The best 17 soup recipes for fall season saved me from eating the same boring meals every October through December. Last year, I got so stuck in a rut making the same three soups on repeat that my husband threatened to order takeout if he saw another pot of chicken noodle on the stove. So I went on a mission to find the best 17 soup recipes for fall season that actually taste good and don’t require me to stand over the stove for three hours.
Here’s what I love about these best 17 soup recipes for fall season: they use ingredients that are actually available and affordable in fall, they taste like comfort food without being unhealthy, and most of them get better as leftovers. Nothing worse than soup that tastes weird on day two. These best 17 soup recipes for fall season all reheat beautifully.
I’ve organized these best 17 soup recipes for fall season from easiest to more involved, so you can pick based on your energy level and time. Some days you want a dump-it-all-in-the-pot situation. Other days you’re feeling ambitious. These best 17 soup recipes for fall season cover all the moods.
1. Classic Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is THE quintessential fall soup recipe, and for good reason. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and tastes like autumn in a bowl. This is always in my rotation of best fall season soup recipes.
The key to good butternut squash soup in this fall season recipe is roasting the squash first instead of just boiling it. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars and makes this fall soup recipe taste way better than those sad versions from cafeterias.
My butternut squash soup fall recipe: roast cubed squash with olive oil and salt at 400°F for 30 minutes, then blend with vegetable broth, garlic, onion, and a splash of cream. Season with nutmeg and cinnamon. Takes about 45 minutes total for this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Naturally sweet, creamy without being heavy, and butternut squash is everywhere and cheap in fall. My kids actually eat this vegetable soup.
2. Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded baked potato soup is comfort food at its finest and definitely one of the best soup recipes for fall season. It’s basically a baked potato in soup form, which makes it automatically amazing. This hearty fall season soup recipe is my husband’s favorite.
For this fall soup recipe, I use Yukon gold potatoes because they’re creamier than russets. Cook diced potatoes in chicken broth with onions and garlic, then mash some of them to thicken the soup. Add cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives. This loaded fall season soup recipe is dangerously good.
The secret to great loaded baked potato soup for fall season: leave some potato chunks whole for texture, and don’t skip the bacon. The bacon makes this one of those fall soup recipes that everyone requests.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: It’s basically eating comfort food with a spoon. Filling, warming, and uses potatoes which are harvested in fall. Perfect fall season soup recipe for cold nights.
3. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy tomato basil soup belongs on any list of best soup recipes for fall season because it’s nostalgic, easy, and pairs perfectly with grilled cheese. This classic fall season soup recipe never gets old.
I make my tomato basil soup fall recipe with canned San Marzano tomatoes (don’t judge—fresh tomatoes in fall are sad), garlic, onion, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and lots of fresh basil. Blend it smooth and you’ve got one of those fall soup recipes that tastes fancy but takes 30 minutes.
Pro tip for this fall season soup recipe: add a parmesan rind while it simmers. Adds depth and makes this one of those restaurant-quality fall soup recipes you can make at home.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Quick to make, kid-friendly, and the combination with grilled cheese is unbeatable. Essential fall season soup recipe for busy weeknights.
4. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup might seem more Mexican than fall, but it’s absolutely one of the best soup recipes for fall season. The warm spices and hearty broth make it perfect for cooler weather. This spicy fall season soup recipe has serious depth of flavor.
My chicken tortilla soup fall recipe: sauté onions, peppers, and garlic, add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken. Season with cumin, chili powder, and lime juice. Top with tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and cilantro. This loaded fall soup recipe is a complete meal.
The toppings are what make this one of those special fall season soup recipes. I set out all the toppings and let everyone customize their bowl. Makes dinner feel like a taco bar.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Tons of flavor, customizable toppings, and the spices warm you up on cold fall days. One of those fall soup recipes that uses pantry staples.
5. Classic Minestrone
Minestrone is one of those best soup recipes for fall season that cleans out your vegetable drawer. It’s basically vegetable soup’s sophisticated Italian cousin. This veggie-packed fall season soup recipe is deceptively filling.
For my minestrone fall soup recipe, I use whatever vegetables I have—usually carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, and white beans. Add pasta, vegetable or chicken broth, Italian seasonings, and finish with fresh parmesan. This adaptable fall season soup recipe never tastes the same twice.
