99 Holiday Soups to Cozy Up to This Christmas

Updated: Feb. 28, 2024

Cozy up against the winter cold with a few of these holiday soup recipes. You'll want to ladle up with bowl after bowl!

1 / 89

Classic French Onion Soup

Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah

Got to Recipe

2 / 89

Holiday Tortellini Soup

Hearty and full of flavor, this holiday tortellini soup freezes well if you want to make it ahead or have leftovers to save for another day. —Michelle Goggins, Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Check out this delicious creamy tortellini soup recipe.
3 / 89

Cheddar Seafood Chowder

Shrimp and scallops make this thick, cheesy and chunky chowder extra special. It’s packed with veggies, and the crispy bacon makes a yummy garnish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
4 / 89

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

We often eat easy-to-make soups when there's not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix. This creamy concoction is now a family favorite. — Lisa Hofer, Hitchcock, South Dakota
5 / 89

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

This copycat Cracker Barrel chicken and dumpling recipe is easy to make, full of hearty flavor and just as good as the real deal. This recipe is simple to make but packs a punch, thanks to homemade broth, tender meat and delicate dumplings.
6 / 89

Ravioli Soup

We adore pasta, so I used it as the inspiration for this soup. The meaty tomato base pairs perfectly with the cheesy ravioli pillows. —Shelley Way, Cheyenne, Wyoming
7 / 89

Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Frozen broccoli speeds preparation of this warm and satisfying soup. —Louise Beatty, Amherst, New York
8 / 89

Steak-n-Vegetable Soup

This weeknight steak soup packs rich flavor into a light broth. My family loves the blend of southwestern flavors. —Rebecca Ridpath, Cedar Park, Texas
9 / 89

Creamy Vegetable Chowder

This rich, comforting soup recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. You can lower the fat content by using turkey bacon, vegetable broth and skim milk. It's delicious either way. —Suzanna VandeBrake, Peyton, Colorado
10 / 89

Rich Seafood Chowder

This creamy, delectable soup is even better the next day. It also works well with scallops or a flaky whitefish. Substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for all or part of the milk to make this soup even richer. —Anita Culver, Royersford, Pennsylvania
11 / 89

Lobster Bisque

Our homemade lobster bisque recipe is every bit as good as a restaurant's. It's luscious and creamy, with a rich flavor and a smooth texture.
12 / 89

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

This recipe for Italian wedding soup results in a truly flavorful, satisfying dish.
13 / 89

Calabrian Holiday Soup

My family is from the Italian region of Calabria; our version of Italian wedding soup has been handed down through the generations. We serve this soup with the Christmas meal as well as at weddings. —Gwen Keefer, Sylvania, Ohio
14 / 89

Cioppino-Style Soup

This classic San Fransisco soup makes an easy, healthy and flavorful dinner. I serve it every New Year's Eve, and I'll often include salmon along with the cod, shrimp and crab. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
15 / 89

Leek Soup with Brie Toasts

If you're looking for something special to fix on a holiday, look no further. This velvety soup is accented with tarragon, and the toasted bread topped with melted Brie cheese is the crowning touch. —Marie Hattrup, Sparks, Nevada
16 / 89

Golden Butternut Squash Soup

I created this soup for my vegan relatives for Christmas Eve, but everyone ended up loving it, too! It's so creamy and delicious. —Susan Sabia, Windsor, California
17 / 89

Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

Whether you include the beer or not, this soup tastes wonderful. I always make extra and pop individual servings into the freezer. —Lori Lee, Brooksville, Florida
18 / 89

Pumpkin-Coconut Soup

Thai food lovers will go crazy for this soup. It has a deep flavor from the combination of onion, coconut milk and spices. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
19 / 89

Grandma's Seafood Chowder

My 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
20 / 89

Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

When you're craving something cozy, look no further than this cheesy cauliflower soup recipe.
21 / 89

Mac 'N' Cheese Soup

I came across this recipe a few years ago and made some changes to suit my family's tastes. Because it starts with packaged macaroni and cheese, it's ready in a jiffy. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
22 / 89

Simple Shrimp Chowder

Shrimp fans will be bowled over by this tasty take on chowder. The creamy broth is chock-full of vegetables. Chop up leftover cooked potatoes or use canned ones. —Carolyn Schmeling, Brookfield, Wisconsin
23 / 89

Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup

My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
24 / 89

Pressure-Cooker Italian Sausage & Kale Soup

The first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois
25 / 89

Instant Pot Potato Soup

This is a crowd-pleasing Instant Pot potato soup that is cheesy, creamy and studded with bacon bits and it's ready in just about 30 minutes.
26 / 89

Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup

This is a wonderful addition to potlucks, and it comes together so easily! Cauliflower makes a nice, extra creamy backdrop for the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu you can eat with a spoon. —Heidi Der, Stow, Ohio
27 / 89

Cabbage Barley Soup

My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
28 / 89

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I’m originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken and wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
29 / 89

Moroccan Cauliflower and Almond Soup

This soup tastes rich and decadent but is really very healthy! Bonus—it is vegan and also makes your house smell amazing! —Barbara Marynowski, Hutto, Texas
30 / 89

Italian Sausage Pizza Soup

My mom’s friend shared this recipe with her more than 50 years ago. I've tweaked it over the years, and it's still a family favorite. Warm garlic bread is heavenly on the side. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

And for some TikTok inspiration, try out this viral pizza soup recipe.

31 / 89

Hearty Cheese Soup

This soup is a stick-to-the-ribs pleaser. Chunky and cheesy, this rich, creamy soup is simply wonderful during cold winter months. If your family prefers the flavors of cheeseburger soup, substitute lean ground beef for the ground turkey. —Cathy Smith, Amarillo, Texas
32 / 89

Instant Pot Clam Chowder

All you need is 20 minutes of prep time to enjoy a creamy bowl of this Instant Pot clam chowder any night of the week.
33 / 89

Mushroom Corn Chowder

Chock-full of veggies, ham and cheese in every spoonful, this thick, creamy chowder will take the chill off even the nippiest of fall evenings. Serve it with crusty French bread. —Elaine Krupsky, Las Vegas, Nevada
34 / 89

Lentil, Bacon and Bean Soup

This quick soup feels extra cozy with lots of lentils and a touch of smoky, bacony goodness. You might want to cook extra since I think it's even better the next day! —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
35 / 89

Mexi-Stroni Soup

If you're a fan of classic minestrone but love bold Mexican flavors, this soup's for you! It's pumped up with spices, veggies and pasta for a filling bowl of fun. —Darlene Island, Lakewood, Washington
36 / 89

Potato Cheese Soup with Salmon

I started cooking for a harvest crew when I was 10 years old. Now, decades later, my husband and I live in the heart of a potato-growing area. One year, this recipe won me a prize! —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
37 / 89

Roasted Parsnip and Pear Soup

Although pears and parsnips may seem like an odd combination, the pears bring out the natural sweetness of the parsnips in this winter soup. Don't skip the topping; it's the best part! —Sara Petrie, Grassie, Ontario
38 / 89

Creamy Seafood Bisque

Savor the flavors of the sea with this creamy seafood bisque, featuring a delicious blend of shrimp, crab and clams in a rich, tomatoey broth.
39 / 89

Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Years ago, I fell hard for a lemony Greek soup at Panera Bread. It was just a special back then, but I re-created it at home so we could eat it whenever a craving hit! —Kristin Cherry, Bothell, Washington
40 / 89

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup

This spinach mushroom soup is the perfect accompaniment to any buffet. It can even be made ahead, then warmed and quickly finished on the day of your party. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
41 / 89

Cheddar Ham Soup

I knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup—chock-full of leftover ham, veggies and cheese—is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, don’t expect it to last more than one meal! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee
42 / 89

Spiced Split Pea Soup

A hint of curry adds the perfect amount of kick to this family-pleasing soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks. —Sue Mohre, Mount Gilead, Ohio
43 / 89

Fire-Roasted Tomato Minestrone

This soup was created to accommodate a few of my dinner guests who were vegetarians. It was so good, we all enjoyed it. This can also be cooked on the stove for two hours at a low simmer. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
44 / 89

Cheese Pepper Soup

Every time we have a church fellowship supper, people ask me to bring this soup. —Gay Nell Nicholas, Henderson, Texas
45 / 89

Creamy Asparagus Chowder

Although this soup is best when made with fresh asparagus, you can use frozen or canned. I like to blanch and freeze asparagus in portions just right for this recipe so I can make our favorite chowder all year. —Shirley Beachum, Shelby, Michigan
46 / 89

