When the weather gets cold, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm bowl of soup. The good news is that going gluten free doesn't mean you have to skip any of the classics you grew up with.
Here are seven soups that work great for chilly nights. Some are creamy, some are brothy, and all of them are filling enough to be a meal on their own with a slice of gluten free bread on the side.
Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is the one most people reach for when they need something cozy. This version uses gluten free egg noodles, which hold up well in the broth and have that same soft bite as regular noodles.
The chicken is seared first before it goes into the pot, which adds a lot of flavor to the broth. You end up with tender shredded chicken, soft vegetables, and a clean, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day.
It's a good one to make when someone in the house is feeling under the weather, or just when you want a simple dinner that everyone will eat without complaining.
Gluten Free Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy tomato basil soup is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually pretty easy to put together. The San Marzano tomatoes do most of the work since they have a naturally sweet, deep flavor.
A splash of heavy cream at the end makes it silky and rich, and fresh basil gives it that bright finish. Pair it with a grilled cheese on gluten free bread and you have a classic combo that never gets old.
Gluten Free Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is usually off limits when you can't have gluten, since most versions are thickened with regular flour. This recipe uses a gluten free flour blend to make the roux, and you really can't tell the difference.
It's loaded with sharp cheddar and tender broccoli, with just enough chunks left in for texture. A pinch of nutmeg in the background brings out the cheese flavor without being noticeable on its own.
Serve it in a bowl with some crackers or warm bread for dunking and it feels like the version you'd get at a soup and salad place, minus the worry.
Gluten Free Loaded Potato Soup
Loaded potato soup is basically a baked potato in soup form, with all the good toppings you'd expect. Bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions all come together in one bowl.
Mashing half the potatoes right in the pot is the trick here. It makes the soup thick and creamy while leaving plenty of chunks so it still feels hearty. This one fills you up fast and works great as a main dish.
Gluten Free Clam Chowder
Clam chowder is a classic that's easy to make at home, even on the gluten free side. Canned clams keep things simple, and a gluten free flour blend thickens the broth just like the original.
The bacon adds a smoky base, and the Yukon gold potatoes give it that creamy, buttery texture. Top with crispy bacon and some gluten free oyster crackers and you have a bowl that tastes like the coast.
Gluten Free French Onion Soup
French onion soup is all about patience. The onions need a good 30 to 40 minutes to caramelize properly, and that slow cooking is what gives the soup its deep, sweet, savory flavor.
The broth gets a boost from a splash of white wine and a little tamari, which works in place of soy sauce to keep things gluten free. Topped with toasted gluten free bread and melted gruyere bubbling under the broiler, it's the kind of soup that feels like a restaurant meal at home.
Make sure to use sturdy gluten free bread that can hold up to the broth without falling apart, and serve it straight from the broiler while the cheese is still bubbling.
Gluten Free Chicken Ramen
Ramen is usually a no-go since the noodles contain wheat, but this version uses thin rice noodles to keep things gluten free. The broth gets its flavor from tamari, mirin, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic, so you still get that warm umami taste you expect from a good bowl of ramen.
Top it with shredded chicken, a soft-boiled egg, spinach, corn, and some nori strips. It looks impressive but comes together faster than you'd think, and you can adjust the toppings based on what you have on hand.