As the holiday season approaches, many of us are focused on preparing for Christmas Eve’s main event. However, it’s equally important to remember that Christmas soups can also take center stage as a side dish, appetizer, or palate cleanser between courses. These hearty bowls of goodness can elevate your holiday spread and provide a delicious respite from the festive flavors.
For those seeking rich and meaty options, our list features Meatball Soup and Turkey Dumpling Soup recipes that are sure to satisfy. Alternatively, for an air of elegance, try number 26 in this collection.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Indulge in the warm, inviting essence of this scrumptious broccoli soup recipe, where fresh ingredients meld together to create a harmonious balance of flavors. The subtle richness and creaminess are perfectly offset by the natural sweetness of the veggies, resulting in a comforting bowl that’s nothing short of homestyle heaven.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
When the chilly weather sets in, nothing beats the comforting combination of butternut squash and frosty days. The key to unlocking this soup’s full potential lies in roasting a medley of aromatics – including onions, carrots, garlic, and of course, the star of the show: butternut squash. By coaxing out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor through this simple process, you’ll be rewarded with a velvety-smooth, indulgent soup that’s sure to warm even the coldest of hearts.
Mushroom Soup
For all mushroom enthusiasts out there, get ready to be tantalized by a dish that’s a masterclass in rich flavors. This mouthwatering recipe combines sautéed mushrooms with aromatics like garlic, onions, and Indian bay leaf, cooked to perfection in a savory stock infused with the deep, earthy notes of cream. The result is a velvety-smooth Cream of Mushroom Soup that’s so satisfyingly thick and comforting, you may never be tempted by store-bought canned versions again.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
As the holiday season approaches, the craving for a warm and comforting bowl of soup becomes almost irresistible. One such recipe that perfectly fits the bill is this cauliflower-based soup. What sets it apart is its delicate flavor profile, making it an excellent starter option for multi-course meals. With each spoonful, you’ll find yourself thoroughly satisfied and eager to indulge in another serving.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
The savory flavors of meaty ham and chicken combine to create an irresistible taste experience in this hearty soup. Its thick, rich consistency is reminiscent of a traditional chowder. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup boasts a medley of textures, featuring diced ham, crispy bacon bits, and tender chunks of chicken, all enveloped by a creamy Swiss-inspired sauce – making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner.
Creamy Potato Soup
As the festive atmosphere of Christmas Day sets in, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But why not take a moment to indulge in a deliciously comforting bowl of potato soup? This creamy delight is packed with the rich flavors of potatoes, savory bacon, and a hint of umami, making it a surefire hit with your loved ones.
And when it comes to deciding what to pair with this tasty treat, consider teaming it up with some crispy garlic bread or roasted chicken for a truly satisfying meal.
Winter Vegetable & Lentil Soup
Lentils boast a subtle yet distinct flavor profile, characterized by notes of nuttiness, pepperiness, and earthy undertones. They also possess a silky texture that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its versatility – you can choose to sauté the onions beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness or simply add them to the slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together as it cooks.
Once ready, serve the soup hot and finish it off with a drizzle of olive oil for added depth. This dish is equally well-suited to being served with a fresh side salad or a crusty slice of buttered garlic toast, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
White Bean Soup
Indulge in the warmth of winter with a bowl of comforting White Bean Soup. This rich and creamy delight is packed with an assortment of vegetables, including sweet carrots, sautéed yellow onions, and tender celery. As you savor each spoonful, you’ll be transported to a cozy haven where the stresses of the season melt away.
Cabbage Soup
Cabbage Soup offers a refreshing palate cleanser or a satisfying light appetizer to precede richer culinary delights. Additionally, it serves as an ideal post-holiday remedy to ease into a more subdued pace after festive feasting. While cabbage takes center stage in this recipe, the versatility of the dish allows for creative experimentation with various vegetables and spices to tailor the flavor profile to suit individual tastes.
In fact, this soup is an excellent means of repurposing leftover veggies from your fridge, resulting in a delectable and wholesome meal that’s sure to please.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Indulge in the simplicity and warmth of this refreshing lemon soup, perfectly complementing your holiday menu. The combination of ingredients creates a comforting and satisfying experience. If you prefer, feel free to substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, and swap chicken breast for chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness.
Artichoke Soup
The allure of Artichoke Soup lies in its unique texture and subtle earthy flavor, which beautifully contrasts with the heartiness of crusty bread. This versatile soup can be crafted using frozen, canned, or fresh artichoke hearts, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely day.
Turkey Noodle Soup
This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for snuggling up on chilly winter nights, especially during the holiday season. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it an excellent choice for a cozy Christmas meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – simply gather your favorite seasonings, noodles, and vegetables to create a deliciously eclectic bowl. Moreover, it’s an ideal way to repurpose leftover turkey, ensuring no morsel goes to waste.
Whether you choose to add a dollop of cream for added richness or skip it altogether, the result is always a scrumptious and satisfying meal.
Beef Stroganoff Soup
Elevating the classic flavors of Beef Stroganoff, this hearty soup transforms the beloved dish into a nourishing and comforting meal. The addition of noodles and tender beef creates a satisfying and filling bowl that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or as a cozy treat at any time of the year. Its rich and consoling nature makes it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of occasions, whether you’re seeking solace from the cold or simply craving a comforting meal.
Roasted Tomato Soup
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to tomato soup, as its versatility knows no bounds. The rich flavors can be tailored to suit any occasion, from a satisfying lunch thermos after school to a comforting remedy while under the weather. Whether enjoyed with brunch during the week between Christmas and New Year or savored on a cozy night in, the tangy-sweet combination is sure to lift spirits and warm hearts.
French Onion Soup
This beloved French Onion Soup recipe is elevated by the rich flavors of caramelized onions, a savory broth, and a blend of melted cheeses. The addition of Parmigiano-Reggiano brings a nutty depth and a tangy finish that complements its bold taste. When it comes to pairing this soup with other dishes, there’s no shortage of ideas.
For a heartwarming combination, consider serving it alongside a warm baked potato and a grilled sirloin steak – a match made in heaven for special occasions like Christmas Eve.
Meatball Soup
Indulge in the hearty flavor of this Meatball Soup, where earthy notes are elevated by a rich tomato-based broth. To create tender and savory beef meatballs, combine lean ground beef with aromatic garlic, the subtle earthiness of oregano, and a hint of sweetness from paprika. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Beet Soup
The essence of this beet soup lies in its harmonious blend of flavors, derived from the union of beets, potatoes, ginger, onion, and garlic. The synergy of these ingredients culminates in a rich, creamy, and savory taste experience. To elevate the dish further, a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, and fresh dill adds a delightful tanginess. This comforting soup is perfect as a main course or served alongside pulled pork and a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal.
Cream Of Asparagus Soup
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and aromas that this asparagus soup has to offer. The subtle sweetness of asparagus is perfectly complemented by the richness of heavy cream, the pungency of shallots, and the brightness of lemon juice. This harmonious blend creates a truly mouthwatering experience. To take it to the next level, add the asparagus cooking extract for an added depth of flavor.
Serve each bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cooked asparagus tips to create a visually appealing dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re serving it as a satisfying lunch or a family-friendly meal, this soup is sure to become a new favorite.
Clam Chowder
Indulge in this delectable Clam Chowder recipe, overflowing with an abundance of vegetables and succulent clams. This comforting soup is a true delight! While canned clams can be a convenient alternative, using fresh ingredients elevates the dish to new heights, with the added benefit of a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Best of all, this recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cozy winter evening spent watching Christmas concerts with a warm bowl by your side. To complement this delightful soup, consider one of these 17 mouthwatering side dish ideas.
Ravioli Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our soothing ravioli soup. The key to its unparalleled richness lies in using tomato paste as the foundation of your broth, which yields a velvety texture that’s simply divine. This versatility allows you to incorporate any type of ravioli you desire or utilize whatever is readily available, making it an ideal option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Split Pea Soup
Indulge in the comforting goodness of this soul-warming split pea soup, expertly crafted with tender split peas, rich ham, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This versatile recipe is an ideal way to repurpose leftover ham bones, roasts, or spiral-cut holiday hams – even shanks will work beautifully. With its ease of preparation and satisfying flavor, this quick-cooking soup is perfect for family gatherings.
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Wrap yourself in the comfort of your favorite blanket and let the warm aroma of a hearty bowl of soup envelop you. What’s more inviting than a steaming hot serving of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup? This comforting delight is reminiscent of classic chicken noodle soup, but with a twist. Instead of noodles, it combines the rich flavors of rice with the savory goodness of chicken, all topped off with a generous dollop of creamy whipped heavy cream.
As you take your first sip or bite, let the soothing warmth spread throughout your body, filling and nourishing you like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Roasted Red Peppers & Gouda Soup
Savoring a slice of homemade bread alongside roasted turkey is a match made in heaven, especially during the holidays. When it comes to this delightful pairing, Gouda cheese plays a starring role. As the name suggests, Gouda has a distinctive flavor profile that evolves with age. Initially, its taste is mildly sweet and subtly fruity, but as it matures, these notes become more pronounced.
The perfect balance of savory, smoky, and sweet aromas and textures in Gouda makes it an ideal accompaniment to roasted turkey on your holiday table.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
This recipe boasts a rich, savory flavor profile with a satisfying spicy kick. At its core, it’s a hearty tomato-based soup loaded with tender cheese tortellini, an assortment of vegetables, and succulent Italian sausage. While some may find the hot Italian sausage overpowering, rest assured that using mild sausage can tame the heat without sacrificing flavor. In fact, the sausage provides such robust flavor that you can opt for fewer spices altogether.
Turkey Dumpling Soup
Transforming Turkey and Dumplings into a culinary masterpiece requires more than just throwing ingredients together. The harmonious blend of onions, celery, and carrots in the homemade stock infuses the soup with a depth of flavor that’s elevated by the aromatic herbs. What truly sets this recipe apart is its adaptability – you’re free to adjust the spice level to your liking, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.
Lobster Bisque
Indulge in the refined world of fine dining within your own home walls with this extraordinary lobster soup! The succulent, buttery flesh is effortlessly extracted from its shells and harmoniously blends with rich cream and a medley of vegetables. A subtle yet vibrant citrus note, courtesy of white wine, expertly rounds out the flavors. This sophisticated culinary delight is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Chicken Minestrone Soup
Indulge in a warm hug on a chilly day with this delectable Chicken Minestrone Soup. This recipe is the crown jewel of many soups, boasting a rich Italian flavor profile that combines the comfort of beans, vibrant vegetables, pasta, and succulent chicken. As you take your first spoonful, let the hearty aroma transport you to a cozy afternoon spent surrounded by loved ones.
The bottom line
As the winter weather sets in, there’s no better way to kick off your Christmas dinner than with a comforting bowl of soup that’s sure to warm both you and your guests from the inside out. The perfect solution for a chilly holiday season, our recipes offer a range of options to suit every taste and dietary requirement.
Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and warming or light and refreshing, we’ve got you covered with lists of 32 comforting winter soups, 27 easy fall soups, 30 best high protein soups, and 28 no-fuss vegan soups to inspire your holiday cooking.
These versatile soups can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even as the main event. So why not try one (or two, or three…?) this Christmas season?