Dolly Parton's Recipe for 'Stone Soup' Comes a Sweet Story About Her Mama (2024)

Chicken Potpie SoupMy grandmother hand-wrote a cookbook. She included this amazing pie crust, and I added this delicious chicken potpie soup for it. —Karen LeMay, Seabrook, Texas

Grandma's Pea SoupMy grandma's pea soup recipe was a family favorite. What makes it different from any other pea soups I have tried is the addition of whole peas, spaetzle-like "dumplings" and sausage. Try it once and you'll be hooked. —Carole Talcott, Dahinda, Illinois

Slow-Cooked Loaded Potato SoupI like to put twists on my grandmother's recipes, which is what I did with this one. I look forward to passing my own delicious comfort food recipes to my kids. —Jamie Chase, Rising Sun, Indiana

Ham and White Bean SoupI came up with this recipe when I wanted to make dinner in the slow cooker but didn't have time to go to the grocery store. I went through my freezer and cupboards, throwing in what I thought would go well together. —Stacey Cornell, Saratoga Springs, New York

Ground Beef Veggie StewThis is a wonderful, hearty stew to help use up all the late-summer veggies in your garden. I like that it's filling enough to make a meal, and it's good for you too! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Lemony Turkey Rice SoupWhile growing up in Texas, I spent a lot of time helping my grandma cook. Lemon and cilantro add a deliciously different twist to turkey soup. —Margarita Cuellar, East Chicago, Indiana

Grandma's Chicken 'n' Dumpling SoupI've enjoyed making this rich homemade chicken dumpling soup recipe for more than 40 years. Every time I serve it, I remember my southern grandma, who was very special to me and was known as an outstanding cook. —Paulette Balda, Prophetstown, Illinois

Turkey SoupMy daughter got this recipe from her husband's mother. As in many households, our turkey gets picked over for a few days after the holidays. This soup is especially good on cold winter nights when it's snowing...which happens a lot where I live! —Carol Brethauer, Denver, Colorado

Curry Chicken StewMy Grandma Inky grew up in India and passed down this recipe to my mother, who then passed it down to me. The recipe brings back fond memories of the family gathered around the table, enjoying this delicious meal and catching up on one another's day. I tweaked the ingredients a bit to fit my toddler's taste buds, but it's just as scrumptious as Grandma's own. —Teresa Flowers, Sacramento, California

My grandmother lived in the Appalachian Mountains and always served straight-from-the-garden corn and beans. I updated her dish with quinoa and herbs. — Kari Napier, Louisville, Kentucky

Rivel SoupFor 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

Bacon Cheeseburger SoupThis bacon cheeseburger soup brings two of my absolute favorite foods together in one! The tomato, fresh lettuce and crisp bacon toppers make this soup taste as if it's burger time. —Geoff Bales, Hemet, California

Grandma's Seafood ChowderMy grandmother makes this every year for Christmas morning—the only time we ever had it. Why wait, when you can enjoy this satisfying chowder anytime? It's also delicious topped with biscuits! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York

Ground Beef Barley SoupI first tasted this soup when a friend served it to our family one day after church. It's now a favorite with our family, especially our three children. —Maggie Norman, Stevensville, Montana

Carrot ChowderMy husband's grandmother passed this recipe on to us, and it's just wonderful—especially with a basket of warm, fresh bread on the side. This soup freezes well. —Wendy Wilkins, Prattville, Alabama

Chunky Creamy Chicken SoupI am a stay-at-home mom who relies on my slow cooker for fast, nutritious meals with minimal cleanup and prep time. I knew this recipe was a hit when I didn't have any leftovers and my husband asked me to make it again. —Nancy Clow, Mallorytown, Ontario

Creamy Sweet Potato and Veggie SoupI tasted a delicious soup in a restaurant but couldn't persuade the chef to share the recipe, so I began to experiment on my own. Finally, I came up with this blend, which is very close to what I tasted—maybe even better! —Audrey Nemeth, Mount Vernon, Maine

Cheesy Chicken ChowderI like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois

Crab and Corn ChowderI started cooking at a local restaurant when I was 16 years old. This creamy chowder was one of the soups we made. The recipe had been passed from cook to cook— but had never been written down, until now!