The key to great minestrone in this fall soup recipe is cooking the pasta separately. If you cook it in the soup, it absorbs all the broth overnight and you wake up to pasta stew instead of soup. This is one of those fall season soup recipes where technique matters.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Uses seasonal fall vegetables, super healthy, and incredibly versatile. One of those fall soup recipes that’s different every time you make it.
6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is pure comfort and easily one of the best soup recipes for fall season. It tastes like you’re eating liquid cheese with some vegetables for good measure. This creamy fall season soup recipe is basically adult baby food (in the best way).
My broccoli cheddar fall soup recipe: sauté onions in butter, add flour to make a roux, slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Add chopped broccoli and simmer until tender. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese. This rich fall season soup recipe is better than Panera’s version.
Important note for this fall soup recipe: add the cheese off heat and stir until melted. If you add it while boiling, it gets grainy. This tip alone makes this one of those fall season soup recipes you’ll master.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Creamy, cheesy, and broccoli is in season during fall. Kids will eat broccoli in this fall soup recipe when they won’t eat it any other way.
7. French Onion Soup
French onion soup is one of those best soup recipes for fall season that feels fancy but is actually just caramelized onions and beef broth. The cheese-topped bread situation makes this fall season soup recipe feel special.
For French onion soup fall recipe, you need patience. Caramelize the onions low and slow for like 40 minutes—this is where the flavor comes from. Add beef broth, thyme, and a splash of wine. Top with toasted baguette slices and gruyere, then broil. This classic fall soup recipe is worth the effort.
The secret to this being one of the best fall season soup recipes: use good beef broth and don’t rush the onions. Properly caramelized onions make all the difference in this fall soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Deeply savory, elegant presentation, and onions are harvested in fall. This fall season soup recipe impresses dinner guests.
8. Lentil Soup with Sausage
Lentil soup with sausage is one of the best soup recipes for fall season if you need something hearty and protein-packed. This filling fall season soup recipe sticks to your ribs without being heavy.
My lentil sausage fall soup recipe: brown Italian sausage, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Add lentils, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Simmer for 30 minutes. This easy fall season soup recipe is done in under an hour.
Lentils are perfect for fall soup recipes because they’re cheap, filling, and cook fast. Plus they don’t need pre-soaking like other beans. This practical aspect makes this one of those weeknight-friendly fall season soup recipes.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: High protein, budget-friendly, and lentils are a fall harvest crop. One of those fall soup recipes that gets better over a few days.
9. Creamy Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Wild rice and mushroom soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season when you want something earthy and substantial. This rustic fall season soup recipe tastes like you’re eating in a cabin in the woods.
For this wild rice mushroom fall soup recipe: sauté lots of mushrooms with garlic and thyme, add wild rice and vegetable broth, simmer until rice is tender (45 minutes), finish with cream and parmesan. This umami-rich fall season soup recipe is vegetarian but doesn’t taste like it’s missing anything.
The combination of wild rice and mushrooms makes this one of those fall soup recipes that’s incredibly satisfying. The textures are perfect together in this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Mushrooms are peak in fall, wild rice adds heartiness, and it’s elegantly simple. One of those fall soup recipes that feels restaurant-quality.
10. Split Pea Soup with Ham
Split pea soup with ham is classic comfort and definitely one of the best soup recipes for fall season. It’s thick, hearty, and uses leftover ham perfectly. This traditional fall season soup recipe is nostalgic in the best way.
My split pea fall soup recipe: sauté onions, carrots, and celery, add split peas, chicken broth, ham (or ham bone), and bay leaves. Simmer for 90 minutes until peas are soft and soup is thick. This easy fall season soup recipe basically makes itself.
Split pea soup improves overnight, making this one of those fall soup recipes that’s perfect for meal prep. The flavors meld together beautifully in this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Uses fall harvest peas, incredibly filling, and a great way to use leftover holiday ham. Classic fall soup recipe that’s stood the test of time.
11. Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Roasted red pepper and tomato soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season when you want something bright and slightly sweet. This vibrant fall season soup recipe has amazing color and flavor.