Chicken Wild Rice Soup with Spinach

I stir together my chicken-and-rice cream soup whenever we’re craving something warm and comforting. Reduced-fat and reduced-sodium ingredients make it a healthier option.—Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
47 / 89

Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon

The golden color, smooth and creamy texture, and wonderful taste of this soup make it welcome on a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really comes through. —Jackie Campbell, Stanhope, New Jersey
48 / 89

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

I tasted a similar soup at Olive Garden and wanted to see if I could re-create it myself at home. Here's the delicious result! It's wonderful on a chilly evening. —Jaclynn Robinson, Shingletown, California
49 / 89

Golden Gouda Mushroom Soup

Here’s a fantastic first course for guests. Rich, creamy and cheesy, it will warm you from the inside out and stir your appetite for what’s to come. —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
50 / 89

Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs

This is an old recipe from southern Italy. My mother gave it to me when I was first married. It started out as a holidays-only dish...but my children and grandchildren love it so much that we have it every chance we get!—Norma Manna, Hobe Sound, Florida
51 / 89

Traditional New England Clam Chowder

I left a cruise ship with a great souvenir...the recipe for this splendid chowder! It's a traditional soup that stands the test of time. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario
52 / 89

Brie Mushroom Soup

Simmer up the earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms and the richness of Brie cheese in one delicious, creamy soup. I serve big bowlfuls to warm up everyone on chilly days.—Maria Emmerich, River Falls, Wisconsin
53 / 89

Cheesy Cream of Asparagus Soup

Kids may not want to try a vegetable soup, but once they spoon up a mouthful of this cheesy variety, the flavor will keep them coming back for more. —Muriel Lerdal, Humboldt, Iowa
54 / 89

Crockpot French Onion Soup

My husband and I love French onion soup, so I wondered if I could turn it into a less labor-intensive dish by altering my recipe to work in a slow cooker. The rich, cheesy result was an instant winner at home. —Ronda Eagle, Goose Creek, South Carolina
55 / 89

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After 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
56 / 89

Sweet Potato and Crab Soup

This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
57 / 89

Hearty Sausage Soup

My family loves a big bowl of soup like this one brimming with sausage and veggies. We have it with hot rolls on Christmas Day. —Barbara Tilghman, Bel Air, Maryland
58 / 89

Parsnip & Celery Root Bisque

Here’s a simple yet elegant soup for fall and winter. Everyone enjoys the smooth texture and earthy veggies. For a colorful garnish, sprinkle on chives and pomegranate seeds.—Merry Graham, Newhall, California
59 / 89

Christmas Tortellini & Spinach Soup

I made this soup for the first time in the summer, but when I saw its bright red and green colors, my first thought was what a perfect Christmas Eve dinner idea! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
60 / 89

Turnip Soup

Healthy, hearty and tasty too, this creamy turnip soup is a welcome warmer on a winter night. But of course it can be enjoyed at any time, in any season.
61 / 89

Ginger Butternut Squash Bisque

This soup is filling enough for my husband, and it’s vegetarian, which I love. The couple who introduced us made it for us on a freezing night and we’ve been hooked ever since. —Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
62 / 89

Autumn Bisque

I like cozy comfort soups that taste creamy—without the cream. This one’s full of good stuff like rutabagas, leeks, fresh herbs and almond milk. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
63 / 89

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

I 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
64 / 89

Maryland Crab Soup

Maryland crab soup is packed with chunky crabmeat, vegetables and seasonings in a vegetable broth. Start preparing this recipe several hours before you want to eat, then let the slow cooker work its magic.
65 / 89

Turkey Dumpling Soup

Simmering up a big pot of this soup is one of my favorite holiday traditions. This is a variation on a recipe my mom made while I was growing up. My husband and children can't get enough of the tender dumplings. —Debbie Wolf, Mission Viejo, California
66 / 89

Aunt Nancy's Cream of Crab Soup

My sister Nancy is one of the best cooks I know. When my daughter was getting married, I put together a cookbook of her favorite family recipes—Nancy's soup was a must-have. Our family often had this with a salad before Christmas Eve services. —Lynne German, Buford, Georgia
67 / 89

Land of Enchantment Posole

My family named this spicy soup after our state moniker, “New Mexico, Land of Enchantment.” We usually make it around Christmas when we have lots of family over…and we never have leftovers. —Suzanne Caldwell Artesia, New Mexico
68 / 89

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

You can make this easy, cheesy potato soup in one pot for a creamy, hearty appetizer. It’s classic, fuss-free comfort food that’s ready in less than half an hour. 
69 / 89

Meatball Soup

This meatball soup recipe is a hearty meal. It's great for chilly days. —Sue Miller, Walworth, Wisconsin
70 / 89

Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup

Pressure-cooker French onion soup is a pressure-cooked version of the cheese-topped classic. Once you have all the onions sliced, it's a matter of lightly caramelizing them, then pressure-cooking the soup takes less than 20 minutes.
71 / 89

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup

This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something just a little bit different. It’s spicy, flavorful and a delightful excuse to open up a bar of chocolate—if you’re the type of person who needs an excuse! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
72 / 89

Quick Chicken Minestrone

You'll love this flavorful chicken minestrone soup that comes together with pantry ingredients. Dress it up by serving the dish with garlic bread. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
73 / 89

Easy Portuguese-Style Bean Soup

One day I was looking at Portuguese recipes and decided to put together a bean soup that embraced the bright and spicy flavors of Portugal. My family liked it so much, it became a classic in our household. To save time and work, the sausage, vegetables and herbs can all be prepped in minutes with a food processor. —Steven Vance, Woodland, Washington
74 / 89

Grandma's Pressure-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

I've made this soup weekly since I modified my grandma's recipe for the pressure cooker. Chicken soup, especially this one, is quick to make and budget-friendly for any large family. —Tammy Stanko, Greensburg, Pennsylvania
75 / 89

Vegetable Lentil Soup

Here's how to make a vegetable lentil soup that's equal parts healthy and tasty.
76 / 89

Canadian Cheese Soup

My family loves Canadian bacon, but I don't run across a lot of dishes that call for it. Everyone was thrilled the first time I offered this succulent soup. Jolene Roudebush, Troy, Michigan
77 / 89

Ramen Corn Chowder

This tastes so good, as if it simmered for hours, but it’s ready in 15 minutes. I thought the original recipe was lacking in flavor, so I jazzed it up with extra corn and bacon bits. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
78 / 89

Rave Review Chicken Soup

Nice and warm on a cold winter's day, this hearty chicken soup gets rave reviews from my family and friends. It goes nicely with fresh-baked biscuits. —Caroline Simpson, Fredericton, New Brunswick
79 / 89

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This homemade version will change every opinion you ever had about cream of mushroom soup.
80 / 89

Squash Apple Soup

Here is a great first course! Rich, creamy squash soup with a hint of apple is truly special and worthy of being on your holiday menu. —Holly Wilhelm, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
81 / 89

Homemade Turkey Soup

You can make the most of even the smallest pieces of leftover holiday turkey with this homemade soup. I simmer the bones to get the rich flavor, then easily remove any meat that remains. I add rice, vegetables and cream soup for a hearty meal that's tasty and economical. —June Sangrey, Manheim, Pennsylvania
82 / 89

Spiced Sweet Potato Soup

This Thanksgiving serve your spuds as soup. It makes a unique first course, and guests will love the creamy texture and flavors of ginger, cinnamon and curry. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
83 / 89

Christmas White Chili

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Try this chili decked with red and green veggies! —Catherine Nickelson, Scandia, Minnesota
84 / 89

Potato Clam Chowder

I 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
85 / 89

Sweet Potato Bisque

I love to serve this bright orange, sweet potato bisque for special occasions in fall and winter. The recipe includes a minted chili oil to drizzle on top. It's well worth the few extra minutes it takes to make! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
86 / 89

Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

Rich and comforting, wild rice and mushroom soup is a great go-to for a hearty weekday lunch or dinner. If you're a vegetarian—or you're cooking for one—just swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth.
87 / 89

Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Make this comforting slow-cooker butternut squash soup recipe with ease. It requires just 20 minutes of prep time and offers leftovers that last the entire week.
88 / 89

Makeover Beef & Potato Soup

Slow-cooker easy, this soup is a Christmas Eve tradition after church services at our house. —Sheila Holderman, Berthold, North Dakota
89 / 89

Cheddar Pear Soup

Pears and sharp cheddar have always been one of my favorite flavor combos. This recipe brings the two together in a creamy, delicious soup. I like to serve it with a warm baguette and fresh fruit for lunch or a light supper. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho