There’s nothing like a warm, comforting bowl of soup on a chilly night to cozy up and feel at home. And when it comes to heartwarming soups, the South has got it down pat! From classic comfort foods to spicy twists and traditional recipes passed down through generations, Southern soups are a staple of any good meal.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 Hearty Southern Soup Recipes that will warm your belly and your soul. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and creamy or rich and hearty, we’ve got you covered with a range of recipes that showcase the best of Southern cooking.
From creamy tomato soup to spicy crawfish bisque, slow-cooked ham and bean soup to smoky split pea soup, there’s something on this list for every palate. So grab your apron, fire up the stove, and get ready to cozy up with a bowl of your new favorite Southern soup!
Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings. This beloved recipe has been passed down through generations, and its soothing goodness is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken, carrots, and celery in butter until browned.
2. Add broth, flour, baking powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Mix heavy cream or milk with beaten eggs. Stir into the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until dumplings float to the surface.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Creamy Southern Tomato Soup
This comforting soup is a Southern twist on classic tomato soup, with the added richness of heavy cream and a hint of smoky bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
4. Stir in crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Experience the bold flavors of the Bayou with this spicy and savory chowder, packed with succulent shrimp and sweet corn.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning and corn; cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in chicken broth and half-and-half; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let chowder simmer for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Slow-Cooked Southern Ham and Bean Soup
This comforting soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for cold winter days or cozy family gatherings. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 (6-8 pound) boneless ham hock
– 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons ground mustard
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat slow cooker to low.
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped onion until softened, then add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the cooked onion mixture, ham hock, beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
5. Remove the ham hock from the pot and shred the meat before returning it to the soup.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low), 4-6 hours (high)
Southern-Style Collard Green Soup with Smoked Turkey
This hearty soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, combining the rich flavors of collard greens and smoked turkey for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a side dish for your next family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds collard greens, chopped
– 1 pound smoked turkey breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the collard greens, smoked turkey breast, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Rich and Creamy Southern Potato Soup
A comforting and indulgent soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or as a side dish at your next family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh chives or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add potatoes, heavy cream, whole milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return to the pot.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern Black-Eyed Pea Soup with Ham Hocks
This hearty soup is a Southern staple, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With the rich flavor of ham hocks and the creamy texture of black-eyed peas, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 ham hocks
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them in water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the peas again.
3. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic; cook until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the ham hocks, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the peas are tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Southern Cornbread and Sausage Soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of Southern comfort! This cornbread-infused sausage soup is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. smoked sausage (such as Andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup whole kernel corn
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/4 cup crumbled cornbread (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the sliced sausage over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add the chicken broth, whole kernel corn, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the cornmeal and butter until smooth.
4. Gradually add the water and milk, whisking constantly.
5. Simmer soup for an additional 15-20 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. Serve hot, topped with crumbled cornbread.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Soup
This creamy soup combines the comforting flavors of the South with the nutritious goodness of okra. Perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh okra
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in okra and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half for added richness.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Seafood Gumbo
This hearty gumbo is a staple of Southern cuisine, packed with tender seafood and rich flavor. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion, this recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 lb crab meat (jumbo lump or claw)
– 1/2 lb crawfish tails
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups fish broth
– 2 tablespoons filé powder (optional)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
4. Add shrimp, crab meat, crawfish tails, diced tomatoes, fish broth, and filé powder (if using); bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until seafood is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Comforting Southern Vegetable Beef Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting pick-me-up on a busy day. Made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces macaroni or elbow pasta
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Add to soup and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Southern Brunswick Stew
A hearty, comforting stew originating from the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, Southern Brunswick Stew is a staple of Southern cuisine. This recipe combines tender beef and pork with rich vegetables and aromatics in a thick, flavorful broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef cubes (such as chuck or round)
– 1/2 lb smoked ham hock, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ham hock, carrots, celery, garlic, and onion; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato paste.
4. Bring the stew to a simmer and let cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 40-45 minutes.
Smoky Southern Split Pea Soup
This hearty soup is a Southern staple, packed with smoky flavor from the andouille sausage and a hint of spice from the cayenne pepper. Perfect for a chilly day or as a comforting meal any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried split peas
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 andouille sausage, sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the split peas, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the peas are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern Chicken and Rice Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day. This recipe combines the warm, hearty flavors of chicken, rice, and vegetables with a hint of Southern charm.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken, onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a little oil until the chicken is browned and the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the cooked rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Southern Crawfish Bisque
This creamy and spicy bisque is a twist on traditional gumbo, packed with succulent crawfish and a hint of heat from the Andouille sausage. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a bold starter for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb crawfish tails
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced Andouille sausage
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Andouille sausage, cooking until browned, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add crawfish tails, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Southern-Style Lentil and Sausage Soup
This hearty soup combines the comforting warmth of lentils with the spicy kick of sausage, perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and filling meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add lentils, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in cooked sausage. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern Creamy Peanut Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy peanut soup, infused with the rich flavors of the South.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or peanuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter, chicken broth, and cumin. Whisk until smooth.
2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in heavy cream and honey until well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or peanuts if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Southern-Style Turnip Green Soup with Bacon
A classic Southern comfort food, this turnip green soup is a hearty and flavorful treat that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The addition of crispy bacon adds a smoky depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds turnip greens, chopped
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped turnip greens and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the greens are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches, then return to the pot.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half to add a creamy texture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get cozy on chilly nights with these 18 hearty Southern soup recipes! From classic comfort foods to bold and spicy flavors, there’s something for everyone. Try Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings, Creamy Southern Tomato Soup, or Spicy Cajun Shrimp and Corn Chowder. For a taste of tradition, try Slow- Cooked Southern Ham and Bean Soup or Southern-Style Collard Green Soup with Smoked Turkey. Whatever your craving, these soups are sure to warm your heart and belly.