17 Classic Soups Get a Modern Twist
Updated: Oct. 10, 2022We've taken more than a dozen traditional soup recipes and reinvented them with a new twist. Here you'll find the best classic soup recipes around, and, if you're in the mood to get a little crazy, modern takes that get a little something-something.
1
/
34
The Ultimate Chicken Noodle Soup
My first Wisconsin winter was so cold, all I wanted to eat was homemade chicken noodle soup. Of all the chicken noodle soup recipes out there, this type of soup is my favorite and is in heavy rotation from November to April. It has many incredibly devoted fans.—Gina Nistico, Denver, Colorado
2
/
34
Coconut Curry Chicken Soup
Similar to a Vietnamese pho rice noodle soup, this red curry soup packs big flavor and a bit of heat. The crisp raw vegetables help cool things down. —Monnie Norasing, Mansfield, TexasHere’s how to make pho on your own.
3
/
34
Quick Tomato Soup
There's nothing like a steamy bowl of classic tomato soup on a cold February day. The addition of sugar puts a sweet spin on this version. For extra loveliness, top with homemade heart-shaped croutons. —Jane Ward, Churchville, Maryland
4
/
34
Creamy Carrot & Tomato Soup
I often double this recipe and freeze half so we can enjoy a taste of summer during the cold winter months. If I do freeze it, I omit the yogurt and stir it in after the soup's reheated. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
5
/
34
Classic French Onion Soup
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
6
/
34
Leek Soup with Brie Toasts
If you're looking for something special to fix on a holiday, look no further. This velvety soup is accented with tarragon, and the toasted bread topped with melted Brie cheese is the crowning touch. —Marie Hattrup, Sparks, Nevada
7
/
34
The Classic: Potato Clam Chowder
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
8
/
34
The Modern Take: Hearty Quinoa & Corn Chowder
My grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, Kentucky
9
/
34
The Classic: Pico de Gallo Black Bean Soup
Everyone at my table goes for this feel-good soup. It is quick when you’re pressed for time and beats fast food, hands down. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
10
/
34
The Modern Take: Chicken and Black Bean Soup
This spicy soup is one of my husband’s favorites. It’s quick to make but tastes like it simmered all day. What a great way to use up the last tortilla chips in the bag! —Linda Lashley, Redgranite, Wisconsin
11
/
34
The Classic: Christina's Italian Wedding Soup
I'm big on soups with tiny meatballs and pasta. I double the meatballs, poach them in the broth, remove half and freeze them for another time. —Christina Hitchcock, Madison Township, Pennsylvania
12
/
34
The Modern Take: Southwest-Style Wedding Soup
I turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
13
/
34
The Classic: Quick Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
My mother-in-law raves about the chicken and rice soup we serve at our house. I tweaked the recipe several times to get it just right. —Teresa Jacobson, St. Johns, Florida
14
/
34
The Modern Take: Chicken & Vegetable Wild Rice Soup
This go-to weeknight recipe is one I tweaked over and over till it was just right. It has morphed from a labor-intensive wintry bowl to a steamy, comforting, slow-cooked favorite for our family. —Courtney Riggin, Hatchechubbee, Alabama
15
/
34
The Classic: Contest-Winning Easy Minestrone
This minestrone soup recipe is special to me because it’s one of the few dinners my entire family loves. And I can feel good about serving it because it’s full of nutrition and low in fat. —Lauren Brennan, Hood River, Oregon
16
/
34
The Modern Take: Meatball Minestrone
Just thinking about this soup simmering on the stove gets me hungry! The homemade meatballs are so tasty. —Esther Perea, Van Nuys, California
17
/
34
The Classic: Cheesy Broccoli Soup in a Bread Bowl
This creamy, cheesy broccoli soup tastes just like the one served at Panera Bread! My family requests it all the time. You can even make your own homemade bread bowls with the recipe on my blog, Yammie's Noshery. —Rachel Preus, Marshall, Michigan
18
/
34
The Modern Take: Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup
Whether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop single servings into the freezer. —Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
19
/
34
The Classic: Comforting Beef Barley Soup
When the weather outside is nippy, we want a bowl of soup that’s chock-full of beef, barley and veggies. It's the most delicious way to warm up. —Sue Jurack, Mequon, Wisconsin
20
/
34
The Modern Take: Beef Barley Soup with Roasted Vegetables
The beauty of this soup is that you can roast the vegetables separately in the oven while it's simmering away. Then simply add them in during the last minutes on the stovetop. I love that the roasted vegetables keep their own bright flavors that add to this earthy bowl of warmth. —Gayla Scott, West Jefferson, North Carolina
21
/
34
Slow-Cooked Split Pea Soup
I've been making this soup for years. After every holiday where ham is served, the hostess hands me the ham bone and a bag of peas when I leave. I love it with a slice of crusty fresh bread. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
22
/
34
Split Pea Soup with Bacon & Crab
Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for good, smoky flavor. Taking it one amazing step farther-add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat soup in a saucepan. Feel free to add more chicken stock or broth when reheating if you need it. Sprinkle bacon and fresh crab on top of bowls of hot soup. —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Illinois
23
/
34
The Classic: Hearty Navy Bean Soup
My family loves navy bean soup! Beans were a commodity you did not survive without in the '30s. This excellent navy beans and ham soup is a real family favorite of ours and I make it often. —Mildred Lewis, Temple, Texas
24
/
34
The Modern Take: Jamaican Ham and Bean Soup
"Island vacation in a bowl” might be the best way to describe this hearty soup. A splash of lime juice and a hint of jerk seasoning add tropical taste. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona
25
/
34
The Classic: Creamy Butternut Squash & Sage Soup
I recently started experimenting with new soup recipes, and finally created a rich squash version that omits heavy cream altogether, making it a healthier way to curb my creamy-tooth. —Nithya Kumar, Davis, California
26
/
34
The Modern Take: Chipotle Butternut Squash Soup
My hearty soup uses herbs and vegetables from the garden along with convenient pantry items, so it’s easy, fast and mostly fresh. Your family will devour it. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
27
/
34
The Classic: Best-Ever Potato Soup
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
28
/
34
The Modern Take: Potato, Sausage & Kale Soup
I let my young son pick out seed packets and he chose kale, which grew like crazy. This hearty soup helped make good use of it and rivals a restaurant version that we love. —Michelle Babbie, Malone, New York
29
/
34
Vegetable Lentil Soup
Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin
30
/
34
Curried Lentil Soup
Curry gives a different taste sensation to this chili-like soup. It’s delicious with a dollop of sour cream. My family welcomes it with open arms—and watering mouths. —Christina Till, South Haven, Michigan
31
/
34
Authentic Cajun Gumbo
I learned to cook in Louisiana and I love to cook Cajun food. This cajun gumbo recipe is one of my favorites. —Paul Morris, Kelso, Washington
32
/
34
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo
Gumbo goes back to 1700s Louisiana; today's version is just as hearty using andouille sausage. Serve with cornbread or crusty French bread. —Billy Hensley, Mount Carmel, Tennessee
33
/
34
The Classic: So Easy Gazpacho
My daughter got this recipe from a college friend and shared it with me. Now I serve it often as an appetizer. It certainly is the talk of any party. —Lorna Sirtoli, Cortland, New York
34
/
34
The Modern Take: Shrimp Gazpacho
Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Originally Published: March 21, 2018
