25 Classic Soup Recipes from the 1950s

My husband and I love French onion soup, so I wondered if I could turn it into a less labor-intensive dish by altering my recipe to work in a slow cooker. The rich, cheesy result was an instant winner at home. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina

My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

JFK's affinity for fish chowder was likely inspired by his love of sailing off the coast of New England. In my version, I use fresh halibut my brother-in-law, a commercial fisherman, catches in Kodiak, Alaska. Top servings with grated Parmesan, minced green onions or a few drops of hot sauce.

Kids may not want to try a vegetable soup, but once they spoon up a mouthful of this cheesy variety, the flavor will keep them coming back for more. —Muriel Lerdal, Humboldt, Iowa

When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I always like to make this soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina

Mother made this soup when I was a child, and it was always one of my favorites. After 75 years, it still is! Mother's cellar was filled with home-canned vegetables, so the basic ingredient of this soup was right at hand. It never took her long to make a kettle of this wonderful soup. —Wilma Miller, Port Angeles, Washington

My husband is a former member of the Air Force's Thunderbird team, and I developed this recipe after he invited the whole team to our house on short notice for an informal dinner. It was very easy-it was done in 45 minutes, and it turned out to be the best oyster stew I'd ever made! —Christa Scott, Santa Fe, New Mexico

When you need to feed a crowd, consider this beefy favorite loaded with both fresh and frozen veggies. —Sue Straughan, Prattville, Alabama

You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

I came up with this recipe when I wanted to make dinner in the slow cooker but didn't have time to go to the grocery store. I went through my freezer and cupboards and threw in what I thought would go well together. At the last minute, I decided to add Old Bay. This flavorful soup was a make-again! —Stacey Cornell, Saratoga Springs, New York

Several years back, I needed ways to use up 25 lbs. of sweet onions—and this recipe's one I came up with. I like making it for guests. Sometimes, however, I'll fix a half recipe just for me! — Sharon Berthelote, Sunburst, Montana

For years, I'd been trying to figure out how my grandmother made her rivel soup. Then I discovered that it wasn't just something she came up with, but a prized heirloom recipe. Many families have their own special version. —Kathy Kegley, Rural Retreat, Virginia

We used to live in New Orleans, but our taste buds don't know we moved yet. I still make many Creole dishes, and gumbo is one of our favorites. —Catherine Bouis, Palm Harbor, Florida

When I serve this creamy carrot ginger soup, people are amazed by the bright color and are hooked by the deliciously different flavor. A hint of rosemary adds a nice spark to a slightly sweet soup. —Grace Yaskovic, Branchville, New Jersey

I developed this soup out of two others to create my own low-calorie recipe. It turned out so well that I entered it in my county fair and won a blue ribbon. —Alyce Wyman, Pembina, North Dakota

There's no mistaking that savory is the main herb seasoning this rich and creamy soup.

This veggie-packed clam chowder is savory and satisfying. Butter up some crusty bread and you have yourself a complete meal. —Carol Bullick, Royersford, Pennsylvania

In nearby Wardsboro, Vermont, they have a fall festival where one of the entrees is this delicious soup. Reheats wonderfully in a slow cooker! —Liz Wheeler, Wilmington, Vermont

Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It’s quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this tomato soup recipe is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. You can't beat this homemade version of the classic. — Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

On chilly nights, we fill the pot with parsnips and celery root for a smooth, creamy soup. Garlic, bacon and fresh thyme make it even better. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire

I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Lunches on the run will be a little tastier with this hot and hearty beef and barley soup. The recipe is very simple to prepare. —Mary Prior, Rush City, Minnesota

This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good anytime. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio