Johann Hunt
Few things comfort the soul like a bowl of soup that feels both familiar and unforgettable. Across kitchens and contests alike, these creations have stolen hearts with their depth, warmth, and imagination. Discover the soups that earned top honors—and why each spoonful tells its own story of comfort and craft.
Cheeseburger Soup
This hearty bowl of comfort delivers everything you crave in one spoonful—juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese mixed well into a rich, creamy broth. It’s the ultimate cozy indulgence that brings all the flavors of your favorite diner cheeseburger straight to the table.
Hearty Vegetarian Chili
Once just another wallflower in the world of meatless recipes, the bold vegetarian chili decided to step into the spotlight. Packed with kidney and black beans plus just the right kick of spice, it wowed judges at the Campbell’s Soup contest, walking away with the coveted Grand Prize. Talk about a glow-up!
Mexican Corn Chowder
Mexican Corn Chowder blends sweet corn and spice in a creamy homage to the country’s vibrant cuisine. Creamy yet light, it’s often made with poblano peppers and lime for brightness. The result is a soul-warming balance of textures in every spoonful.
French Onion Soup
Golden, caramelized onions simmer slowly to develop savory sweetness before being blanketed with toasted bread and gooey Gruyere. Each bite delivers luxurious richness and satisfying depth. This French classic proves that simple ingredients, treated with patience and care, can create pure culinary magic.
Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup
A modern soup that channels the lively spirit of Indian street food culture. Roasted cauliflower mixed with garam masala, turmeric, and coconut milk for a comforting yet exotic flavor. It’s perfectly balanced like a warm embrace from your favorite curry shop.
Clam Chowder
Creamy and full of briny goodness, the chowder celebrates coastal flavor at its finest. Tender clams with soft potatoes and crisp bacon melt beautifully in a luscious broth. One spoonful instantly transports you to a seaside cafe, with the taste of ocean breeze and homey comfort.
Asian Vegetable-Beef Soup
Delicate slices of beef simmer with crisp bok choy and fresh ginger in a flavorful broth infused with soy and sesame. The result is a warm, aromatic soup that’s both light and satisfying—bringing the comforting taste of classic Asian home cooking to every bowl.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup first rose to American fame in the 1940s, thanks to Campbell’s iconic canned version. Today’s homemade rendition keeps its comforting roots, with iconic ingredients combined in a velvety broth. A dash of thyme and cream transforms it into pure nostalgic comfort.
French Lentil And Carrot Soup
This authentic French soup reminds us that true culinary excellence often lies in tradition. The classic pairing of shape-retaining French green lentils with carrots, elevated by aromatic thyme and bay leaf, delivers timeless vegetarian comfort to prove its worth to food enthusiasts.
Ham, Potato, And Pepper Chowder
Rooted in New England chowder tradition, the ham, potato, and pepper creation began as a clever way to use leftover holiday ham. The tender red potatoes absorb the smoky flavor beautifully, while sweet bell peppers brighten each bite. Today, it’s a creamy classic cherished for its hearty components.
Chorizo Soup
Spanish chorizo infuses every element of the soup with depth and spice, its paprika-rich essence mingling with soft vegetables and protein-packed beans. The result is an award-winning bowl that balances intensity with comfort, capturing the soul of rustic Spanish cooking.
Chunky Sausage Lentil Soup
Chunky sausage and lentils make this soup feel like home in a bowl. Each spoonful carries smoky richness, balanced by vegetables that keep it fresh and grounding. It’s the kind of meal you crave after a long day—simple, satisfying, and made for second helpings.
Italian White Bean Soup
Cannellini beans take center stage in this silky Italian classic. Fragrant herbs, olive oil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan create layers of savory richness, while the creamy beans lend smoothness and heartiness. It’s the kind of warmth Italian evenings are known for.
Butternut Squash And Sweet Potato Soup
Think of it as the cozy sweater of your kitchen that is impossible to resist. Made with creamy butternut squash and sweet potatoes, it’s gently spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon for that perfect fall flavor. A swirl of cream on top adds the final touch of luxury.
Cabbage Soup
Deeply woven into Eastern European culinary heritage, this classic soup is brimming with flavors in a savory tomato base. The slow-simmered result is a hearty, deeply satisfying dish that celebrates old-world flavors and family tradition. You can also give it a modern twist by adding bread.
Hazelnut Asparagus Soup
A true springtime gem, it pairs roasted asparagus with toasted hazelnuts for a nutty, delicate harmony. Blended into a smooth texture, it’s finished with cream for elegance. Every spoonful feels fresh and worthy of a special occasion—or just a special mood.
Deb’s Mushroom & Barley Soup
Earthy mushrooms and chewy pearl barley come together in a flavorful broth scented with thyme and bay leaf. Each bite offers a warm texture and aroma beautifully. It’s nourishing and perfect for savoring slowly on a peaceful afternoon with family.
Chicken Meatball Soup
Juicy chicken meatballs float in a savory, aromatic broth filled with tender vegetables and fragrant Italian herbs. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness, making it both light and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of heartwarming bowl that brings comfort to any table.
Roasted Pistachio Soup
The vibrant green bisque clinched the top spot in the “Soup or Bowl Recipe Contest” hosted by WNYC Studios on January 31, 2014. Toasted pistachios mix well into a silky base with bright citrus notes and mild spice, making it elegant and competition-worthy.
White Bean & Vegetable Soup
It is a contest-winning Whole Foods favorite that celebrates farm-to-table flavor at its finest. White beans simmer alongside carrots, zucchini, and kale in a fragrant vegetable broth infused with herbs. It’s hearty yet wholesome—the kind of soup that turns simple ingredients into a feel-good meal.