Forget the bread bowl, these soups are good enough on their own

Photo of author

| Published:

Sometimes, soup is all you need for a satisfying meal, no extras required. These soups are hearty, flavorful, and stand alone without the need for a bread bowl or sides. Whether you’re looking for something creamy or packed with vegetables, these recipes hit the spot. Grab a spoon and enjoy—these bowls are good enough on their own.

A bowl of rich, brown stew with chunks of vegetables and meat, placed on a wooden surface next to a red fabric with gold detailing.
The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Creamy Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This hearty sausage soup is made with rich Italian sausage, parmesan, and heavy cream, giving it a creamy and savory flavor that will warm you up in 30 minutes. The sausage pairs well with the tangy tomatoes and earthy spinach. It’s a well-balanced meal that doesn’t need bread on the side. With its indulgent texture and robust taste, this soup stands perfectly on its own.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Italian Sausage Soup

Tomato Basil Bisque

A bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with fresh basil leaves and a swirl of cream.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A smooth blend of tomatoes, fresh basil, and cream, this bisque is rich in flavor yet light enough for a refreshing meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a tangy and slightly sweet taste with a velvety texture. The basil adds an aromatic freshness that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes. Forget the bread—this one is delicious and satisfying by itself.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

A bowl of butternut squash soup with a spoon on a colorful blue and white plate.
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Butternut squash and apples come together to create a silky soup that’s subtly sweet with a hint of tartness. This soup, ready in about 45 minutes, combines the creaminess of pureed squash with the brightness of apples and a touch of spice. The flavors are perfect for fall, comforting without being too heavy. It’s a filling and flavorful dish you won’t need any extras for.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup

Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew with Coconut Milk

A bowl of stew with fish in it.
Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew with Coconut Milk. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moqueca is a Brazilian fish stew that combines fresh fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, and cilantro for a tropical and savory meal. The dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare and offers a unique, bright flavor from lime and garlic with a creamy coconut base. It’s rich, filling, and perfect on its own. The combination of seafood and coconut milk makes it unforgettable without needing a bread pairing.
Get the Recipe: Moqueca Brazilian Fish Stew with Coconut Milk

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken pot pie soup in a white bowl with a spoon.
Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth to replicate the classic comfort food in a bowl. Ready in 45 minutes, the richness of the soup comes from the hearty mix of potatoes, carrots, and peas. It’s as comforting and satisfying as a pot pie, without the crust. You won’t miss the bread with this one; the flavors stand out all on their own.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken Sancocho

Chicken Sancocho. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup made with chicken, plantains, corn, and yucca, offering a delicious blend of hearty ingredients. This soup takes around an hour to prepare and delivers a rich, savory taste with a variety of textures. The chicken is tender, and the broth is rich and flavorful. Forget the bread—this filling soup is all you need.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sancocho

Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Mexican chicken tortilla soup in a white bowl.
Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A quick 30-minute tortilla soup inspired by Chick-fil-A, this dish combines shredded chicken, black beans, and a rich tomato broth with a kick of spice. The addition of crushed tortilla chips and cheese gives it a hearty, satisfying finish. The spicy, smoky flavors make this a meal in itself. No bread bowl is necessary when you’ve got layers of flavor like this.
Get the Recipe: Chick-fil-a Tortilla Soup

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Classic Jewish Chicken Soup, known for its tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting broth, is a timeless favorite. This soup, ready in about 1 hour, has a clean, rich flavor from slow-cooked chicken and simple spices. Carrots, celery, and dill add extra layers of freshness. It’s the kind of soup that’s filling enough to stand alone, without the need for bread.
Get the Recipe: Classic Jewish Chicken Soup

Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Two bowls of butternut squash soup on a wooden table.
Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This butternut squash soup pairs creamy, sweet squash with soft, homemade dumplings for an unforgettable bowl. Taking just under an hour, the squash brings a naturally sweet flavor that’s balanced by the savory dumplings. It’s a comforting dish that feels complete with the dumplings alone. There’s no need for bread with this soup—it’s already got the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings

Carrot Ginger Soup

A bowl of thick orange soup, served in a white square bowl, with a slice of cornbread placed on a napkin next to a spoon.
Carrot Ginger Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

A blend of carrots and fresh ginger gives this soup a warm, spicy kick that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Ready in 35 minutes, this soup is creamy from pureed carrots yet light enough for a refreshing bowl. The ginger adds a brightness that complements the natural sweetness of the carrots. It’s a flavorful, standalone soup that doesn’t need bread to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy cheddar and tender broccoli make this soup a comfort classic, perfect in just 30 minutes using the Instant Pot. The cheese creates a rich and creamy base, while the broccoli adds a bit of texture and earthiness. It’s rich, cheesy, and so satisfying on its own. You won’t even think about reaching for bread with a soup this hearty.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cold Bulgarian Soup with Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts, and Feta

Two bowls of soup with radishes and herbs.
Cold Bulgarian Soup with Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts, and Feta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This refreshing Bulgarian soup is served cold and features kefir, cucumbers, dill, walnuts, and tangy feta for a light and unique dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, the kefir adds a tangy richness, while the cucumbers and dill keep it crisp and fresh. Walnuts provide a crunchy texture, while feta adds a salty finish. It’s a light yet filling soup that’s perfect for a hot day, no bread needed.
Get the Recipe: Cold Bulgarian Soup with Kefir, Cucumbers, Dill, Walnuts, and Feta

Parsnip Potato Soup

A bowl of loaded parsnip potato soup topped with bacon and cheddar cheese.
Parsnip Potato Soup. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This parsnip and potato soup is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of parsnips and the comforting richness of potatoes. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a thick and satisfying soup perfect for cooler days. The mild sweetness of the parsnips pairs beautifully with the earthiness of the potatoes. It’s rich enough to be a complete meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Potato Soup

The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

A bowl of rich, brown stew with chunks of vegetables and meat, placed on a wooden surface next to a red fabric with gold detailing.
The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This vegetarian stew is packed with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms, making it a filling meal in about an hour. The rich, savory broth complements the earthy flavors of the vegetables, while fresh herbs add brightness. It’s a satisfying dish without the need for meat—or bread. This stew holds its own with its robust flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Vegetarian Stew

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Street corn soup with potatoes, corn and red pepper in the crock pot with a spoon on the side.
Mexican Street Corn Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A creamy blend of sweet corn, peppers, and spices, this Mexican street corn soup is ready in just 30 minutes and offers a mix of savory and sweet flavors. The smoky kick of spices like cumin and chili powder balances the creaminess of the corn. Topped with cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s bursting with flavor. No bread required when the soup itself is this satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.