Quick-Fix Soups and Sandwiches

By Southern Living
Photo: Jennifer Davick

Keep these family-friendly recipes on hand for fast weeknight meals or casual entertaining.

Soup and sandwiches go together like shrimp and grits, peaches and cream, and bacon and eggs. You might choose a soup and sandwich for a light meal on a hot summer’s evening, or you may choose a hearty, meaty stew and sub sandwich to fortify you on a blustery winter night. Whatever your preference, an invigorating bourbon cocktail goes well with any soup and sandwich combo. If you need to use leftover holiday ham or turkey, or need ideas to feed a tailgate crowd, you will find what you need in this lineup of delicious soups and sandwiches. Your fresh herbs and cucumbers combine to make a cool and refreshing Pepper Gazpacho. Pair with a grilled cheese for a breezy summertime meal. If you have an abundance of tomatoes, try one of fresh salsa or tomato soup recipes. We have included classics such as cheese soups, baked potato soups, and chicken and dumplings, as well as crowd pleasers like muffulettas and pimiento cheese sandwiches, and taco soup.

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Pepper Gazpacho

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Pepper Gazpacho

Try a summery twist on tomato soup with Pepper Gazpacho. Serve chilled with a side of Havarti-and-Swiss grilled cheese sandwiches.

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Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Recipe: Easy Chicken and Dumplings 

Canned biscuits turn into delicious dumplings in this quick-and-easy version of the traditional recipe. Use deli-roasted chicken to save time; one roasted chicken yields about 3 cups, the amount needed for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Video: Our Easiest Chicken and Dumplings

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Dressed-up Tomato Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Dressed-up Tomato Soup

Add a little zing to canned tomato soup by blending with canned Italian-style diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and fresh ground pepper. If desired, top with a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Black Bean Chili

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Black Bean Chili

Ready in only 30 minutes, this quick, meatless chili is made with black beans, meatless burger crumbles, and canned tomatoes. You can substitute ground beef for the meatless burger crumbles, if desired. Top with a dollop of sour cream, corn chips, and chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

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Pecan-Crusted Pork Burgers with Dried Apricot-Chipotle Mayonnaise

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Recipe: Pecan-Crusted Pork Burgers with Dried Apricot-Chipotle Mayonnaise

Dried Apricot-Chipotle Mayonnaise is the star of this burger. Sweet, savory, and creamy, it gives great depth to the pork. The pecan coating adds a nice crunch with each bite.

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Smoky “Pimiento” Cheese Sandwiches

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Smoky “Pimiento” Cheese Sandwiches

Smoked Cheddar, Gouda, and sun-dried tomatoes provide a terrific twist on traditional pimiento cheese. Spread on sourdough and dark wheat bread and cut into smaller sandwiches for easy pickup. Serve with grapes and apples.

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Muffuletta Calzones

Recipe: Muffuletta Calzones 

Our Muffuletta Calzones have all the tasty traits of the classic sandwich: crusty bread filled with layers of provolone, ham, salami, and the essential olive salad. For even more flavor, add 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning and 1⁄2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper to the cheese blend.

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Fried Fish Sandwiches

Recipe: Fried Fish Sandwiches

Our readers love that you can use pretty much whatever white fish is available at the supermarket to make this sandwich. Whether you use mahi-mahi, cod, or grouper, the secret to success is dredging the fish in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and egg and then frying until golden brown. Top with your favorite store-bought tartar sauce and trimmings.

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Asian Pork Wraps

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Asian Pork Wraps

Save time in the kitchen by picking up pork from a local barbecue joint. Have your guests assemble their own wraps to add an interactive element to your party.

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Easy Barbecue Sliders

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Easy Barbecue Sliders

Make appetizer portions of your favorite pork sandwich and top with coleslaw Memphis-style. Like any good barbecue, they’re sure to please a crowd.

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Quick Turkey Chili and Extra-Cheesy Grilled Cheese

Recipe: Quick Turkey Chili

Recipe: Extra-Cheesy Grilled Cheese

Quick Turkey Chili is a snap to assemble. Including prep and cook time, you’ll have it ready in an hour. If you have time, make a double batch and store some in the freezer for a jump-start on a future meal. Complete the meal with Extra-Cheesy Grilled Cheese sandwiches.

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Zucchini-Potato Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Zucchini-Potato Soup

Inpspired by the classic potato-and-leek vichyssoise (vish-ee-SWAHZ), we added zucchini and gave this recipe a delicious Southern twist with a sprinkling of crisp, crumbled bacon.

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Hot Brown Panini

Recipe: Hot Brown Panini

Hot Brown Panini combines turkey, bacon, tomato, and Swiss cheese in a pressed sandwich with White Cheese Sauce.

 

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Cheddar Cheese Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Soup

Flecks of chopped carrot and green pepper peek beneath this velvety cheese soup. The recipe gets a slight kick with the addition of ground red pepper.

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Taco Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Taco Soup

This soup is the go-to recipe for an easy night of entertaining friends or a quick weeknight supper for your family. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, so you'll be able to put together this recipe quickly.

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Baked Potato Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Baked Potato Soup

A thick and creamy baked potato soup is ideal for cold winter days. Pile on your favorite baked potato toppings: bacon, Cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. Try with an easy shrimp-and-pesto baguette.

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Curried Coconut Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Curried Coconut Soup

Stray away from boring canned soup and whip up this easy, Asian-inspired Curried Coconut Soup. A whole-wheat wrap filled with snow peas, carrots, cucumbers, and hummus completes the meal.

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Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Vegetarian Black Bean Chili

Black beans and meatless crumbles make this vegetarian chili hearty and satisfying. A side of cornbread muffins filled with pimiento cheese completes this quick and easy supper.

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Red Lentil Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Red Lentil Soup

Unlike other dried beans, lentils cook in minutes and are perfect for busy weeknights. This one-soup meal is ready in less than an hour.

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