13 Homemade Breads and Soups That’ll Save You a Fortune on Takeout
Making bread and soup at home is an easy way to save money while still enjoying a satisfying meal. These 13 homemade recipes are simple, affordable, and just as good—if not better—than takeout. With fresh ingredients and rich flavors, you won’t miss the store-bought or restaurant versions. Skip the extra cost and enjoy a warm, homemade meal that fills you up for less.
Brioche Rolls
Brioche rolls are soft, buttery bread rolls made with eggs, milk, and a touch of sweetness. They take about two hours to bake and have a fluffy texture with a rich, slightly sweet flavor. The golden crust adds a slight crispiness while keeping the inside light. These rolls are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or pairing with soup.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls
Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings
Butternut squash soup with homemade dumplings is a creamy, comforting dish made with roasted squash, broth, and soft dumplings. It takes about an hour to prepare and has a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. The dumplings add a hearty bite, making it a filling meal on its own. This soup is a great way to enjoy a warm, homemade dinner without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Easy Butternut Squash Soup with Homemade Dumplings
Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter
Drop biscuits with orange honey butter are soft, golden biscuits served with a lightly sweet, citrus-infused butter. They take about 25 minutes to bake and have a crisp exterior with a tender inside. The orange zest and honey add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with soups or breakfast spreads. These biscuits are an easy homemade alternative to store-bought bread.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits with Orange Honey Butter
Parsnip Potato Soup
Parsnip potato soup is a creamy, velvety dish made with parsnips, potatoes, and a blend of warm spices. It takes about 45 minutes to cook and has a smooth texture with a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. The potatoes give it richness, while the parsnips add a subtle sweetness. This soup is a satisfying, budget-friendly option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Potato Soup
English Muffin Bread
English muffin bread is a soft, chewy loaf with the signature nooks and crannies of classic English muffins. It takes about two hours to bake and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. The crust stays crisp while the inside remains light and airy. This bread is perfect for toasting and serving with butter, jam, or alongside soup.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread
Carrot Ginger Soup
Carrot ginger soup is a bright, flavorful dish made with fresh carrots, ginger, and a smooth vegetable broth. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and has a naturally sweet taste with a slight kick from the ginger. The texture is silky, making it easy to sip or pair with crusty bread. This soup is a simple, homemade option that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup
Grandma’s Cornbread
Grandma’s cornbread is a classic, slightly crumbly bread made with cornmeal, butter, and a touch of sweetness. It takes about 30 minutes to bake and has a golden crust with a moist, fluffy center. The balance of savory and sweet makes it great on its own or with butter and honey. This bread pairs well with soups, stews, or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread
Apple Bacon Beer Bread
Apple bacon beer bread is a hearty, slightly sweet loaf made with crisp apples, smoky bacon, and a splash of beer. It takes about an hour to bake and has a dense, moist texture with a balanced blend of sweet and savory flavors. The beer adds depth while the bacon gives a smoky finish. This bread is a great homemade alternative to expensive bakery options.
Get the Recipe: Apple Bacon Beer Bread
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque is a smooth, rich soup made with tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream. It takes about 45 minutes to prepare and has a deep, slightly tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness. The creamy texture makes it perfect for dipping bread or pairing with a grilled cheese. This soup is a simple way to make a restaurant-style meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Creamy butternut squash apple soup is a velvety dish made with roasted butternut squash, apples, and warm spices. It takes about an hour to prepare and has a naturally sweet taste with a smooth, rich texture. The apples add a mild tartness that balances the squash’s sweetness. This soup is an easy homemade option that feels like a gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Beef and Dumplings
Beef and dumplings is a hearty, comforting dish made with slow-cooked beef, rich broth, and soft, doughy dumplings. It takes about two hours to cook and has deep, savory flavors with a thick, satisfying texture. The dumplings absorb the broth, making every bite rich and filling. This meal is a budget-friendly way to serve a homemade, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Dumplings
Keto Tom Kha Gai Soup
Keto Tom Kha Gai soup is a creamy, coconut-based Thai dish made with chicken, lemongrass, and lime. It takes about 40 minutes to cook and has a rich, slightly tangy flavor with a hint of spice. The coconut milk makes it smooth and comforting while keeping it low-carb. This soup is an easy homemade alternative to expensive takeout.
Get the Recipe: Keto Tom Kha Gai Soup
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are soft, pillowy bread rolls made with a simple yeast dough and a hint of butter. They take about two hours to bake and have a light, fluffy texture with a slightly crisp crust. The buttery flavor makes them perfect for pairing with soups or using as sandwich rolls. These rolls are a great homemade option that beats store-bought bread.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Need a few more dinner ideas? Check out my main dish recipes for meals that keep everyone happy.