48 Scary-Good Soups for October

From the Recipe Creator: I remember making this velvety Halloween soup with my mom. Butternut squash gives it warm color, and garlic wards off any unfriendly spirits. Try using whipping cream for an extra smooth texture. —Steven Eder, Lebanon, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: We have this turkey pumpkin chili often because everyone loves it, even the most finicky grandchildren. It’s a definite keeper in my book! —Kimberly Nagy, Port Hadlock, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: I combine and refrigerate the ingredients for this easy chowder the night before. In the morning, I pour the mixture into the slow cooker and turn it on before I leave for work. When I come home, a hot tasty meal awaits. Mary Hogue, Rochester, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Kick off your night of trick-or-treating by making this hauntingly delicious Halloween soup. It’s just like having grilled cheese and tomato soup. We eat it every year on Halloween. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: I combined two of my favorite recipes and came up with this filling soup that has a Tex-Mex flair. The cornmeal dumplings are the perfect finishing touch. —Nancy Granaman, Burlington, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: This robust soup is a family favorite, and it's a big hit with my canasta group as well. I top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and cheese, but you can have fun incorporating other pizza toppings such as cooked sausage. —Jackie Brossard Kitchener, Ontario

From the Recipe Creator: I rely on this thick, chunky Halloween soup on cold trick-or-treat nights. The whole family enjoys the wonderful flavor of the smoked sausage. —Jennifer LeFevre, Hesston, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: If you're a fan of classic minestrone but love bold Mexican flavors, this soup's for you! It's pumped up with spices, veggies, and pasta for a filling bowl of fun. —Darlene Island, Lakewood, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: This thick and rich turkey corn chowder uses up Thanksgiving leftovers. Every so often, my grandmother would even add chopped hard-boiled eggs to this chowder to give it a nice richness. —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This hearty beef and barley Halloween soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the warm flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: One pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: This is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. It makes a big batch perfect for serving a crowd. —Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: After entertaining, I had leftover Bloody Mary mix. I added chicken broth and veggies to come up with a blockbuster Halloween soup. Make it with your favorite mix. —Joanna Johnson, Flower Mound, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: While I was growing up, my grandmother could feed our whole big family with a single chicken—and lots of dumplings. —Cathy Carroll, Bossier City, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it’d be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a fresh flavor make this Halloween soup a requested dish at my spooky celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI

From the Recipe Creator: This spooky Halloween soup gets extra richness from a splash of cream. It’s laced with garlic (to keep those vampires away!) and garnished with toasty bat wings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This meatball Halloween soup recipe is a hearty meal. It’s great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this Halloween soup turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This tastes so good, as if it simmered for hours, but it’s ready in 15 minutes. I thought the original recipe was lacking in flavor, so I jazzed it up with extra corn and bacon bits. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: Using the slow cooker takes some of the effort out of making from-scratch meals. The long cook time helps develop great homemade flavor in this Crockpot chicken and rice soup. —Kevin Bruckerhoff, Columbia, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: When the weather turns cold, get cozy with a bowl of this Halloween soup. This recipe is super easy. The cream adds richness, but if you’re looking to cut calories, it can be omitted. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: When I'm in need of comfort food, I stir up a velvety batch of this Asian-spiced soup. Then I finish it with a sprinkle of cilantro over the top. —Elizabeth DeHart, West Jordan, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: This Halloween soup was a hit with a group of exchange teachers who visited our high school. When I don’t use bread bowls, I usually serve it with soft pretzels or crusty bread. And it’s also an even bigger treat with slices of cooked bratwurst or kielbasa stirred into it. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah

From the Recipe Creator: Meet the Cook: One of the nice things about this thick soup is you can make it in an afternoon without too much fuss. I've found that it's good for soccer-practice evenings - with our sons 18, 17 and 9, we have gotten accustomed to many of those! -Mary Dice, Chemainus, British Columbia

From the Recipe Creator: This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

From the Recipe Creator: I eliminated beans from my standard chili recipe and added peanut butter and peanuts just for fun. Wow, was it amazing! I tried it on my family and everyone loved this Halloween soup. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

From the Recipe Creator: This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today’s appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it’s “soup’s on!” Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh, so simple to prepare. When I can't find escarole, I use fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut

From the Recipe Creator: I like cozy comfort Halloween soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

From the Recipe Creator: If you like ham and bean soup but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this tasty, quick version will leave you with a satisfied smile. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: Make the most of leftover turkey with this down-home soup. Creating a broth by roasting the turkey, garlic and vegetables adds richness and depth to the flavor without the need for additional fats. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: When autumn arrives, I’m eager to celebrate with warm and cozy comfort food like this pumpkin Halloween soup. Use fresh clams if they are available. —Renee Murby, Johnston, Rhode Island

From the Recipe Creator: This is a wonderful addition to potlucks, and it comes together so easily! Cauliflower makes a nice, extra creamy backdrop for the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu you can eat with a spoon. —Heidi Der, Stow, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Toasting the peppers for this chili releases their earthy flavors – but do wear gloves when handling dried peppers and seeds. — Rachel Sprinkel, Hilo, Hawaii

From the Recipe Creator: My husband grew up in a traditional Asian household and gives this soup high marks for authentic taste. I think the Asian hot chili sauce is what makes the Halloween soup, but any type of hot sauce would give it a delicious kick! —Kari Sue, Bend, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I was really craving a hot delicious soup—something filling and healthy. I looked around my kitchen for a few ingredients, then created this recipe. Pumpkin adds creamy richness and body. —Amy Blom, Marietta, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: I turned leftover ground chicken into meatballs and dreamed up this cozy southwestern soup. Now my Italian family asks for it over traditional wedding soup. —Teena Petrus, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Roasting sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips brings out their best features. Blend them, and you have a warm, healthy Halloween soup for a cool fall night. —Stephanie Flaming, Woodland, California

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love French onion soup, so I wondered if I could turn it into a less labor-intensive dish by altering my recipe to work in a slow cooker. The rich, cheesy result was an instant winner at home. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: One day I was looking at Portuguese recipes and decided to put together a bean soup that embraced the bright and spicy flavors of Portugal. My family liked it so much, it became a classic in our household. To save time and work, the sausage, vegetables and herbs can all be prepped in minutes with a food processor. —Steven Vance, Woodland, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: Thai food lovers will go crazy for this Halloween soup. It has a deep flavor from the combination of onion, coconut milk and spices. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: I know lots of minestrone recipes don't contain meat, but my husband thinks a meal is only a meal if it contains some sort of meat. Consequently, this is the perfect meal. It strikes that balance of flavorful, healthful, and soul-satisfying. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma