100 Holiday Soups to Cozy Up to This Christmas

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

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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

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

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 favorite.

Grandmother's Southern Chicken 'n' Dumplings

When I was a child, my grandmother could feed our entire large family with a single chicken—and lots of dumplings. —Cathy Carroll, Bossier City, Louisiana

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

Cheddar Broccoli Soup

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

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

Smoky & Spicy Vegetable Bisque

I like to serve this soup with a side of bruschetta or a caprese salad to make a complete meal. It is also suitable as a first course. Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper to make it more or less spicy, depending on your preference.—Juliana Inhofer, Rocklin, California

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

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

Lobster Bisque

My grandmother would make lobster bisque all the time, so I've always thought of it as comfort food. If you don't care to cook live lobsters, they can usually be cooked where you buy them. Just be sure to say that you want to keep the shells; they are the key to the most delicious soup! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Add homemade meatballs but use ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken.—Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

Artichoke & Caper Cream Soup

I adore the flavors of oyster mushrooms, capers and artichokes. So after experimenting with several batches, I came up with this soup. Every year I'm asked to bring it to our office Christmas party.

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

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

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

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

Pressure Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken Stew

I am a fan of thick stews and soups, so this dish is perfect! It's similar to a creamy broccoli soup. I replaced white rice with riced cauliflower for my low-carb-loving family. —Kim Banick, Turner, Oregon

Broccoli Beer Cheese Soup

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

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

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

Cauliflower Cheddar Soup

When I created this cauliflower cheddar soup at the last minute for an impromptu ice skating get-together, it was a hit. —Rosa Renee McEldowney, Jackson, Michigan

Salmon Zucchini Chowder

This rich and hearty light chowder from Vicki Thompson of Bristol, New Brunswick delivers many levels of flavor and is sure to warm those cold winter nights.

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

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

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

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

Pressure-Cooker Potato Soup

I decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder with roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously unique twist to an otherwise ordinary soup.—Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instant Pot Clam Chowder

Clam chowder is especially tasty when it's served with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, bacon crumbles and crispy oyster crackers on top. If you like your chowder on the thick side, add another tablespoon of flour after it is done in the pressure cooker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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

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

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

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

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

Creamy Seafood Bisque

This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowlfuls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida

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

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

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

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

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

Cheese Pepper Soup

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

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

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

Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon

This soup’s golden color, smooth texture and comforting taste make it welcome on a chilly fall day. It has a slightly tangy flavor from the cream cheese, and the cinnamon really shines through. —Jackie Campbell, Stanhope, New Jersey

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

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

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

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

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

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

Slow-Cooked 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

Savory Leek Soup

There's no mistaking that savory is the main herb seasoning this rich and creamy soup.

Chicken Gnocchi Pesto Soup

After tasting a similar soup at a restaurant, I created this quick and tasty version. The pesto adds an extra-nice Italian flavor that is often missing from other gnocchi soups. —Deanna Smith, Des Moines, Iowa t

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

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

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

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

Creamy Turnip Soup

In nearby Wardsboro, Vermont, they have a fall festival where one of the entrees is this delicious soup. Reheats wonderfully in a slow cooker! —Liz Wheeler, Wilmington, Vermont

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

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

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

Maryland-Style Crab Soup

Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. —Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida

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

Slow-Cooked Split Pea Soup

I've been making this soup for years. After every holiday where ham is served, the hostess hands me the ham bone and a bag of peas when I leave. I love it with a slice of crusty fresh bread. —Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington

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

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

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

It doesn't take long to put bowls of this comforting cheesy potato soup recipe on the table. Convenience items, such as canned soup and processed cheese, simplify the preparation. —Tammy Condit, League City, Texas

Meatball Soup

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

Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup

I love French onion soup on a cold night, but I don't love the time it takes. This is my quick version for when we're short on time. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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

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

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

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

Vegetable Lentil Soup

Here’s a healthy slow-cooker soup that's ideal for vegetarians and those watching their weight. Butternut squash and lentils make it hearty, while herbs and other veggies round out the flavor. —Mark Morgan, Waterford, Wisconsin

Canadian Cheese Soup

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

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

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

Quick Cream of Mushroom Soup

My daughter-in-law, a gourmet cook, served this cream of mushroom soup recipe as the first course for a holiday dinner. She received the recipe from her mom and graciously shared it with me. Now I'm happy to share it with my own friends and family. —Anne Kulick, Phillipsburg, New Jersey

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

Nutty Pumpkin Bisque

Hearty and comforting pumpkin soup is the perfect starter to a holiday meal or the star performer of an autumn luncheon. The pumpkin seeds and toasted pecans create a wonderful depth of flavor. This soup can be served immediately or made a day in advance and then reheated. —Lauri Knox, Pine, Colorado

Homemade Turkey Soup

You can make the most of even the smallest pieces of leftover meat on your holiday turkey with this homemade turkey 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 turkey soup that's tasty and economical. —June Sangrey, Manheim, Pennsylvania

Cream of Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash makes a luscious soup for chilly days when you need warmth from the inside out. We add potatoes and a touch of chicken soup mix. —Tiffany Smith, Cincinnati, Ohio

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

Christmas White Chili

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

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

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

Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

Frequently requested at family get-togethers, this rich and hearty soup is ready in a flash. Cooking for a vegetarian? Swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth. —Danielle Noble, Ft. Thomas, Kentucky

Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. The recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Once you’ve tried it, try mixing it up—add sage or savory with the thyme, or replace the thyme with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. —Jennifer Machado, Alta, California

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

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