11 Soup Recipes I’m Making This Novemeber
As the November winds start to whistle through the trees, there’s nothing I crave more than a comforting bowl of soup. It’s the perfect antidote to the chilly weather, and for me, making soup is almost as comforting as eating it.
With my toddler, Jackson, racing around and my 6′ 4″ husband coming in from the cold, our kitchen becomes a cozy haven where we warm up and slow down.
This month, I’m excited to share my top 11 soup recipes—each one is a favorite in our family. From a creamy Loaded Potato Soup that fills us up on the frostiest days to a savory French Onion Soup that makes any dinner feel special, these are the recipes that bring us together, steaming bowls in hand, ready to share the warmth and stories of our day.
Split Pea Soup with Ham
As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing quite like a thick bowl of Split Pea Soup with Ham to warm us up from the inside out. It’s a robust soup that thickens naturally as the split peas simmer and soften, melding beautifully with bits of tender ham. There’s no need for cream here; the peas give it all the body it needs.
French Onion Soup
Making French Onion Soup at home feels like a little culinary project that pays off with big, comforting rewards. It all begins with the onions, which I caramelize slowly until they’re sweet and deep golden brown—just the smell makes the kitchen feel warmer.
I skip the traditional wine or sherry, keeping it simple and just as savory. Topping it with a gooey, melty cheese over crusty bread transforms each spoonful into a mini meal.
Loaded Potato Soup
On a chilly evening, nothing hits the spot quite like my Loaded Potato Soup. It’s everything we love about a hearty baked potato, transformed into a creamy, dreamy soup. I like to bulk it up with some breakfast sausage or chopped ham to keep my meat-loving husband extra satisfied.
Sprinkled with crispy bacon and smothered in melted cheddar, it’s a bowlful of comfort that makes us all feel a bit more connected. It’s our go-to for a comforting meal that fills the room with laughter and warms our hearts as much as our bellies.
Tortilla Soup Recipe
On those blustery November days, there’s nothing more satisfying than whipping up a pot of Tortilla Soup. It’s the kind of recipe that caters to everyone at the table, which in my house means customizing to keep both my husband and little Jackson happy.
I love loading it up with all sorts of toppings—avocado, cheese, sour cream, and crunchy tortilla strips. Best of all, it’s easy enough to make a big batch on Sunday and have it carry us through the week with those flavors getting better each day.
Roasted Tomato Soup
Every year, as the rain starts to fall, I’m in the kitchen roasting tomatoes for this soup. It’s become our little November tradition. Roasting deepens the tomatoes’ flavors, bringing out a rich sweetness that’s the perfect antidote to the dreary weather outside.
It’s mostly hands-off, which is great for spending less time cooking and more time cuddled up with my family.
Lasagna Soup
Who doesn’t love the comforting layers of lasagna? But let’s be honest, assembling it can be a chore on busy days. That’s where Lasagna Soup comes into play, offering all the flavors we adore—rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta—in a fraction of the time.
Just 40 minutes, and you have a deconstructed version of the classic, perfect for a weeknight when my husband is looking for something hearty and Jackson is ready to dive spoon-first into something delicious.
Gaines Family Chili
Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that resonate most with my family, like this Gaines Family Chili. It’s an easy, no-fuss chili that starts with just five minutes of prep. Then, it’s all about letting it bubble away on the stove, melding spices, beans, and all the good stuff into a rich, flavorful stew that tastes like hours of labor. Pair it with some golden, buttery cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a big, warm hug.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
As the leaves turn and the evenings grow cooler, nothing beats coming together over a bubbling pot of Chicken Tortellini Soup. This hearty twist on the classic chicken noodle uses cheese-filled tortellini, making each spoonful a rich and satisfying experience. It’s quick to whip up, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Imagine the kitchen filled with the aroma of simmering broth and melting cheese—it’s the kind of meal that makes my husband smile and lets little Jackson sneak in a few extra cheesy bites.
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
There’s something truly special about a soup that lets everything come together in one pot. Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a creamy, dreamy blend of soft dumplings, tender chicken, and vegetables, all cooked down into a rich and comforting bowl of goodness.
Using the dutch oven not only makes cleanup a breeze but also allows the flavors to meld perfectly as they simmer.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
When the chill starts to nip at your nose, it’s time to bring the warmth of the kitchen into the heart of our home with a bowl of Chicken Pot Pie Soup. This soup brings all the homestyle goodness of its namesake into a slurpable feast with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and those beloved herbs that whisper “home.”
It’s like wrapping your family in a warm hug, where the crispy crust of the traditional pie transforms into soup drops that melt in your mouth.
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing says “made with love” like a steaming bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when it comes together quickly in an Instant Pot. This soup is a symphony of flavors with its mix of nourishing vegetables, herbs, and tender chicken, intertwined with comforting egg noodles.
Making it in the Instant Pot means more time to spend with the kids, maybe even getting Jackson to help stir the pot!