Get ready to warm up with a bowl of comfort from the South! There’s nothing like a hearty, soulful soup to lift your spirits and fill your belly. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 of the most mouthwatering Southern soup recipes that are sure to become new favorites.
From classic chicken and dumplings to spicy gumbo with shrimp and sausage, each of these soups is a masterclass in comfort food. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a cozy meal after a long day.
In this article, we’ll be sharing recipes that showcase the rich flavors and bold ingredients that Southern cuisine is known for. From creamy tomato soup to slow-cooked black-eyed pea soup, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a spoon and let’s dive in!
Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings
Classic Southern Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
This comforting dish is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, make the dumplings: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add 1/2 cup of warm water, stirring with a fork until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the pot, covering the chicken and broth.
6. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Creamy Southern Tomato Soup
This comforting soup is a twist on the classic tomato soup, with the added richness of heavy cream and a hint of southern charm.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in heavy cream and let it warm through before serving.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Slow-Cooked Southern Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Warm up with a hearty and comforting bowl of slow-cooked black-eyed pea soup, a Southern classic that’s perfect for chilly days. This recipe is easy to make and packed with protein-rich peas, tender vegetables, and a hint of smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, red bell pepper, and soaked black-eyed peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer or slow cook for 6-8 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
Southern-Style Corn Chowder
Warm up with a hearty bowl of this creamy Southern-style corn chowder, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in corn kernels, heavy cream, chicken broth, and paprika. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let chowder cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors have melded together and soup has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Southern-style corn chowder!
Spicy Southern Gumbo with Shrimp and Sausage
A hearty and flavorful stew that combines the spices of the South with the richness of shrimp and sausage.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add onion, celery, and garlic to pot; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in thyme, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add shrimp, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return sausage to pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer gumbo for 10-15 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern Brunswick Stew
A hearty and comforting stew originating from the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, this Southern Brunswick Stew is a flavorful combination of tender meat, vegetables, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced tomatoes
– 1 cup diced bell peppers
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the meat in a little oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, thyme, and cumin. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or until the meat is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours
Southern Ham and Bean Soup
This hearty, comforting soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, made with tender ham, creamy beans, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked ham hocks or boneless ham steak, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine ham, onion, garlic, and beans.
2. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes or until beans are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern-Style Potato Soup
Warm up with this comforting Southern-style potato soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced cooked potatoes (about 4-5 medium-sized)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in diced potatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern Collard Greens and Ham Hock Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a cold winter day. This recipe combines the rich flavor of ham hocks with the nutritious goodness of collard greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound collard greens, chopped
– 2 pounds smoked ham hocks
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high 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 ham hocks, collard greens, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the greens are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Remove the ham hocks from the pot and let them cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bone and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Return the meat to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Southern Crawfish Bisque
Experience the rich flavors of Louisiana with this creamy crawfish bisque recipe, perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large crawfish tails, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add crawfish tails and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add heavy cream and whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Bring bisque to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Southern-Style Split Pea Soup
This creamy, comforting soup is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With its rich flavor and tender peas, it’s no wonder this recipe has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound split peas (yellow or green)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the peas, chicken broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or let it cool and blend in a blender.
Cooking Time: 35-45 minutes
Southern Chicken and Rice Soup
This hearty soup is a comforting blend of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and savory spices that will warm your soul on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups uncooked white rice
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as needed.
5. Add the rice, chicken broth, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Seafood Chowder
This hearty chowder combines the freshest seafood with a rich and creamy broth, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 pound scallops, rinsed and patted dry
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp and scallops; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until they’re lightly browned.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, fish stock, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the chowder to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
6. Stir in the heavy cream; adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Southern Okra and Tomato Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the creamy texture of okra with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chopped fresh okra
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in chopped okra and cook until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
4. Add diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until soup has thickened to desired consistency.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Southern-Style Beef and Vegetable Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. This Southern-style classic is made with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth that’s sure to warm your soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Remove from pot.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to pot. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, and thyme to pot. Stir to combine.
4. Return beef to pot; season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until beef is tender.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Southern-Style Lentil Soup with Smoked Sausage
This hearty soup is a twist on traditional lentil soups, infused with the rich flavors of smoked sausage and a hint of Southern charm. Perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 smoked sausage (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the lentils, chicken broth, smoked sausage, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until lentils are tender.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Southern-Style Creamy Peanut Soup
This rich and creamy soup is a Southern twist on traditional peanut soup, perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, peanuts, flour, and cumin. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Southern-Style Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the flavors of the South with the nutty goodness of wild rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup wild rice
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the turkey, onion, and garlic in butter until the turkey is browned.
2. Add the chicken broth, wild rice, thyme, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the wild rice is tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to warm up with these 18 hearty Southern soup recipes that are sure to comfort your soul. From classic favorites like chicken and dumplings, to spicy gumbo with shrimp and sausage, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Try slow-cooked black-eyed pea soup, creamy tomato soup, or southern-style potato soup. You’ll also find recipes for seafood chowder, lentil soup with smoked sausage, and even a creamy peanut soup. Each recipe is a delicious representation of Southern cooking at its finest, perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends and family.
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