For this roasted pepper fall soup recipe: roast red peppers and tomatoes under the broiler, blend with garlic, onion, and vegetable broth. Add a touch of cream and honey. This simple fall season soup recipe has complex flavor from the roasting.
The roasting process makes this one of those fall soup recipes where the vegetables really shine. The caramelization adds depth to this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Beautiful color, naturally sweet from roasted peppers, and peppers are harvested in early fall. One of those fall soup recipes that’s both pretty and delicious.
12. White Bean and Kale Soup
White bean and kale soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season if you want something healthy and hearty. This nutritious fall season soup recipe is loaded with vegetables and protein.
My white bean kale fall soup recipe: sauté onions, carrots, and celery, add white beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and lots of chopped kale. Season with rosemary and parmesan rind. This simple fall season soup recipe is done in 30 minutes.
Kale is perfect for fall soup recipes because it holds up well in broth and doesn’t get mushy. This makes this fall season soup recipe great for meal prep.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Kale is harvested in fall and tastes better after frost, white beans add protein, and it’s super healthy. One of those feel-good fall soup recipes.
13. Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and barley soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season when you need something stick-to-your-ribs hearty. This substantial fall season soup recipe is basically a hug in a bowl.
For beef barley fall soup recipe: brown stew meat, add onions, carrots, celery, mushrooms, pearl barley, and beef broth. Simmer for 90 minutes until beef is tender and barley is cooked. This comforting fall season soup recipe is worth the time.
The barley makes this one of those fall soup recipes that’s incredibly filling. It absorbs the broth and becomes tender and satisfying in this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Perfect for cold weather, barley is a fall grain, and it’s deeply satisfying. Classic fall soup recipe that’s been around forever for good reason.
14. Moroccan Chickpea Soup
Moroccan chickpea soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season when you want warming spices and exotic flavors. This spiced fall season soup recipe is different from typical fall soups.
My Moroccan chickpea fall soup recipe: sauté onions with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and chopped sweet potato. Finish with lemon juice and cilantro. This aromatic fall season soup recipe is unexpectedly delicious.
The warming spices make this one of those fall soup recipes that heats you from the inside. Perfect for chilly fall days with this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Sweet potatoes are fall vegetables, warming spices are perfect for cooler weather, and it’s naturally vegan. One of those fall soup recipes that’s full of flavor without meat or dairy.
15. Loaded Cauliflower Soup
Loaded cauliflower soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season and a lighter alternative to loaded potato soup. This creamy fall season soup recipe is surprisingly indulgent-tasting.
For loaded cauliflower fall soup recipe: steam cauliflower, blend with chicken broth and cream cheese until smooth. Top with cheddar, bacon, chives, and sour cream. This low-carb fall season soup recipe tastes like loaded potato soup’s healthier cousin.
The cauliflower base makes this one of those fall soup recipes that’s secretly healthy but tastes indulgent. Cauliflower is in season during fall for this fall season soup recipe.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Lower carb than potato soup, cauliflower is harvested in fall, and it’s deceptively creamy. One of those fall soup recipes that tricks people into eating vegetables.
16. Tuscan White Bean Soup with Sausage
Tuscan white bean soup with sausage is one of the best soup recipes for fall season for its Italian flavors and hearty ingredients. This rustic fall season soup recipe is restaurant-quality at home.
My Tuscan bean fall soup recipe: brown Italian sausage, add garlic, white beans, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and lots of fresh spinach or kale. Finish with parmesan and crusty bread. This flavorful fall season soup recipe comes together in 30 minutes.
The combination of sausage and beans makes this one of those fall soup recipes that’s protein-packed and satisfying. Perfect fall season soup recipe for busy weeknights.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Quick to make, uses fall greens, and the Italian flavors are comforting. One of those fall soup recipes that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
17. Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Roasted pumpkin soup is one of the best soup recipes for fall season because it’s literally made from the symbol of fall. This seasonal fall season soup recipe is peak autumn.
For roasted pumpkin fall soup recipe: roast pumpkin chunks (sugar pumpkins, not carving pumpkins) with maple syrup and olive oil. Blend with vegetable broth, ginger, and coconut milk. This sweet-savory fall season soup recipe is elegant and seasonal.
