As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of soup to cozy up on a chilly night. And when it comes to soups that hit the spot, the South has got you covered. From classic chicken and dumplings to spicy gumbo, creamy tomato soup to hearty black-eyed pea soup, there’s a Southern soup recipe out there for everyone. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 of our favorite Southern soup recipes that are sure to become new family favorites.
From comforting classics to bold and adventurous flavors, these soups are the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter night. So grab your spoon and get cozy with us as we explore the world of Southern soups!
Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings: A Comforting Bowl of Joy
Warm up with this traditional Southern recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings come together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, diced
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove chicken; add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are tender (about 10 minutes).
4. Add broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low; add chicken back in.
6. In a separate bowl, mix flour and butter to form dough.
7. Drop small spoonfuls of dough into the pot (about 8-10 dumplings).
8. Simmer for 15 minutes or until dumplings are cooked through.
Cooking Time: About 35-40 minutes
Creamy Southern Tomato Soup
A comforting and flavorful twist on classic tomato soup, this creamy Southern version adds a rich and velvety texture to the familiar favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spicy Southern Gumbo with Shrimp and Sausage
This hearty gumbo combines the flavors of spicy sausage, succulent shrimp, and rich vegetables in a bold and delicious broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped scallions and crackers, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add shrimp; cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and crackers if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow-Cooked Southern Black-Eyed Pea Soup
This classic Southern comfort food is made with tender black-eyed peas, savory aromatics, and a hint of smokiness from the bacon. Perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks of celery, chopped
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large slow cooker, cook the bacon over low heat for 30 minutes.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Cook on low for an additional 6 hours.
3. Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well.
4. Continue cooking on low for another 2 hours or until the peas are tender.
5. Serve hot with crusty cornbread or crackers.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours
Southern Corn Chowder with Bacon
This comforting corn chowder gets a rich and smoky boost from crispy bacon, making it the perfect warm-up for any chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, then remove from the pot.
2. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the corn kernels, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chives or parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Potato Soup with Cheese
This creamy soup is a comforting twist on traditional potato soup, featuring the rich flavors of Southern-style cooking and a melted cheese crust to top it all off. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender to puree until smooth.
4. Return soup to pot and add grated cheese. Stir until melted and well combined.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Southern Ham and Bean Soup
A classic Southern comfort food, this hearty soup is a staple of many family gatherings and casual meals. This recipe combines the rich flavors of ham, beans, and vegetables for a deliciously comforting bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham hocks
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine ham hocks, onion, garlic, beans, chicken broth, mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add carrots and celery to the pot and continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Remove ham hocks from the pot and let cool. Shred the meat and return it to the pot.
5. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Southern Collard Greens and Ham Hock Soup
This hearty soup is a classic Southern staple, perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion. The rich flavor of the ham hock pairs perfectly with the slightly bitter taste of the collard greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens
– 1 large ham hock
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the collard greens and remove any stems or tough leaves.
3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the ham hock, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add the collard greens to the pot and continue to simmer until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes more.
7. Remove the ham hock from the pot and discard the bone. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern Crawfish Bisque
This hearty bisque is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for warm weather gatherings or special occasions. With its rich flavor profile and velvety texture, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb crawfish tails
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add crawfish tails, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the crawfish are lightly toasted.
4. Gradually add heavy cream and whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the bisque has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Southern Brunswick Stew
A hearty, comforting stew that’s perfect for a chilly evening or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef brisket or chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen lima beans
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the potatoes, lima beans, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the beef to the pot and add enough water to cover the ingredients.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
7. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Southern Okra and Tomato Soup
This creamy soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With the sweetness of tomatoes and the earthiness of okra, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups fresh or frozen okra, sliced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add okra and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until okra is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Southern Red Beans and Rice Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the classic combination of red beans and rice with aromatics and spices, perfect for a cozy evening meal. This hearty soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add soaked red beans, rice, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until beans are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern Seafood Chowder
This creamy chowder is a staple of Southern cuisine, packed with a medley of seafood and rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup clams, scrubbed and chopped
– 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup crab meat, flaked
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups seafood broth (or clam juice)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add clams, shrimp, crab meat, and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes or until seafood is lightly browned.
3. Sprinkle flour over mixture; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk, heavy cream, and seafood broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; let chowder cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Southern Cabbage and Sausage Soup
This hearty soup combines the rich flavors of Southern cooking with the comforting warmth of a cold winter’s day. A perfect blend of sweet and savory, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
– 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika for added depth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add cabbage and chicken broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until cabbage is tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Southern Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the spicy kick of sausage. This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening or as a filling meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the sausage and onion over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the sweet potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let it cool and blend in a blender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern Lima Bean and Ham Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried lima beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 ham hock, rinsed and cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the lima beans, ham hock, onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and water, making sure that the lima beans are covered.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lima beans are tender.
4. Remove the ham hock and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Southern Chicken and Corn Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of Southern comfort food, packed with tender chicken, sweet corn, and creamy goodness. Serve it up with some crusty bread for a cozy meal that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups mixed veggies (bell peppers, carrots, celery)
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the mixed veggies and chicken in butter until the veggies are tender.
2. Add the corn kernels, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and let it warm through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Southern Butternut Squash Soup with Pecans
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the crunch of pecans, a Southern staple.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add squash, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and roast at 400°F for 45-50 minutes, or until squash is tender.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return to pot.
7. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and water.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped pecans and parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Warm up on a chilly night with these 18 hearty Southern soup recipes. From classic comfort foods to bold and spicy options, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making creamy tomato soup, slow-cooked black-eyed pea soup, or spicy gumbo with shrimp and sausage. You’ll also find recipes for southern-style potato soup, ham and bean soup, and even seafood chowder. These comforting soups are sure to become new family favorites.
