12 Reasons to Fall in Love With Potato Soup

Nov 29, 2015

When sunny autumn afternoons turn to freezing winter nights, there are few things better than a hot meal to take the cold edge off (okay, and maybe a hot toddy). Although a homemade meal might be just what the doctor ordered, few of us have the time or the energy to get a fancy dinner on the table after work. Weekday warriors, meet your new best friend: potato soup. Potato soups are filling, creamy and inexpensive, and provide the ultimate blank slate for any flavor combo you can imagine. Check out our favorite recipes below and get ready to fire up that stock pot.

1. Creamy Ham, Potato and Corn Chowder: If you love roasted ham but never know how to handle the leftovers, this is your answer. The sweetness of the corn complements the salty ham and bacon like they were made for each other. (via Cooking Classy)

2. Thai Peanut Soup With Grilled Peanut Butter Croutons: You might be skeptical of this flavor combination, but we can assure you it works and it’s 100% addictive. Red curry and coconut milk round out the palate, and the grilled peanut butter sandwich croutons are genius. (via Half Baked Harvest)

3. Sweet Potato Soup With Miso and Ginger: We love the salty hit of miso in this vibrant soup. It’s an unexpected addition to a more traditional combo. (via The Kitchn)

4. Roasted Garlic Potato Soup: An entire head of garlic may sound aggressive, but try this recipe once and you’ll be a believer. Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and gives it an almost creamy texture. (via Little Spice Jar)

5. 5-Ingredient Potato Soup: This may be the easiest soup you’ll ever make. It uses store-bought frozen hashbrowns and Old Bay seasoning to cut down your prep and help you get dinner on the table in no time. (via Gimme Some Oven)

6. Spicy Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup: This soup has so much going on, we don’t know where to start. The heat from the sausage and slight bitterness from the greens come together in complete harmony. This super satisfying dish is the perfect end to a day in the cold or snow. (via The Candid Appetite)

7. Crockpot Beer Cheese Soup With Potatoes: The name really says it all with this one. Throw the ingredients in your crockpot and forget about it. You’ll remember when it’s time for dinner and the kitchen smells uh-mAz-ing. (via Crockpot Gourmet)

8. Roasted Acorn Squash and Sweet Potato Soup: Garam masala is a popular spice mix from Northern India that usually includes cloves, nutmeg, cumin, peppercorns, cardamom and cinnamon. Squash and sweet potatoes are a healthy vehicle for this warm blend of seasonings, with an extra zing from fresh ginger. (via Blogging Over Thyme)

9. Loaded Potato Soup With Creamy Cheese, Bacon and Jalapeno: This is like a twice-baked and fully loaded potato skin in soup form. It’s cozier and more indulgent than ever. Don’t skimp on the toppings — they’re the best part. (via The Wicked Noodle)

10. Ginger Sweet Potato Soup With Curry Croutons: Winter veggies and curry are longtime friends, but seasoning the croutons takes everything to a new level. (via Climbing Grier Mountain)

11. Broccoli Cheese Potato Soup: What happens when you cross velvety potato soup with a classic broccoli and cheddar recipe? You get this creamy, dreamy version. A handful of chopped carrots adds color and a few extra vitamins. (via Cooking Classy)

12. Sausage, Potato and Spinach Soup: This soup is hands down our new favorite way to get our greens. It’s loaded with tons of fiber and doesn’t fall short on flavor. (via Damn Delicious)

Do you love potato soup as much as we do? Tell us your favorite recipe in the comments below.

16 Thanksgiving Soup Recipes To Ease Into The Feast This Year

Regardless of family traditions, a hot and cozy soup is a great way to kick off a giant Thanksgiving feast. Whether you're partial to fall flavors like squash and carrot or are seeking a more unique holiday recipe, there's a soup out there that's bound to complement your meal. But don't forget — you can experiment when it comes to presentation and serve a soul-warming soup in small glasses or even clean candle votives as an amuse-bouche before the big meal. Ahead, discover 16 soupshooter recipes that'll make your Thanksgiving extra tasty.

16 tasty Thanksgiving soup recipes you and your family will fall in love with

French Onion Soup

Brit + Co

You can't go wrong with French Onion soup any day but especially not on Thanksgiving! The bubbling and golden layer of cheese makes this feel like a luxurious dish everyone at the table will enjoy.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Clean Cuisine

This soup is loaded up with vegetables, making it a healthier option for your Thanksgiving spread It's super simple to whip together but is extremely flavorful.

Roasted Garlic Sage Pesto Pumpkin Soup with Spicy Fried Pumpkin Seeds

Half-Baked Harvest

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it's seriously adorable too! It's rich and flavorful, thanks to sage, roasted garlic, pistachios, and blue cheese.

