Chase Away the Chill with These Delicious Snow Day Soups
It’s a snow day in Denver, and it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up, grab a blanket, and savor some soul-warming soup! A snow day is nature’s invitation to slow down, unwind, and treat yourself to a hearty bowl of something steamy and delicious. So, put on your fluffiest socks, queue up your favorite winter movie, and let’s dive into three comforting, cozy soups that are as delightful as they are delicious!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: The Classic Comfort
Nothing says “snow day bliss” like a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. This is the soup that hugs you from the inside out, the one that’s calling for a crusty bread companion or, if you’re feeling fancy, a golden, gooey grilled cheese. This recipe takes the classic tomato soup and gives it a creamy twist with a pop of basil for that fresh, herby goodness.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
(28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook until it’s soft and golden—just begging to be joined by garlic!
Toss in the garlic, let it get fragrant for a minute, then pour in your tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir it all together and bring it to a cozy simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream (hello, creaminess!) and the fresh basil. Give it 5 more minutes of simmering love.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, then ladle this velvety goodness into bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan if you’re feeling extra fancy, and serve hot with crusty bread or that grilled cheese sidekick.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
Snow days call for indulgence, and what’s more comforting than a loaded baked potato—turned into soup? This soup is everything we love about a baked potato, all in one warm, creamy bowl. We’re talking crispy bacon, melty cheese, creamy potatoes, and all the toppings your heart desires!
Ingredients:
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: more cheddar cheese, chives, sour cream, and extra bacon (yes, please!)
Instructions:
In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a bit of that bacon magic (a.k.a. grease) in the pot.
Add the onion to the pot and cook until it’s soft and golden, then add garlic for a quick minute to make everything smell heavenly.
Toss in the potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it all simmer until the potatoes are tender—about 15 minutes.
Grab a potato masher and give the soup a few mashes to thicken things up, but leave some potato chunks for texture.
Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar, and sour cream, and let it get warm and cheesy.
Season with salt and pepper, ladle into bowls, and let everyone top their soup with more cheese, chives, sour cream, and crispy bacon bits. Dig in and enjoy the snow day bliss!
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup: The Cure-All
Nothing beats a classic chicken noodle soup on a snowy day. It’s like the warm hug you need to thaw out after a snowball fight or a chilly walk. Loaded with tender chicken, noodles, and just the right amount of seasoning, this soup is as cozy as it gets!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftovers work great!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups egg noodles
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a big pot and add your onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until they’re soft, then add garlic because every good soup starts with garlic!
Pour in the chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the egg noodles and cook until they’re tender—just enough time to make you extra excited to dig in!
Ladle this hearty goodness into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and savor every comforting spoonful.
With these soups in your snow day lineup, you’re all set to stay warm, cozy, and totally satisfied. So the next time the snow starts piling up, put on your favorite slippers, queue up a winter movie, and let one of these delicious bowls of soup chase away the chill. Happy snow day, and happy soup-sipping!
