15 Soup Recipes Perfect for Any Holiday Gathering

You may not know that soups originated as a holiday staple in ancient cultures. You're probably looking for ways to simplify your holiday menu. With 15 expertly crafted soup recipes, you can impress your guests with minimal stress, but which ones will you choose?

1. Creamy Potato Soup

Creamy Potato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cold weather gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or allow it to cool and puree it in a blender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve the Creamy Potato Soup hot, garnished with chopped herbs or chives, if desired.

2. Roasted Butternut Squash

Creamy roasted butternut squash soup perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Place squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 45 minutes.
4. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in a pot until softened.
5. Scoop roasted squash into the pot and add chicken broth.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
7. Purée the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender.
8. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or crusty bread.

3. Chicken Noodle Delight

Tender chicken and noodles in a savory broth make for a comforting dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces egg noodles

Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes or until tender.
6. Serve hot and enjoy.

4. Spicy Black Bean

Spicy Black Bean is a flavorful and nutritious dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the black beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.

5. French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a classic dish with caramelized onions and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• 3 large onions
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 4 slices of baguette

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir to combine.
4. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Preheat broiler and toast baguette slices.
7. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls and top with toasted baguette and cheese.
8. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve hot.

6. Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Creamy pumpkin soup perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree, heavy cream, chicken broth, and ground cumin.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs or crusty bread.

7. Classic Minestrone

Hearty Italian soup made with vegetables and beans.

Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 can vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup small pasta

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until tender.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, basil, and oregano.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

8. Broccoli Cheese Soup

Creamy broccoli cheese soup perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion until softened.
2. Add the broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour, then add to the pot.
7. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.

9. Cauliflower Cream Soup

Creamy cauliflower soup perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 head cauliflower
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs if desired.

10. Lentil Soup Bowl

Hearty lentil soup served in a bowl with crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and pick out any debris or stones.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery in a little water until tender.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to the pot.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the lentil soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

11. Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a delicious and comforting holiday dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.

12. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Shredded cheese, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and cook the onion and bell pepper until tender.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika to the pot and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Add the tortilla strips to the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until they're softened.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

13. Sweet Potato Soup

Creamy sweet potato soup perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the diced sweet potatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

14. Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 inches ginger, grated
• 4 cups carrots, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add grated ginger and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chopped carrots and chicken broth to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender.
6. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

15. Buttery Leek Soup

Buttery Leek Soup is a rich and creamy dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 large leeks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the leeks and onion, separating the white and light green parts from the darker green parts.
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the white and light green leek parts and onion until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and darker green leek parts to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Purée the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Conclusion

You've got a treasure trove of soups to choose from, and with these 15 recipes, your holiday gatherings will be the icing on the cake. From Creamy Potato to French Onion, your guests will be spoilt for choice, and your menu planning will be a breeze, a drop in the bucket compared to the joy you'll bring to the table.