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.
Pepper Gazpacho
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.
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
Dressed-up Tomato Soup
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.
Black Bean Chili
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.
Pecan-Crusted Pork Burgers with Dried Apricot-Chipotle Mayonnaise
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.
Smoky “Pimiento” Cheese Sandwiches
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.
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.
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.
Asian Pork Wraps
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.
Easy Barbecue Sliders
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.
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.
Zucchini-Potato Soup
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.
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.
Cheddar Cheese Soup
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.
Taco Soup
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.
Baked Potato Soup
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.
Curried Coconut Soup
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.
Vegetarian Black Bean Chili
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.
Red Lentil Soup
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.