Cider Cheese Soup Shooters in Mini Pretzel Bread Bowls

How Sweet Eats

Instead of typical glassware, these cheese soup shooters are served in mini pretzel bread bowls, making them extra unique and fun. What more can you ask for than cheesy soup, pretzel bread, and bacon all in one bite?

Creamy Tomato Soup Shooters With Grilled Cheese Sticks

How Sweet Eats

You cannot go wrong with a mini grilled cheese atop a creamy tomato soup shooter. Warning: Your guests *will* ask for seconds.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup Shooters

Dine & Dish

This rich take on pumpkin soup is guaranteed to make you feel especially cheery on Thanksgiving.

Asparagus Soup

The Realistic Nutritionist

Rather than roasting up heaps of asparagus for Thanksgiving dinner, try puréeing the tasty veggie side into a scrumptious soup. The natural and super bold shades of green will pair nicely with the festive vibes. Garnish it with a piece of bread for a truly beautiful small bite.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup Shooters

Flavour & Savour

Roasted cauliflower is DELICIOUS on its own, but it's even better in drinkable form. This recipe is customizable toppings-wise but incredibly creamy as far as texture is concerned. Garnish it with a breadstick or relish the roasted cauliflower flavor sans bread. Your choice, reader.

Potato Leek Soup

The Edgy Veg

Careful, this vegan potato leek soup might just steal the whole show! It takes less than 50 minutes to make and is hearty and creamy.

Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Maple Pecans

Half-Baked Harvest

This creamy soup is perfect for Thanksgiving and the added maple pecans on top are *chef's kiss*!

Vegan Soup Shooter Trio With Crispy Sunchoke Chips

Tuscan Foodie

For those who value a tasting *experience,* a trio of soup shooters like this one is the answer. It includes roasted carrot, broccoli-leek, and a roasted tomato-fennel soup. So many options.

Potato and Blue Cheese Soup Shots With Garlic Butter Ryes

The Passionate Cook

Made with gorgonzola cheese and potatoes, this creamy soup is topped with a mini rye toast that's great for dipping.

Spicy Carrot and Lentil Soup

Crowded Kitchen

This soup is recipe is packed with flavor and spice, thanks to cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and harissa paste! It is also vegetarian and can be made vegan with a simple swap to nondairy yogurt.

Baked Potato Shooters With Bacon, Crema, Cheese, and Chives

Taste With the Eyes

So, take a baked potato with all the fixin's and turn it into a soup, and you've got this Baked Potato Shooters recipe. Bacon? Check. Crema? Check. Cheese and chives? Double check. Heaven, is that you?

Harvest Minestrone Soup

Vikalinka

This Italian soup is full of vegetables and herbs that make it a comforting and wholesome soup for Thanksgiving!

Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup

Vikalinka

This chicken and sweetcorn soup is perfect as a Thanksgiving appetizer because it is on the lighter side. It is packed with flavor, though, and is a twist on a classic egg drop soup.

Want more Thanksgiving soup recipe inspo? Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online cooking classes!

This post has been updated.

Hallmark’s First-Ever Dating Show Is Coming So Soon

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

pop culture entertainment hallmark tv

22 Flavorful Soups From Around The World To Try Right Now

During bouts of cold weather, nothing warms you down to your toes quite like a good soup. From spicy soup recipes to more mild creations, soup is nourishing, warming and often packed with nutritious ingredients. Tomato soup recipes are a classic choice here in the U.S., but maybe you’re in the mood for something a little more… exotic. Lucky for you, soup is a staple in all corners of the globe. Try these 22 soup recipes from around the world next time you feel like jetting off to new (and perhaps warmer) climates.

Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup

This one-pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup is so simple and the perfect bowl to spice things up with salsa verde, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and shredded chicken. Taco seasoning and ground cumin top it off with amazing flavor. Add salty tortilla chips and even lime zest for a magical soup to cozy up to mid-winter. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Homemade Wonton Soup

Though the concept of making homemade wontons may seem intimidating, this delicious soup is actually pretty easy to pull together. Ready in just 40 minutes, it boasts the flavors of authentic pork dumplings, shrimp and fresh veggies. (via Jessica Gavin)

New England Clam Chowder

For something a little closer to home, whip up a bowl of New England clam chowder. You’ll need bacon, pork, potatoes, an array of spices and, of course, clams. The fresher the fish, the better — but if you live somewhere without access to fresh clams, you can sub in canned clams instead. (via A Family Feast)

Manhattan Clam Chowder

Alternatively, you could try Manhattan’s version of clam chowder if you’re craving a yummy seafood stew. The difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowders lies in the soup itself — New England chowder features a white, cream-based soup, while Manhattan style is broth-based. (via Baker by Nature)

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Curb your cravings for a cozy comfort soup with this well-rounded meal that nourishes with tender chicken, fluffy cooked dumplings, and a flavorful creamy broth. (via Real Food Dietitians)

