Warm bowls, cozy vibes, happy days! These snow day soups and stews are hearty, comforting recipes to keep you warm, full and cozy all winter long — simple ingredients, big comfort, each made in the same easy 6 steps.
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The Classic RecipeHearty • Comforting • All Winter Long
Classic Snow Day Stew
The Original + Simple Ingredients = Big Comfort
The beloved classic from the pin: meat, vegetables and potatoes in a comforting broth.
You need: 1 lb chicken (or beef), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 3 carrots (sliced), 3 celery stalks (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 4 cups broth (chicken or beef), 2 cups potatoes (cubed), 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 cup heavy cream (or milk, optional)
- Sauté: Sauté the meat in olive oil until browned. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth: Pour in the broth, add the potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender (20-25 minutes).
- Add cream: Stir in the cream (optional). Let it heat through for 5 minutes.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy with crusty bread.
More Cozy RecipesSimple Ingredients • Big Comfort
Hearty Beef Stew
Thick + Rich + Classic
Tender beef with carrots and potatoes in a rich gravy — a snow day must.
You need: 1 lb beef stew meat, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion, 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 3 cloves garlic, 4 cups beef broth, 2 cups potatoes, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp rosemary, salt and pepper
- Sauté: Brown the beef in olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth: Pour in the broth, add the potatoes, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Cover, reduce heat and simmer until the beef is tender (60-75 minutes).
- Thicken: Stir in 1 tbsp flour mixed with 2 tbsp water (optional). Simmer 5 minutes.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread for the gravy.
Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy + Fresh + Grilled Cheese Pair
Velvety tomato soup with fresh basil — perfect with a grilled cheese.
You need: 2 cans crushed tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup heavy cream (optional), 1 cup fresh basil, salt and pepper
- Sauté: Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth: Pour in the tomatoes and broth with the salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes until the flavors meld.
- Add cream: Stir in the cream (optional) and the fresh basil. Blend until smooth.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Creamy Potato Soup
Smooth + Rich + Comforting
Smooth potato soup with chives and sour cream — cozy in a bowl.
You need: 4 large potatoes (cubed), 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp butter, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream (or milk), 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper, chives (to serve)
- Sauté: Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until soft, 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth: Pour in the broth, add the potatoes, thyme, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are very tender (20-25 minutes).
- Add cream: Stir in the cream (optional). Blend half the soup for a thick texture.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot topped with chives and crusty bread.
Vegetable Minestrone
Colorful + Healthy + Hearty
Colorful vegetables, beans and pasta in a light tomato broth.
You need: 1 onion, 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 3 cloves garlic, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans (drained), 1 cup small pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
- Sauté: Sauté the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in olive oil for 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth: Pour in the broth and tomatoes, add the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add beans and pasta: Stir in the beans and pasta (optional cream). Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot with parmesan and crusty bread.
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Loaded + Cheesy + Crowd Favorite
All the loaded baked potato flavors — bacon, cheese, chives — in a soup.
You need: 4 large potatoes (cubed), 4 slices bacon, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup cheddar, salt and pepper, chives and sour cream (to serve)
- Sauté: Cook the bacon until crisp; set aside. Sauté the onion and garlic in the drippings for 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth: Pour in the broth, add the potatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are very tender (20-25 minutes).
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the cream and cheddar until melted.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Serve: Serve hot loaded with bacon, chives and sour cream.
Snow Day Soup Success Tips
- Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs give more flavor — add them near the end.
- Cut veggies evenly. Even cuts cook evenly and quickly.
- Add cream for richness. A splash of cream or milk makes the broth richer and creamier.
- Make it your own. Swap in your favorite proteins and veggies — the 6 steps work for everything.
- Freeze for later. Most of these soups freeze well for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soup for a snow day?
Hearty, thick soups and stews — beef stew, creamy potato soup and chicken soup are all perfect snow day bowls.
Can I make these soups ahead of time?
Yes — most soups and stews taste even better the next day. Cool and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze these soups?
Yes — freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
What goes well with soup on a snow day?
Crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches and a warm blanket are the classic snow day combo.
How do I thicken soup?
Mash some potatoes, stir in a flour slurry, or blend part of the soup until thick.