The Best Throwback Soups from the 1950s (2024)

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Updated: Jul. 18, 2024

Step back in time with these delicious and nostalgic soups from the '50s.

1/23

Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup

My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I’m happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

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2/23

Classic French Onion Soup

Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

3/23

Tomato Soup

Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

4/23

Cioppino

Traditionally, cioppino is made with whatever seafood was caught that day or whatever seafood is on hand. It began as a soup for the working class, but with how delicious it tastes, it’s no wonder this dish made its way into high-end restaurants and hotels. Feel free to use whatever fish, shellfish and seafood you can find. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia

5/23

Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger Soup

At family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming ground beef soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. This hamburger soup has robust flavor, plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables and is easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin

6/23

Slow-Cooker Split Pea Soup

Slow-cooker split pea soup is so easy, all you have to do is dump everything into the cooker. This soul-warming soup comes together in a snap!

7/23

Best Ever Potato Soup

You’ll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for more, try this old-fashioned potato soup recipe.

8/23

Rustic Fish Chowder

President John F. Kennedy's affinity for fish chowder was likely inspired by his love of sailing off the coast of New England. In my version, I use fresh halibut my brother-in-law, a commercial fisherman, catches in Kodiak, Alaska. Top servings with grated Parmesan, minced green onions or a few drops of hot sauce.

9/23

Cheesy Cream of Asparagus Soup

Kids may not want to try a vegetable soup, but once they spoon up a mouthful of this cheesy variety, the flavor will keep them coming back for more. —Muriel Lerdal, Humboldt, Iowa

10/23

Corn Chowder with Potatoes

I developed this soup out of two others to create my own low-calorie recipe. It turned out so well that I entered it in my county fair and won a blue ribbon. —Alyce Wyman, Pembina, North Dakota

11/23

Shrimp Gumbo

A crisp green salad and crusty French bread complete this shrimp gumbo meal. I always have hot sauce available when I serve this and have found that the instant microwave rice packages make the process a little easier. —Jo Ann Graham, Ovilla, Texas

12/23

Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup

Mother made this soup when I was a child, and it was always one of my favorites. After 75 years, it still is! Mother’s cellar was filled with home-canned vegetables, so the basic ingredient of this soup was right at hand. It never took her long to make a kettle of this wonderful soup. —Wilma Miller, Port Angeles, Washington. Also, try out these other old fashioned soup recipes.

13/23

New Year's Oyster Stew

Oyster stew is quite popular along the coast of Ireland, where oysters are served to celebrate many festivals. Immigrants brought the recipe with them to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S. —Christa Scott, Santa Fe, New Mexico

14/23

Vegetable Beef Soup

A bounty of fresh and frozen veggies, from carrots and potatoes to green beans and okra, and chunks of tender beef make this vegetable beef soup a hearty and delicious delight.

15/23

Buttery Onion Soup

I developed this recipe when I once had an abundance of sweet onions. I like making it for guests, but sometimes I'll halve the recipe and make some just for me! —Sharon Berthelote, Sunburst, Montana

16/23

Rivel Soup

For years, I'd been trying to figure out how my grandmother made her rivel soup. Then I discovered that it wasn't just something she came up with, but a prized heirloom recipe. Many families have their own special version. —Kathy Kegley, Rural Retreat, Virginia

17/23

Creamy Carrot Soup

Creamy Carrot Soup is a delightful blend of sweet carrots and rich, velvety texture, perfect for a nourishing meal. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad to complete this comforting and flavorful dish.

18/23

Hearty Manhattan Clam Chowder

This veggie-packed clam chowder is savory and satisfying. Butter up some crusty bread and you'll have yourself a complete meal. —Carol Bullick, Royersford, Pennsylvania

19/23

Turnip Soup

Healthy, hearty and tasty too, this creamy turnip soup is a welcome warmer on a winter night. But of course it can be enjoyed at any time, in any season.

20/23

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I’m originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California

21/23

Creamy Root Veggie Soup

On chilly nights, we fill the pot with parsnips and celery root for a smooth, creamy soup. Garlic, bacon and fresh thyme make it even better. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan

22/23

Potato Clam Chowder

I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

23/23

Cream of Cauliflower Soup

This mildly cheesy cauliflower soup is a favorite of mine. I make it often in summer, although it's good anytime. —Karen Brown, West Lafayette, Ohio

Originally Published: October 24, 2019