Delicious & Easy Winter Soups: 6 Cozy Recipes for Cold Days

As the chilly winds of winter sweep in and the days grow shorter, there's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. These delicious and easy recipes not only keep us cozy but also nourish our bodies with healthy ingredients and hearty flavors.

Whether you're seeking a steaming cup of classic chicken noodle or a vibrant vegetable medley, winter soups offer a delightful escape from the cold. Join us as we explore a variety of simple yet satisfying recipes that will warm your heart and your kitchen this season!

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Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Soup

A rich, creamy soup that combines tender broccoli florets with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon bits.

What You Will Need:

• Broccoli

• Bacon

• Heavy cream

• Sharp cheddar cheese

• Butter

• Flour

• Garlic powder

• Chicken broth

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 6 slices bacon, diced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook diced bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.

2. Add butter to the pot and melt over medium heat.

3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.

4. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly.

5. Add broccoli and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender.

6. Stir in heavy cream and garlic powder.

7. Add cheese gradually, stirring until melted.

8. Season with salt and pepper.

9. Return bacon to the pot and serve hot.

Tip

For extra smooth soup, blend half the broccoli mixture before adding the cheese.

Butternut Squash Maple Soup

A velvety smooth soup that captures autumn flavors with a hint of sweetness.

What You Will Need:

• Butternut squash

• Heavy cream

• Butter

• Vegetable broth

• Maple syrup

• Nutmeg

• Cinnamon

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add squash and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until squash is tender.

5. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.

6. Stir in cream, maple syrup, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip

Roasting the squash beforehand adds depth of flavor.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

A hearty Minnesota-inspired soup perfect for cold winter nights.

What You Will Need:

• Chicken

• Wild rice

• Carrots

• Celery

• Heavy cream

• Butter

• Flour

• Thyme

• Chicken broth

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced

• 1 cup wild rice, cooked

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 3 carrots, diced

• 3 celery stalks, diced

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add carrots and celery, cook until softened.

3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly.

5. Add cooked wild rice and chicken.

6. Simmer for 15 minutes.

7. Stir in cream and thyme.

8. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip

Cook the wild rice separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid in the soup.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

A sophisticated take on classic tomato soup with Italian influences.

What You Will Need:

• Whole peeled tomatoes

• Fresh basil

• Garlic

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese

• Butter

• Flour

• Vegetable broth

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients

• 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add tomatoes and vegetable broth.

5. Simmer for 20 minutes.

6. Blend until smooth.

7. Stir in cream and Parmesan.

8. Add fresh basil.

9. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip

Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.

Potato Leek Soup

A classic French-inspired soup that's both simple and elegant.

What You Will Need:

• Potatoes

• Leeks

• Garlic

• Heavy cream

• Butter

• Thyme

• Chicken broth

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients

• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

• 2 leeks (white parts only), sliced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add leeks and garlic, cook until softened.

3. Add potatoes and chicken broth.

4. Simmer for 20 minutes until potatoes are tender.

5. Blend until smooth.

6. Stir in cream and thyme.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip

For extra richness, add a dollop of sour cream when serving.

Ham and Bean Soup

A rustic, protein-rich soup that's perfect for using leftover ham.

What You Will Need:

• Great Northern beans

• Ham

• Carrots

• Celery

• Garlic

• Bay leaf

• Thyme

• Chicken broth

• Salt

• Black pepper

Ingredients

• 1 pound Great Northern beans, soaked overnight

• 2 cups diced ham

• 6 cups chicken broth

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Drain and rinse soaked beans.

2. Combine beans, ham, and broth in a large pot.

3. Add carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

5. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours until beans are tender.

6. Remove bay leaf.

7. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip

Save your ham bone to add extra flavor during cooking.

Whether you choose to stick with a classic or experiment with something new, the pleasure of savoring a steaming bowl of soup while wrapped in a blanket can turn any winter night into a delightful experience.

Gather your ingredients and embrace the warmth and satisfaction that comes from creating easy winter soups—your cozy evening awaits!

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