Country Fish ChowderYou'll think you're on Cape Cod when you taste this thick, wholesome chowder made from a recipe I've treasured for many years. It's one of my husband's favorites. He likes it more and more because over the years I've "customized" the basic recipe by including ingredients he enjoys. —Linda Lazaroff, Hebron, Connecticut

Chicken Soup with SpaetzleHere's a new and interesting twist to traditional chicken soup. Everyone who samples it can't resist the delicious soup paired with homemade spaetzle.—Elaine Lange, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Cheddar Ham ChowderI often freeze this soup and thaw it for a fast easy meal. Since it's hearty, all I need to add are rolls or bread and a salad. —Ann Heine, Mission Hill, South Dakota

Old-Fashioned Tomato SoupMother 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

Best Broccoli SoupHere's a creamy, comforting broccoli soup. It's a delicious way to eat your vegetables. —Carolyn Weinberg, Custer, Montana

Creamy Carrot SoupBoth the bright orange color and the deliciously different flavor of this soup delight guests. A hint of rosemary adds a nice spark to a slightly sweet soup. —Grace Yaskovic, Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey

French Onion SoupMy daughter and I enjoy spending time together cooking, but our days are busy so we appreciate quick and tasty recipes like this one. Hot and delicious, this soup hits the spot for lunch or dinner. —Sandra Chambers, Carthage, Mississippi

Macaroni and Cheese SoupI have worked in the food service industry for too many years to count and have made this one-of-a-kind soup at many different jobs. It's always been a big hit. —Emma Head, Sunrise Beach, Missouri

Potato Clam ChowderI 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

Golden Squash SoupThis special recipe from my mother-in-law is one that I enjoy making as part of our fall meals. The soup is so pretty that it dresses up the table. We think it hits the spot on crisp evenings. —Maryann Klein, Washington Township, New Jersey

Lima Bean SoupA yearly Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May honors the many growers there and showcases different recipes using their crops. This comforting chowder was a contest winner at the festival several years ago. —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey

Slow-Cooked Sauerkraut SoupWe live in Lancaster County, which has a rich heritage of German culture. Our dishes often include sauerkraut, potatoes and sausage. We enjoy this recipe on cold winter evenings, along with muffins and fruit. —Linda Lohr, Lititz, Pennsylvania

Priscilla's Vegetable ChowderThis is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. Serve it in a bread bowl to make it extra special. —Rhodes Bake-N-Serv, Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah

Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger SoupAt 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

Comforting Chicken Noodle SoupA good friend made us this rich, comforting soup after the birth of our son. It was such a help to have dinner taken care of until I was back on my feet. This yummy dish is so simple to fix that now I give a pot of it (along with the recipe) to other new mothers. —Joanna Sargent, Sandy, Utah

Beefy Bacon ChowderRave reviews are sure to follow when this creamy chowder appears on the table. Bacon makes it rich and hearty. It's a favorite with my whole family. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado.

Cream Cheese Chicken SoupAfter tasting a similar soup in a restaurant, I went home and cooked up my own version. It's so soothing on a winter evening served with crusty French bread. For a change of pace, try substituting ham or turkey for the chicken. —Kathleen Rappleye, Mesa, Arizona

Cream of Cauliflower SoupThis 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

Hearty Vegetable SoupA friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut

Fresh Pumpkin SoupThis appealing soup harvests the fall flavors of just-picked pumpkins and tart apples and is sure to warm you up on a crisp autumn day. I top the creamy puree with a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds. —Jane Shapton, Irvine, California

Spicy Chicken Tomato SoupCumin, chili powder and cayenne pepper give my slow-cooked specialty its kick. I serve bowls of it with crunchy tortilla strips that bake in no time. Leftover soup freezes well for nights I don’t feel like cooking. —Margaret Bailey, Coffeeville, Mississippi