Turkish Tarhana Soup

Mix things up with this popular Turkish soup made with fermented dough and a tomato base, mint, and garlic. (via Give Recipe)

15-Minute Curry Noodle Soup

Curries are popular throughout Asia, particularly in countries like India and Thailand. This quick and easy curry soup is ready in just 15 minutes, and features rice vermicelli noodles. (via The Woks of Life)

Italian Wedding Soup

This Italian-American soup is often served at all manner of Italian restaurants here in the states, but its name is misleading. It’s not traditionally served at weddings in particular… instead, the name refers to the “marriage” of greens and broth. (via Jo Cooks)

Hearty Mulligatawny Soup

This simpler version of the famous mulligatawny soup is made with leftover roast chicken or turkey. Part Indian, part British, this soup is aromatic, mildly spicy, and so comforting. (via Vikalinka)

Vegan Tortellini Soup

This hearty, delicious soup won't take more than 45 minutes and is packed with vegetables, cheesy tortellini, spicy plant-based sausage and lots of flavor! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Spanish Bean Soup

This traditional Spanish soup is made with chickpeas, andouille sausage, onion, olive oil and red potatoes. If you’re more in the mood for spicy chorizo, substitute that instead. Either way, this soup will be nourishing, mildly spicy and *packed* with flavor. (via The Noshery)

French Onion Soup

Is there anything more delicious than a rich French onion soup topped with crunchy croutons and tons of cheese? We think not! This recipe showcases the flavors of French onion soup to delicious effect. We recommend using gruyere, asiago, Swiss or mozzarella cheese (or any combo of those four). (via Gimme Some Oven)

Easy Mexican Pozole

Pozole is a Mexican soup boasting the flavors of hominy and pork. There are red versions and green versions. This particular version is made with red sauce and is super easy to whip up in a jiff. (via The Spice Kit Recipes)

Turkey Avgolemono Soup

This traditional Greek recipe is made with turkey, rice and a little bit of lemon, making for a delicious comfort food that’s both warming and totally invigorating. In fact, you only need five ingredients to make this delicious, authentic soup. That’s right, FIVE. (via The Kitchn)

Cuban Black Bean Soup

Healthy and hearty, this black bean soup is graced with the flavors of black pepper, olive oil and garlic, and comprised of ham and black beans. It’s as nourishing as it is tasty, and can easily be garnished with Greek yogurt in lieu of sour cream in order to make it even healthier. (Of course, that will take away the authenticity of the dish, but we’ll let you decide.) (via The Kitchn)

Creamy Coconut Soup With Cauliflower

This soothing soup is a great way to get veggies into your day in a healthy and hearty way. (via Clean Cuisine)

Ribollita

Now, if you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, this Tuscan soup recipe isn’t for you — it takes roughly three days to make if you want to go the traditional route. Ribollita literally means “reboiled,” so this is a great recipe to make ahead of time and then reboil right before you’re ready to serve it. (via 31 Daily)

Hot and Sour Soup

This traditional Chinese recipe is warming, tasty and packed with nutritious ingredients. We particularly recommend adding kimchi on top, as it’s fermented and therefore contains natural probiotics. Pro tip: To make this vegan, just use veggie broth. (via The Kitchn)

Locro de Papa

Locro de Papa is an Ecuadorian cheesy potato soup that will warm you to your toes and fill you right up. It features annatto, a regional spice that you’ll have to find in an ethnic or Mexican grocery store. But trust us — it will be worth the extra effort. (via Curious Cuisiniere)

Vietnamese Beef Noodle Pho

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup that is often steeped for *days* in order to get the best broth flavor. However, you can make it much more quickly by taking a few shortcuts. In terms of beef, the best cuts for this noodle soup are sirloin steak, round eye or London broil. (via The Kitchn)

One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Got 30 minutes? This soup version of the Italian classic is the perfect, hearty, comfort food with ground beef, noodles, a tomato-based broth, and a delicious three-cheese topping. (via Averie Cooks)

Easy Homemade Ramen

Last but not least is perhaps America’s most beloved ethnic soup: ramen. Once you’ve made a homemade savory ramen with fresh veggies, noodles and boiled eggs, you’ll never go back to the instant store-bought version. EVER. (via Damn Delicious)

Subscribe to our newsletter for more recipe ideas!

healthy recipes recipe roundup soup recipes hearty soup recipe vegan soup meat soup chicken soup recipe comfort food recipes

12 "Outdated" Travel Destinations To Avoid In 2025 (Thanks, Overtourism!)

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

travel destinations overtourism travel 2025 where to travel european travel asian travel japan bali venice travel

13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

cookie recipes dessert recipes christmas cookies international foods christmas recipes