The roasted pumpkin makes this one of those fall soup recipes that tastes complex but is actually simple. Fresh pumpkin elevates this fall season soup recipe beyond canned versions.
Why it’s one of the best soup recipes for fall season: Uses actual pumpkins from fall harvest, beautiful presentation, and tastes like fall in a bowl. The ultimate fall soup recipe for the season.
Why These Are the Best Soup Recipes for Fall Season
I’ve made dozens of soups trying to find the best soup recipes for fall season, and these 17 consistently deliver. They use ingredients that are actually available and affordable in fall, they taste better than restaurant versions, and most importantly, they reheat well for leftovers.
The key to great fall season soup recipes is using seasonal ingredients. Butternut squash, pumpkins, kale, mushrooms, root vegetables—they’re all at peak flavor and lowest price in fall. These best soup recipes for fall season take advantage of that.
Another reason these are the best soup recipes for fall season: they satisfy different cravings. Want something creamy? Butternut squash soup. Want something hearty? Beef and barley. Want something light? White bean and kale. These fall season soup recipes cover all the bases.
Tips for Making the Best Soup Recipes for Fall Season
After making these best soup recipes for fall season multiple times each, here’s what I’ve learned:
Toast your spices. For any of these fall soup recipes with spices, toast them in oil first. Makes a huge difference in depth of flavor for fall season soup recipes.
Don’t skip the garnishes. Fresh herbs, cheese, cream drizzles—they elevate these fall season soup recipes from good to great. Presentation matters even for soup.
Make stock from scratch when possible. Homemade stock makes these best soup recipes for fall season taste exponentially better. Save vegetable scraps and chicken bones in the freezer.
Soup gets better with time. Most of these fall soup recipes taste even better the next day. The flavors meld together overnight in these fall season soup recipes.
Freeze portions. These best soup recipes for fall season freeze beautifully. Make big batches and freeze in individual portions for easy meals.
Add acid at the end. A squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar brightens up fall season soup recipes. Don’t skip this final touch.
Meal Prepping Fall Season Soup Recipes
These best soup recipes for fall season are perfect for meal prep. I usually make 2-3 different soups on Sunday and rotate through them all week. Here’s my fall soup recipe meal prep system:
Sunday soup day:
- Make one creamy soup (butternut squash or broccoli cheddar)
- Make one brothy soup (chicken tortilla or minestrone)
- Make one hearty soup (beef barley or lentil with sausage)
This variety in fall season soup recipes prevents soup fatigue. Different textures and flavors keep these best fall soup recipes interesting all week.
Storage for fall soup recipes:
- Glass containers for creamy soups (no staining)
- Any containers for brothy fall season soup recipes
- Label with date—most last 5 days refrigerated
- Freeze extras from these best soup recipes for fall season
The Bottom Line on Best Soup Recipes for Fall Season
These best 17 soup recipes for fall season have transformed my fall and winter cooking. Instead of making the same three soups on repeat, I now have variety while still keeping things seasonal and budget-friendly with these fall season soup recipes.
Not every soup on this list will be your favorite, and that’s fine. Maybe you hate mushrooms so #9 is out. Maybe you’re vegetarian so skip the meat-heavy fall soup recipes. Pick the ones that appeal to you from these best soup recipes for fall season and make them your own.
The important thing about these fall season soup recipes is they use seasonal ingredients, they’re actually feasible to make on weeknights (mostly), and they taste good enough that you’ll want to make them again. That’s what makes these the best soup recipes for fall season.
I rotate through these 17 fall soup recipes from September through November, and I still don’t get bored. The variety in flavors, textures, and ingredients keeps these best fall season soup recipes interesting. Plus, soup is just easier than regular cooking—dump stuff in a pot, simmer, done.
Try making one of these best soup recipes for fall season this week. Start with something easy like tomato basil or chicken tortilla. Once you nail one fall season soup recipe, branch out to the more involved ones. Before you know it, you’ll have your own rotation of favorite fall soup recipes.
Let me know which of these best soup recipes for fall season you try! I’m always curious what people gravitate toward. 🍲🍂
Check more fall soup recipes : 15 Fall Season Soup Ideas That’ll Make You Actually Excited for Cold Weather