the recipe: Panera Copycat Broccoli Cheddar Soup
2. Applebee’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup
Another take on broccoli cheese soup, inspired by the Applebee’s version. Pair it with a grilled cheese for the ultimate cold-day lunch.
Get the recipe: Applebee’s Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup
3. Panera Copycat Baked Potato Soup
Creamy potato soup with all the baked potato fixings. Top it with cheddar, bacon and green onions.
Get the recipe: Panera Copycat Baked Potato Soup
4. Jason’s Deli Copycat Chicken Pot Pie Soup
All the comfort of chicken pot pie in a bowl, without rolling out a crust. Serve it with biscuits for dunking.
Get the recipe: Jason’s Deli Copycat Chicken Pot Pie Soup
5. Progresso Copycat New England Clam Chowder
A creamy New England-style chowder inspired by the classic canned version, but homemade. Oyster crackers are a must.
Get the recipe: Progresso Copycat New England Clam Chowder
6. Nordstrom Copycat Tomato Basil Soup
The department store cafe’s famous tomato soup, with three easy ways to make it at home. It is made for grilled cheese.
Get the recipe: Nordstrom Copycat Tomato Basil Soup
7. First Watch Copycat Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
An easy homemade creamy tomato basil soup inspired by the First Watch restaurant version. It is smooth, cozy and family friendly.
Get the recipe: First Watch Copycat Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Hearty chili, stew and beef soups
Stick-to-your-ribs soups that eat like a full meal.
8. Wendy’s Copycat Chili
The fast-food favorite made at home with ground beef, beans and tomatoes. Top it with shredded cheese and onions.
Get the recipe: Wendy’s Copycat Chili
9. Panera Copycat Turkey Chili
A lighter chili made with lean ground turkey and beans. It is hearty, filling and great for meal prep.
Get the recipe: Panera Copycat Turkey Chili
10. Cracker Barrel Copycat Beef Stew
Tender beef, potatoes and carrots in a rich broth, just like the country restaurant classic. Serve it with cornbread.
Get the recipe: Cracker Barrel Copycat Beef Stew
11. Culver’s Copycat Stuffed Pepper Soup
All the flavor of stuffed peppers in an easy slow cooker soup. Let it simmer all day and come home to dinner.
Get the recipe: Culver’s Copycat Stuffed Pepper Soup
Classic soup favorites
The timeless bowls everyone reaches for when they need a little comfort.
12. Panera Copycat Chicken Noodle Soup
Tender chicken, egg noodles and vegetables in a savory broth, inspired by Panera. It is the first soup to make when someone is feeling under the weather.
Get the recipe: Panera Copycat Chicken Noodle Soup
13. Panera Copycat Italian Wedding Soup
Homemade meatballs, spinach and small pasta in chicken broth. It is light but satisfying.
Get the recipe: Panera Copycat Italian Wedding Soup
14. LongHorn Copycat French Onion Soup
Sweet caramelized onions in a rich broth under a layer of melted cheese, just like the steakhouse version.
Get the recipe: LongHorn Copycat French Onion Soup
15. Jason’s Deli Copycat French Onion Soup
A second easy take on French onion soup, inspired by the Jason’s Deli cup. Try both and pick your favorite.
Get the recipe: Jason’s Deli Copycat French Onion Soup
16. Schlotzsky’s Copycat Tomato Basil Soup
A bright, flavorful tomato basil soup inspired by the Schlotzsky’s deli favorite. Pair it with a toasted sandwich.
Get the recipe: Schlotzsky’s Copycat Tomato Basil Soup
17. Trader Joe’s Copycat Wonton Soup
A homemade take on the Trader Joe’s favorite, with wontons in a savory broth. It is quick, cozy and better than takeout.
Get the recipe: Trader Joe’s Copycat Wonton Soup
Lighter soups for cold days
Warm and cozy, but easy on the calories.
18. Easy Ina Garten Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash, carrots, apple and herbs blend into a silky soup at about 148 calories per serving.
Get the recipe: Easy Ina Garten Butternut Squash Soup
19. Chinese Egg Drop Soup
Silky ribbons of egg in a ginger and garlic broth. It comes together fast and feels like a warm hug.
Get the recipe: Chinese Egg Drop Soup
20. Homemade Miso Soup
Mushrooms, bok choy, seaweed and noodles in a savory miso broth. It is light, warming and ready fast.
Get the recipe: Homemade Miso Soup
Tips for the best homemade soup
- Make a big batch. Most soups taste even better the next day, so double the recipe for lunches.
- Freeze smart. Broth-based soups and chili freeze well for up to 3 months. Creamy and dairy-based soups can separate, so freeze them before adding the cream when you can.
- Season at the end. Taste and add salt after the soup simmers, since broth and cheese add saltiness.
- Set up a toppings bar. Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, crackers and croutons let everyone make their bowl their own.
- Don’t forget the bread. Crusty bread, cornbread, biscuits or grilled cheese turn any soup into a full meal.
Soup FAQ
What is the best soup for a cold day?
Creamy soups like broccoli cheddar and baked potato are the coziest, while chili and beef stew are the most filling. For something lighter, try chicken noodle or butternut squash.
How long does homemade soup last in the fridge?
Most homemade soups keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze these soups?
Yes. Chili, beef stew, chicken noodle (cook the noodles separately) and broth-based soups freeze best. Creamy soups may change texture after thawing.
Grab a pot and get cozy
Whether you are craving cheesy broccoli soup, a hearty bowl of chili or classic chicken noodle, these 20 soups will keep you warm all winter.
Save this post to your Pinterest soup recipes board so you always have a cozy soup ready for the next cold day.
