15 Classic Soups Grandma Made That Were Pure Comfort

There’s nothing like a bowl of soup to bring comfort on a cold day, especially when it’s a classic recipe passed down through the family. These 15 soups are the kinds of dishes grandma made to warm you up and fill you up. They use simple ingredients and flavors that bring a sense of home. Whether you’re craving something creamy or hearty, these soups will have you feeling cozy in no time.

A pot of lentil stew evokes comfort, with lentils, carrots, herbs, and spices simmering in broth—just like one of Grandma's classic soups. — Turmeric Lentil Soup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate. — Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy butternut squash apple soup is a smooth, comforting dish with a perfect balance of sweet apples and earthy squash. The addition of warm spices adds depth to the flavor. It takes about 45 minutes to make, perfect for a cozy meal. The rich, velvety texture makes it a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Tomato Basil Bisque

A bowl of tomato soup garnished with cream swirls and two basil leaves, in a black dish. — Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tomato basil bisque is a creamy, tangy soup with a burst of fresh basil and sweet, ripe tomatoes. The smooth texture is complemented by a rich, savory broth. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The combination of flavors makes it a classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table. — Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy butternut squash soup with homemade dumplings is a hearty, filling dish with a rich, smooth base and fluffy dumplings. The squash gives it a naturally sweet flavor, while the dumplings add a comforting texture. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and cook. The combination of soup and dumplings makes it perfect for colder months.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Carrot Ginger Soup

A square white bowl with orange soup next to a piece of cornbread on a woven placemat. A metal spoon and napkin are on the right. — Carrot Ginger Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carrot ginger soup is a smooth, vibrant soup with the sweetness of carrots and the zing of fresh ginger. The balance of flavors makes it both refreshing and warming. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook. The rich texture and subtle spice make it perfect for a light but comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup

Parsnip Potato Soup

Parsnip potato soup is a creamy, earthy soup with a mild sweetness from parsnips and a smooth texture from potatoes. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying, hearty flavor. It takes about 40 minutes to cook, making it a great option for a quick and comforting dinner. The combination of vegetables creates a rich, filling bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Potato Soup

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk

A bowl of creamy orange soup garnished with herbs, chopped nuts, and drizzled cream sits on a marble surface. A small bowl of nuts and sprigs of fresh herbs are nearby, alongside a gray napkin. — Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Butternut squash soup with apple and coconut milk is a velvety soup with a hint of sweetness from the apples and a creamy coconut base. The warm spices bring depth to the dish, making it both comforting and flavorful. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. The balance of sweet and savory makes it a fall favorite.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Coconut Milk

Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

A bowl of red pepper and tomato soup next to a plate of bread and a spoon. — Red Pepper & Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Red pepper & tomato soup is a rich, flavorful soup with roasted red peppers and tomatoes, creating a deep, smoky base. Fresh herbs and a creamy texture round out the dish. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook. The combination of roasted vegetables and creaminess makes it satisfying and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted eggplant soup is a smooth, savory soup with a smoky flavor from the roasted eggplant. A light, creamy texture balance the depth of flavor. It takes about 45 minutes to roast the vegetables and cook the soup. The smoky richness makes it a unique and comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato soup in a gray and white bowl with a spoon. — Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock pot ham and potato soup is a creamy, hearty dish with tender potatoes and savory ham. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend together perfectly. The slow cooker takes about 6 hours, making it an easy, hands-off meal. The mix of ham and potatoes creates a comforting, filling dish.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup

Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

A bowl of chicken and cabbage soup is shown on a rustic wooden cutting board with parsley and a red linen. — Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Chicken and cabbage soup with ginger is a light yet flavorful soup with tender chicken, fresh cabbage, and a hint of ginger. The ginger adds warmth and depth, balancing the savory chicken. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. The combination of chicken and vegetables makes it both healthy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup

A bowl of barley soup with lemon wedges on a wooden table. — Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Barley, kale, and romano beans soup is a hearty, filling soup with whole grains and nutritious vegetables. The barley provides a chewy texture, while the kale and beans add freshness and protein. It takes about 1 hour to cook, making it perfect for a wholesome, one-pot meal. The mix of textures and flavors makes it both hearty and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Barley, Kale And Romano Beans Soup

Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup

A bowl of soup on a wooden cutting board. — Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Creamy broccoli stems soup is a smooth, satisfying soup made from often-discarded broccoli stems. The rich, creamy base highlights the mild flavor of the broccoli. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook, making it a quick and easy way to use up leftover veggies. The result is a creamy, rich soup full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Stems Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup

A white bowl of soup with mushrooms and chives. — Cream of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cream of mushroom soup is a rich, earthy soup with a velvety texture and the depth of sautéed mushrooms. The creamy base complements the mushrooms perfectly. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook. The comforting, savory flavor makes it a go-to for any meal or as a base for casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Soup

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

A bowl of orange soup with cream swirls on a wooden surface, reminiscent of Grandma's classic soups, accompanied by two metal spoons. — Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven roasted tomato soup is a flavorful, slightly smoky soup made with roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs. The roasting process brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the broth adds depth. It takes about 1 hour to roast the tomatoes and cook the soup. The rich, roasted flavor makes it a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Turmeric Lentil Soup

Turmeric lentil soup is a hearty, flavorful soup with the earthiness of lentils and the warmth of turmeric. The soup is rich in protein and spices, making it both nutritious and comforting. It takes about 50 minutes to cook, making it an easy one-pot meal. The bold spices and smooth texture make it satisfying and filling.
Get the Recipe: Turmeric Lentil Soup