21 Easter Soups That Will Make the Meal

Asparagus Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche

A fresh and easy asparagus soup, pureed until it's smooth, is a definite winner. Serve it warm or chilled depending on the weather.—Fern Vitense, Tipton, Iowa

Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon

A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas

Chive Mushroom Soup

I try to serve this rich, savory soup at least once a month during our cold winters. It's quick to make and has a wonderful fresh mushroom flavor. —Laurie Suhrke, Plymouth, 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

Vegan Carrot Soup

Yukon Gold potatoes—instead of cream—make this smooth carrot soup vegan and add a mild sweetness. If you don't have Yukon Golds on hand, russet potatoes will work too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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

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

Dill Chicken Soup

I could eat soup for every meal of the day, all year long. I particularly like dill and spinach—they add a brightness to this light and healthy soup. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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

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

Spring Essence Soup with Pistou

During the last part of April one year, I picked what I had available in the garden. I found oregano, leeks, asparagus and rhubarb. This became the base for an essence-of-spring recipe. The rhubarb adds a citrus element, which is balanced by the nutty, earthy pistou. It is truly a layering of flavors. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington

Crab and Asparagus Soup

I get rave reviews from family and friends whenever I make this soup, but the biggest compliment was when my son called to ask for the recipe so he could make it for his roommates. —Patti Bogetti, Magnolia, Delaware

Fennel Carrot Soup

This soup is perfect as a first course for a special-occasion dinner. It gets its delicious flavor from toasted fennel seeds—a pleasant complement to the carrots, apple and sweet potato. —Marlene Bursey, Waverly, Nova Scotia

Chilled Corn and Shrimp Soup

Hot days call for cool foods, like this refreshing soup. Both filling and flavorful, it uses the best of summer’s bounty. Seasonings can be adjusted to your tastes. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Hazelnut Asparagus Soup

My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois

Lamb and White Bean Chili

I created a fresh take on chili using lamb and Moroccan seasoning with a feta and almond garnish. It was so exciting and tasty to my husband and son, I made a second batch almost right away. If you like a spicier chili, add harissa paste or use medium salsa instead of mild. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Lemony Mushroom Orzo Soup

My grandmother used to make a similar classic Greek soup, avgolemono, every Sunday after church. Here’s my version of her recipe. The kids and I came up with this variation while experimenting with different ingredients. I think my yia-yia would be proud. —Nick Haros, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

Bloody Mary Soup with Beans

I love a good Bloody Mary, which inspired this recipe. The soup packs a spicy punch, and it'll warm you right up on a chilly day. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas