Creamy soups are the ultimate comfort food. They’re perfect when the weather cools down, or when you just want something cozy to curl up with. But if you’re avoiding dairy—or just want something a little lighter—you might think that creamy soups are off the table, right? Wrong! You can absolutely enjoy velvety, luscious soups, totally dairy-free.

Whether you’re cooking for one (and don’t want a fridge full of leftovers) or just trying to mix things up, these soups are satisfying, easy to make, and work perfectly for a single-serving lifestyle. Plus, we’ll throw in some simple tips to get that creamy texture without a drop of cream.

1. Coconut Curry Soup

If you love bold flavors, coconut curry soup will be your new best friend. The star of the show here is coconut milk, which makes the soup rich and creamy without feeling heavy. Toss in veggies like sweet potatoes, carrots, or even spinach, add a spoonful of red or green curry paste, and you’ve got a soup that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Thai spot.

Pro Tip: Make this in a small pot to keep portions manageable. You can customize the spice level to your liking, so whether you’re into mild or fiery heat, the power is in your hands.

2. Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato soup is a classic, but roasting the tomatoes first takes it to gourmet levels. Once they’re roasted, blend them with garlic, onion, and a good splash of plant-based milk—oat milk is a fantastic option here because it’s creamy and neutral in flavor. Add fresh basil for that herby kick, and you’ve got the perfect bowl to pair with a crusty piece of bread (or yeah, a little grilled cheese if you’re feeling fancy).

Pro Tip: If you have leftovers, this soup freezes like a dream. Pour it into small, single-serve containers, and you’ll have quick, homemade meals ready in a flash.

3. Potato Leek Soup

Potato leek soup is the ultimate definition of cozy. Leeks add a mild onion flavor, and potatoes do all the heavy lifting when it comes to creaminess. Once the soup is cooked, you simply blend it all together, and voilà—it’s smooth, thick, and incredibly satisfying.

For an added creamy boost, toss in some soaked cashews before blending. This little trick gives the soup a subtle richness without screaming “nuts.”

Pro Tip: You can make this recipe as chunky or smooth as you want. Blend half the soup for a rustic texture, or go all-in if you’re a fan of silky soups.

How to Make Dairy-Free Soups Super Creamy

Now that you’re drooling over those recipes, here’s how to get that dreamy texture without turning to dairy. These simple swaps take the guesswork out of going dairy-free but still deliver on flavor and creaminess.

  • Coconut Milk or Cream: Perfect for soups with warmer, spicier flavors like curry or pumpkin. It’s naturally rich and has a subtle sweetness that works beautifully in recipes.
  • Cashews: When soaked and blended, cashews turn into a magic cream substitute. They’re great for soups like mushroom, potato, or broccoli.
  • Blended Veggies: You’d be amazed at what a blender can do. Use roasted cauliflower, potatoes, or even carrots to add thickness and creaminess, all from veggies you probably already have around.
  • Plant-Based Milk: Unsweetened versions of oat or almond milk add creaminess without overpowering the soup’s flavor.

Cooking for One? No Problem

Making soup for just yourself can feel like a hassle, but it doesn’t have to! Here are a few tips to make it easier (and give you less cleanup later).

  • Batch It, Then Freeze: Even if you’re just making a small pot, soup freezes well. You can divide leftovers into single-serving containers, so future-you has a ready-to-go meal.
  • Downsize Your Recipe: Halve or quarter a typical soup recipe to avoid making too much. You don’t need a family-size pot for it to turn out well.
  • Keep It Simple: Focus on recipes with fewer ingredients so you don’t end up with a mess of odds and ends in your fridge. Bonus—this keeps costs down, too!

Time to Get Cooking!

These dairy-free soups prove you don’t need cream to make something that’s rich, comforting, and satisfying. Coconut curry, roasted tomato basil, and potato leek are just scratching the surface—once you know these tricks, you can turn just about any soup into a creamy masterpiece.

So grab your ladle, keep it simple, and enjoy making (and eating) these cozy bowls made just for you. Single-life soup has never looked (or tasted) so good!