Delicious and easy winter soup recipes for chilly nights

There’s something special about a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly night. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or looking for a nourishing meal to bring the family together, winter soup ideas are a warm hug in a bowl. And with the right bread by your side – crusty, golden, and fresh from your local Bakers Delight – even the best winter soups become something more. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favourite winter soup recipes to inspire your next cosy night in.

Why is soup so good in the winter?

Soup is the ultimate comfort food; warm, hearty, and full of nourishing goodness. It’s not just about the temperature. A homemade soup brings together rich aromas, deep flavour and wholesome ingredients that make you feel cared for. Whether it’s a slow-simmered classic or a quick midweek fix, soup ticks all the boxes when the cold sets in.

From leftovers turned magical to meals that simmer all day on the stove, winter soups are built for ease and satisfaction.

Great sides for winter soups 

The secret to levelling up your soup night? Pairing it with the perfect bread made with real ingredients. Whether you’re dipping, dunking or layering with cheese, Bakers Delight has your back. Think sourdough with a crunchy crust, a soft white roll to soak up every last spoonful, or a sliced baguette for your cheesier creations.

Here are a few of our favourite pairings:

• Sourdough Vienna with minestrone or pumpkin soup
• French Baguette with French onion soup or tomato soup
• Dinner rolls served warm with anything brothy

These classic combinations aren’t just tasty, they turn a bowl of soup into a full meal. It’s the ultimate in soup and bread, and the perfect answer to what to eat with soup when you’re looking to stay full and cosy.

Easy soup recipes with the bowl included

Soup in a bowl is great. But soup in a bread bowl? Even better. These easy recipes are family favourites, and they come with a tasty twist; Bakers Delight bread bowls that soak up all the goodness.

Minestrone Soup Recipe with Bread Bowl​

Packed with vegetables, beans and pasta, this classic soup is full of colour, texture and taste. It’s the perfect family-friendly option for a cold night. Serve it inside a Bakers Delight Cape Seed Roll, hollowed out to create your own bread bowl. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and delicious to the last spoonful.

Sweet potato & Lime Soup with Bread Bowl ​

This winter soup is smooth, slightly sweet and finished with a fresh citrus kick, giving it a vibrant twist on traditional creamy soups. The combination of sweet potato, coconut milk and lime creates a bold, modern flavour profile. Serve it in a Sourdough Roll for a healthy, hearty bread bowl that makes every mouthful count.

The best soups to fill you up

Filling, rich and packed with texture, these hearty soups that don’t leave you hungry. Pair them with Bakers Delight favourites to make them even more satisfying.

Creamy Broccoli Soup & Cheesy Toasts

Our Creamy Broccoli Soup is a favourite for kids and grown-ups alike. Smooth and velvety, it’s full of greens and finished with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of parmesan. The real magic? Serving it with golden cheesy toast made on slices of our Continental Pasta Dura. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for a midweek dinner that still feels a little bit special.

Tomato Soup & Sourdough Cheese Toasties

There’s nothing more nostalgic than tomato soup and a crunchy, buttery toastie, but this version dials it up. Made with juicy tomatoes and baked garlic, it’s smooth, rich, and just the right amount of tangy. Serve with our Sourdough Vienna turned into thick, cheesy toasties, it’s heaven in a bowl.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup & Cheesy Sourdough Toast

Sweet, earthy and silky smooth, pumpkin soup is a true winter staple. Roasting the pumpkin adds depth and caramel notes, while the sage, onions and garlic brings warmth. For the perfect pairing, serve with slices of Sourdough Vienna Loaf topped with melted tasty cheese for the ideal contrast to this winter vegetable soup favourite.

Tuscan Bread Soup

Rustic, hearty and made to use up leftovers, this Italian-inspired soup transforms day-old bread into something magical. Tomatoes, beans, garlic and herbs simmer together to create a rich base, then torn pieces of bread are stirred through to thicken and absorb the flavour. Use our Chia Omega-3 Wholemeal Block Loaf for the best result, and don’t forget extra on the side for dipping.

French Onion Soup

Rich, savoury and packed with caramelised flavour, this French classic is a winter must-have. Made with slow-cooked onions, beef stock, and topped with melty cheese, it’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. Serve with our French Baguette, toasted and topped with gruyere cheese. Simply layer on top, or serve on the side for that all-important dip and soak moment.

What to top soup with for extra crunch

The best toppings add contrast. They balance the soft, smooth soup with crispy, cheesy or savoury bites. Here are a few ways to give your soup a final flourish:

• Croutons made from Bakers Delight bread, toasted with olive oil
• Crispy bacon bits
• Toasted seeds or nuts (like pepitas or almonds)
• Parmesan crisps
• Fresh herbs or chilli oil

When in doubt, a cheese toasty on the side is always a winner.

Winter soup FAQs

What gives soup the best flavour?

The secret to great soup flavour is building layers, starting with quality stock and adding aromatics like onion, garlic and herbs. A good homemade soup lets you season as you go, adjust to your taste, and finish strong with toppings or fresh bread for dipping.

Tips for bold flavour:

• Start with butter or quality olive oil to prepare your aromatics
• Make your own stock with bones or earthy vegetables
• Use fresh herbs or spice blends
• Let it simmer for longer for greater depth
• Add a splash of acidity (like lemon, lime or vinegar) before serving

Is soup a side dish or a meal?

Soup can be both; it all depends on how you serve it. A light broth might be the start of a meal, while a chunky lentil or pumpkin soup with bread and toppings can stand alone. With the right bread, soup becomes a wholesome main course that keeps you full and happy.

How to serve soup as a main course?

Serving soup as a main course is all about the extras. Serve your soup with crusty bread (toasted or fresh), add protein, and finish with toppings or sides.

Try these main-course pairings:

• Bread bowls for serving
• Cheesy toast made with Bakers Delight Sourdough High Tin Loaf
• A side salad or roasted veg
• Optional protein like chicken or legumes

When it comes to sides for soup, it’s all about getting creative.

What to eat with soup for protein?

Soup alone can be light, but add the right extras, and you’ve got a high-protein meal. Try this:

• Add shredded chicken or beef
• Use legumes like lentils or beans
• Serve with a cheese toastie
• Opt for a slice of our Hi-Protein Wholegrain Block Loaf for a boost in every bite

There’s no better time to enjoy soup than winter, and no better way to serve it than with fresh bread from your local Bakers Delight. Whether you’re looking for easy dinners, hearty classics or something a little bit fun (hello, bread bowls), we’ve got the perfect pairing. Head to your nearest bakery and pick up everything you need to make your soup a star. Try something new this week – your soup bowl will thank you.

Need more inspiration? Find delicious recipes for leftover bread, easy dinners for weeknights, and more on our Bakers Delight blog.