The Swamp Soup Recipe is cozy, creamy and full of flavor. It’s a mix of beans, greens, and cheesy broth that makes every spoonful rich and satisfying.
This soup gets its funny name from the green “swampy” look, thanks to the spinach or collard greens inside. It’s warm, healthy and easy to make — perfect for busy weeknights or cold days.
It’s a fun, family-friendly dish that’s both delicious and comforting. Once you try it, it might just become one of your favorite soups!
When I First Tried Swamp Soup Recipe
I first tried Swamp Soup at a small café in Florida. The name caught my attention, but the flavor won my heart!
It was creamy, cheesy, and full of veggies — the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent. Since then, I’ve loved making it at home for a quick, cozy meal.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Swamp Soup Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Course: Soup / Main Dish
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients You Need for Swamp Soup Recipe
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or collard greens)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup half-and-half or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
2. Add Beans and Tomatoes
Add the navy beans, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
3. Pour in Broth and Simmer
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir, then bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the Greens
Add spinach or collard greens to the pot. Let them wilt and blend into the soup. This gives the soup its “swampy” green look!
5. Make It Creamy
Stir in half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy.
6. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Tips to Make the Best Swamp Soup Recipe
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few beans in the pot.
- Add cooked sausage or ham for extra protein.
- Stir cheese in slowly to avoid clumps.
- Top with croutons or extra cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or cornbread.
- Add a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Top with crispy bacon bits or fried onions.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat until warm.
- Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick.
- Freeze for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
FAQs about Swamp Soup Recipe
1. Why is it called Swamp Soup?
Because of the green color from the spinach or greens.
2. Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese and milk.
3. Can I use canned greens?
Yes, just drain well before adding to the soup.
4. What beans work best?
Navy and cannellini beans give the best creamy texture.
5. Can I make it spicy?
Add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Conclusion
The Swamp Soup Recipe is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s both fun and nutritious. It’s easy to make, full of protein and packed with greens.
Whether you serve it as a light lunch or hearty dinner, this soup always delivers warmth and satisfaction. A bowl of Swamp Soup will surely brighten your day — even with its funny name!
Extra Superb Recipes
- Paula Deen Pimento Cheese Recipe
- Cauliflower Soup Pioneer Woman Recipe
- Canned French Onion Soup Recipe
- Pumpkin Flower Recipe
Swamp Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz navy beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach or collard greens
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup half-and-half or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Add the navy beans, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Pour in Broth and Simmer
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir, then bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the Greens
- Add spinach or collard greens to the pot. Let them wilt and blend into the soup. This gives the soup its “swampy” green look!
Make It Creamy
- Stir in half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the soup turns creamy.
Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter flavor.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few beans in the pot.
- Add cooked sausage or ham for extra protein.
- Stir cheese in slowly to avoid clumps.
- Top with croutons or extra cheese before serving.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