Seafood BisqueWe live on the Gulf Coast, where fresh seafood is plentiful. I adapted several recipes to come up with this rich bisque. It's great as a first course or an entree, and it can be made with just shrimp or crabmeat. —Pat Edwards, Dauphin Island, Alabama

Red Bean Vegetable SoupCajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas

Beef Vegetable SoupThis nicely seasoned soup tastes so good. It's convenient, too, since it simmers all day in the slow cooker. —Jean Hutzell, Dubuque, Iowa

Shrimp ChowderI simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana

Lemony Chicken SoupWhile living in California, I enjoyed a delicious chicken-lemon soup at a local restaurant. When I returned to Texas, I experimented with many versions before landing on this one. —Brenda Tollett, San Antonio, Texas

Minestrone with TurkeyI remember my mom making this soup; now I make it for my kids as often as I can. It's a good way to use up leftover vegetables. Sometimes I add a can of rinsed and drained kidney or garbanzo beans. —Angela Goodman, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Vegetable Lentil SoupHere’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin

Cheesy Corn ChowderI've had this chowder recipe for 30 years, and the whole family really enjoys its cheesy corn taste. It makes a big pot—enough for seconds! —Lola Comer, Marysville, Washington

Potato SoupI decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder with a jar of roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously different twist to an otherwise ordinary soup. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

Bacon-Beef Barley SoupHere’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto SoupAfter tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. It’s rich and creamy, and couldn’t be easier to make! —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa

Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme FraicheA fresh and easy asparagus soup, pureed until it's smooth, is a definite winner. Serve it warm or chilled depending on the weather.—Fern Vitense, Tipton, Iowa

White Bean Soup with EscarolePantry 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

Bloody Mary Soup with BeansI love a good Bloody Mary, which inspired this recipe. The soup packs a spicy punch, and it'll warm you right up on a chilly day. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

Hearty Sausage MinestroneAs a teacher, I appreciate quick and easy recipes. If I make this for just my husband and me, we have leftovers for lunches. But when there are more people at the table, every bit is eaten. —Tami Stoudt, Evans, Colorado

Garden MinestroneAt Italian restaurants, I always order minestrone. After doing many trial-and-error batches, I developed a hearty veggie soup my whole family craves—kids and all. —Hillery Martin, Junction City, Kansas

When the day calls for a warm bowl of chunky soup, we make a big pot of the goods—potatoes, corn, ham and cheese. —Andrea Laidlaw, Shady Side, Maryland

Turkey Sausage and Lentil SoupThis recipe was given to me by my son, Chris, and we have it several times during the winter months. —Kathy Mazur, Sarasota, Florida

Wild Rice Mushroom SoupI think mushrooms often get used only to add flavor, but I think they are delicious enough to be the main part of a meal. This recipe uses a large quantity of mushrooms and the result is delicious. Even though this contains some dairy, it freezes quite well! —Wendy Campbell, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania

There is nothing quite like the wonderful aroma of this delicious soup bubbling away! To make preparation even easier, I like to start it the night before, and then all I have to do is turn on the slow cooker in the morning. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia

Market Basket SoupI use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooked Meatball SoupAs a mother, I try to sneak as many veggies into my daughter's diet as I can. This savory soup with meatballs and pasta does the trick. Best of all, the whole family loves it! —Kymm Wills, Phoenix, AZ

Pizza Soup with Garlic Toast CroutonsThis comforting soup satisfies our pizza cravings. It's super versatile, too, and I sometimes substitute light Italian sausage for the chicken or add a little Parmesan cheese. Go nuts and add all your favorite pizza toppings! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, TX

This go-to weeknight recipe is one I tweaked over and over till it was just right. It has morphed from a labor-intensive wintry bowl to a steamy, comforting, slow-cooked favorite for our family. —Courtney Riggin, Hatchechubbee, Alabama